Not long after, the glow of the staff faded.
Nina felt… nothing. There was no change at all.
A shadow of worry crept across Odian's brow. "Nina… even the staff couldn't break it. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Nina said gently, reassuring him. "We'll figure something out later. There's always a way."
Odian hesitated, then asked quietly, "Nina… that dark wizard—did he ever take your heart's blood?"
Curses formed with heart's blood were notoriously difficult to remove. He had a strong feeling that this was exactly the kind she was suffering from.
"Yes," Nina replied. "When I was very young."
Pain flashed across Odian's eyes. He pulled her into his arms.
"Nina… I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."
Nina returned the embrace softly. "Thank you. I'll protect myself too."
…and the children.
