The Cruelest Act (2)

Darian took a slow, deliberate step forward.

His expression was unreadable, but the weight of his decision pressed heavily in the air.

The tattooed man met his gaze and gave a small nod, his approval silent but firm.

Then, he parted his lips and spoke, his voice carrying an eerie solemnity, each word laced with an unseen weight.

"I, the bearer of this cursed blessing, relinquish my claim. Let its chains unbind me, let its will depart from my flesh."

His voice deepened, reverberating through the air.

"May this burden pass to one strong enough to endure, may this power bind itself to one worthy of its trials."

A cold wind stirred, as if the very air recognized the ritual's gravity.

"By the oath of the forgotten, by the pact of the condemned, let the cycle continue."

The air trembled. The ink-like darkness coiled and pulsed.

"May this gift be undone, may this gift be passed on…"

The words echoed, final and absolute.