Lorian's face turned pale, and his body slowly stiffened as the life force was drained from him.
============================
When she finally stopped, Lorian's body had turned a ghastly shade of blue, and he lay in the basket, utterly still and unnaturally stiff.
Elder Cryica's heart ached with the weight of what she had done, and a deep sense of sorrow and regret filled the room.
She couldn't help but glance at Lorian's lifeless form, her eyes filled with tears she couldn't shed for the innocent child she had just sacrificed.
With trembling hands, she turned her attention to Anara, who had remained silent throughout the ordeal, her wide eyes filled with shock at what had just transpired with her twin brother.
It was as if he could sense the grave threat that had emanated from Elder Cryica, and she continued to stare at her without blinking.
