Chapter 11 : The Choice

Eliza awoke on the altar, her body drenched in sweat. The cavern swirled with darkness, the Watcher's presence pressing down on her like a physical weight.

Eleanor stood beside her, her face pale and strained. "You've seen the truth. Now you must decide."

"Decide what?" Eliza asked, her voice hoarse.

Daniel stepped forward, his expression grim. "The Watcher thrives on the bloodline's sins. To break its hold, you have to sever that tie completely."

Eliza's stomach dropped. "You mean…I have to end the Ravenswood bloodline?"

Eleanor nodded. "The Watcher's anchor is your family. If there are no more Ravenswoods, it will have nothing to feed on."

Tears filled Eliza's eyes. The weight of the decision was unbearable. If she sacrificed herself, the curse would end, but her life would be cut short. If she walked away, the Watcher would continue to torment her descendants.

"There has to be another way," she whispered.

"There isn't," Eleanor said softly. "But you have the strength to do what the others couldn't."

The Watcher's form surged, its laughter filling the cavern. Eliza felt its cold tendrils brush against her skin, urging her to give in.

Taking a deep breath, she gripped the dagger Eleanor offered her. She closed her eyes and prepared to make her choice.

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