With a sense of urgency, Lily and Mr. Armitage began collecting all the ingredients needed for the ritual. The list was long and included many rare things, some of which were only available in the depth of Graywood's forest or surrounding area. They had to work fast before the shadow regained its strength.
First we have to find a splinter of the mirror, Armitage told him, as they pored over the list. That holds a piece of essence for the shadow. So when we get that, that would be able to capture the essence and bind it once more during the ritual process.
They set out early the following morning, when a sky full of heavy cloud indicated that a storm could be their way. This heavy atmosphere was charged with electricity, anticipation, and foreboding as they passed along woods. Every step seemed to make Lily bear upon her head the whole burden of her family curse, the trees whispering some secret, their whips lashing ominously in front of her, in warning of what might follow.
After hours of searching, Lily finally came to an openness she had never been into before, but at this moment, she had known it all her life. Amidst the open place in the center was an antique oak tree whose twisted limbs resembled serpents circling a stone altar. Across the altar were splintered glass remnants scattered within the fragments that reflected muted shades of light coming from what filtered through the leaves above.
This is it," Armitage said, kneeling to pick up the pieces. "But we must be cautious. The shadow may feel our presence.
The air was coldening. A feeling, as of some unseen disagreeable influence, spread out through the clearing. When the darkness round the tree began to take form, this figure seemed defined. And it was the shadow-now more clearly seen, yet with eyes glowing like glowing coals. A soft, evil laughter rippled through the clearing. Lily shivered.
You think you can escape me? the shadow hissed, its voice a cacophony of whispers. You are bound to me, Lily Wren. Your blood calls to me!
Fear welled in her, but along with that came a fierce resolve. I won't let you take me! she shouted, clutching at the amulet around her neck. The words seemed to resonate with an ancient power and caused the shadow to reel back for a moment.
She held fast to his side as they stood and raised the glass shards. "We're not afraid of you!" he shouted, his voice thunderous. The darkness lunged at them, but the light put out from the glass shards flung it back into the dark.
"Now let's get out of here!" Armitage yelled, and they ran back towards the house, the anguished cries of agony of the shadow following after them.