There was a darkness inside all of us, Nikolai thought. The scene unfolded in front of him like a play, and all involved were actors, except for the princess.
"I present you with the Divine Grail," said the priest as he gave the cup to the princess. "This wine is the one given to Vyxas every year, and by presenting it yourself, we are to make peace."
Saint Maria received the cup with her slim hands, and she looked at her reflection in the red liquid. Then, she raised her hand with a smile and lifted the wine toward the priest.
"For peace," she said, and the crowd cheered. The priest bowed down and gestured toward the pond. Nikolai watched as the princess descended into the waters, her dress trailing after her, soaked.
"Did you find anything?" asked Lucas, who appeared beside Nikolai. After glancing at his miserable state, Nikolai nodded.
