The flames swelled brighter, so blindingly bright that no one could see Mildred or the bat within the inferno. It only lasted for a few heartbeats, then the blaze began to dim, flickering lower and lower until the final ember floated up like a dying firefly... and was snuffed out by the breeze.
A hush settled. Everyone stood with slack jaws, their eyes glued to the scene before them. Vi blinked twice, unable to trust what she was seeing. A hot breath escaped Kaelor's slightly parted lips, the sound almost a sigh, of awe or disbelief, it was hard to tell.
Where Mildred once stood was someone entirely new.
No… something.
She looked like an enchantress sculpted from pale moonlight. Her skin was porcelain-smooth, her silky black hair darker than before, like wet ink streaming down her shoulders, settling just above her chest. Her facial structure had sharpened subtly, the soft curves of age erased. Her ears had widened slightly, tapering to a sharp, knife life tip.
