Riley's POV
Here I am again, sitting cross-legged in the center of the ritual circle, staring at that revolting black mixture. Knowing exactly how bitter and nauseating it tastes makes my stomach clench with dread. The memory of the searing pain that followed last time makes me want to bolt from this room.
'We don't have to do this. There has to be another way.' Caleb's voice echoes in my mind, gentle but worried.
I glance at him and roll my eyes. 'How about we switch places? You can be the one worrying while I watch you choke down this nightmare fuel.'
His lips curve into a smirk despite his concern. 'Trust me, if I could take your place, I'd do it without hesitation.'
I release a heavy sigh. The disgusting potion wins again.
The ceremony begins identically to before. That familiar tingling spreads through my belly, followed by the dreaded moment when I must swallow the vile liquid. My vision blurs at the edges before darkness swallows me completely.
