Give and Take

His question prompted echoes of the previous night to surface in my mind. With each curse I unraveled, I learned something more of the creature's power. The endless tangle of magic held many runes I didn't recognize, but the flow of magic was unmistakable.

"The basilisk's curse has at least two functions. The first is to draw on its host's soul to sustain the curse, meaning the only way the petrification is undone is when there is no longer enough strength to sustain it."

Soltair's brow furrowed, a deep contemplation etching lines on his forehead. "At which point it'd be too late. And the second?"

"I'm not exactly certain on this, but it there appears to be some sort of link between the host's soul and the monster, feeding it a steady supply of energy. I think that's why it doesn't eat or kill anyone, as it collects strength right from their soul. Most of them don't have another week before they're consumed entirely."