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Celadine lifted her head and eyed the hooded man as he approached, then quickly glanced around the room at the guards. There were no discerning qualities between any of them. It was a sea of black robes and pasty white hands. The hooded man placed a hand over the top of her head and squeezed her skull until her vision blurred and spots appeared in front of her eyes. “The time is now, my brothers. I, Sepitus, leader of the Black Order, declare this child the official sacrifice. Orlath will rise and rule the land; as it should be.”
Celadine stiffened under the pressure on her head. She’d never heard of Orlath, but there was no way she was going to be a sacrifice. She tamped down a large knot of fear, pushed Sepitus’ hand away, then stood up. The chances of escaping were slim, but she’d
