Chapter 37: The Dark Goddess’ Temptation

*A/N: This chapter contains the ritual sacrifice of an animal. Reader discretion is advised.*

Cyran POV

Do it.

Just do it.

With the same strength she used to haul a cask of ale from a cart to the tavern storeroom, Zillah held down the red-and-white firefox hound. Just a pup, small and innocent, its paws bound together. “Do it,” she said.

Cyran raised the golden dagger and recited a brief spell under his breath. He could smell the firefox hound’s terror. 

They were such misunderstood creatures. They weren’t malicious at all. They only wanted to play. When they injured a shifter, it was because they’d played too roughly. Their innocent spirit was what was needed for this spell.

He wished for a heart of stone, but his wolf didn’t like that idea. Numbing his emotions was what led him down this path, after all. 

Slowly, the firefox hound’s red eyelids closed. 

“What are you doing?” Zillah sounded alarmed.

“Being merciful,” he said. “He won’t feel a thing, just like the Alphas.”