The silence was heavy in the aftermath. Only the ragged breathing of the old hag could be heard, shallow and cracked like someone breathing through ash. Liam stood still, the torchlight flickering against his face, shadows dancing along his jaw. He didn't look at Sophia or Sera. Not yet. His eyes were fixed on the frail figure crumpled before them.
The others slowly gathered their breath, glancing among themselves. Jason lowered Borik carefully onto a piece of cloth torn from his cloak. Marcus sat with Mariel in his arms, his brows furrowed, jaw clenched. Von stood beside Sera, still watchful. The firelight played along his scarred face.
Liam took a slow step forward and squatted in front of the old woman. "Now talk. How do we sever the chain that binds you to this cursed place?"
The old hag coughed, a dry wheeze. Her head lifted weakly, bones protruding beneath her paper-thin skin. Her lips twitched into a weary smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
