When the ceremony ended, Auriel lingered for a moment, staring at the graves before turning away.
There was still work to be done.
The dark magic that had corrupted this village was still present, clinging to the air, to the ground, to every surface.
Even if it was weakened, it would take weeks—maybe even months—for the land to fully recover. Auriel couldn't wait that long.
She made her decision.
She would absorb the remaining dark magic herself.
It was dangerous. Even for a goddess, taking in that much corruption could have terrible consequences. But she knew that if she didn't, the village would suffer longer.
So, without telling anyone, she went into hiding.
She moved to the outskirts of the village, to a secluded place where no one would see what she was about to do.
Sitting down on the ground, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
She reached out, calling to the lingering darkness.
And it responded.