Lutz stood near the altar, his heart pounding as he took in the sight of the chamber. Every vine, every flicker of light seemed to mock his hesitation, daring him to take the plunge. Astrid's life depended on him. Her golden hair gleamed even in the dim light, splayed out on the bed as though she'd been placed there by some cruel god. Her face, normally so calm, now twitched in pain, likely a reflection of the battle raging within her.
Lutz swallowed hard. "Astrid... I'm sorry." He wasn't sure if the words were for her or for himself. A pit of guilt had opened inside him, widening with every step that led him toward his decision. His mother, Evergreen, had caused so much suffering, not just to Astrid but to so many others. And now, this was the only way he could atone.
"You can do this... We are all counting on you..." Lutz heard a faint voice.
"Are you guys watching?" Lutz muttered under his breath, slightly annoyed.
