199 Herald of the Wild (2)

Aether reached forward, only for his fingers to touch a solid barrier. 

"Come to me," he whispered, calling for the spirits, only to realise no sound left his mouth. He almost laughed, the Herald had taken every precaution. He couldn't call the spirits if he had no voice, and he couldn't escape without some form of magic.

For the first time in his life, he felt helpless. And afraid. Afraid of the dawn, afraid of what would happen next. He sat on the cold hard stone, hugged his knees, and waited, as it was the only thing he could do. 

-

Blood ran across the dagger's clear black surface. That single drop fell into the large basin resting on the altar, breaking the serene, yet heavy silence.