You need all her fingers

Maga studied him for a long moment before a slow, knowing smile stretched across her lips.

"The price," she said, her voice smooth as silk, "is half of your power."

Kier didn't even flinch. "Take it."

Maga let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You are desperate."

"This is madness," Kier said, his voice tight with frustration. "I will do anything to stop it."

Maga rose gracefully from her throne, stepping toward him. The air around her shimmered with raw energy, and the cave seemed to tremble at her power.

"Very well," she said. "But understand this, Kier—you may think you are escaping fate, but fate does not let go so easily."

Kier met her gaze without hesitation. "Just do it."

Maga smirked. "As you wish."

She raised her hand, and the cave was swallowed in blinding light.

As the blinding light faded, Maga suddenly frowned. Something was missing.

She let out a low hum, tapping a finger against her lips. "Ah… I nearly forgot," she mused.

Kier's eyes narrowed. "What?"

Maga turned to him, her golden gaze gleaming with amusement. "For the ritual to work, I need all of the girl's fingers."

Kier stiffened. "What?"

Maga smiled. "She must cut them off herself. Willingly."

Silence fell between them.

Kier's hands clenched at his sides. "That's impossible," he growled.

Maga shrugged. "Then the bond remains."

Kier's chest rose and fell with steady but controlled breaths. This was worse than he expected. He had been willing to give up half of his power—but this?

There was no way Nana would do it.

And Maga knew that.

Kier's face twisted with frustration. "How is a child supposed to cut off her own fingers willingly?" he demanded.

Maga simply smiled, tilting her head. "That is not my concern."

Kier took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You know she won't do it."

Maga sighed dramatically. "Then the bond remains." She gestured around them. "You came to me for a solution, and I have given you one. Whether or not the girl is strong enough to go through with it… well, that is up to fate."

Kier's jaw tightened. His entire body burned with irritation. He had been ready to give up half of his power, but now the entire plan was pointless. Nana wouldn't do it. She was just a child.

He exhaled sharply. "There has to be another way."

Maga's golden eyes gleamed. "There isn't."

Before Kier could argue further, Maga suddenly stepped closer and grabbed his collar, pulling him down.

Before he could react, her soft lips pressed against his forehead.

Kier froze. His entire body tensed at the unexpected touch. What was she doing?

When she pulled away, she smirked at his confusion.

"What was that?" he asked sharply.

Maga chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "It means nothing."

His brows furrowed, suspicion flickering in his gaze. "Then why do it?"

She simply smiled. "Because I can."

Kier frowned, his patience wearing thin. He had wasted enough time here.

Without another word, he turned to leave.

But just as he reached the entrance, Maga's voice echoed through the cave.

"A word of advice, Kier."

He stopped but didn't turn around.

"If you truly wish to break this bond," she said smoothly, "get close to the girl. Make her trust you."

Kier's hands curled into fists.

Maga smiled knowingly. "Because only then will she be willing to cut her fingers for you."

Kier clenched his jaw and strode out without another word.