The villagers were bustling with activity as the g**g quickly collected the uncommon materials required for the ritual that would destroy the relic. The locals were looking at them with a mixture of fear and gratitude, the air tight with expectation.
Gabriel asked the old woman who had led them a quiet question. Move quickly, please. Could you get everything we need?
Her face worn with adversity, she nodded. Time is limited, though, so yes. There will be others with Malachai when he returns."
Ethan looked over at Lydia and Ava, his voice urgent. "They need to know we're ready."
Lydia clenched the artifact, her hands quivering a little. Could we not destroy it?
Ava had powerful, steadfast gaze. All of us must. Considering the welfare of everybody."
Gabriel was gloomy when he came back
