Within minutes, the village was no more. Homes stood untouched, the air was still, but there was not a single living soul left besides Lila. She clutched the bottle to her chest, her breath ragged and uneven. A cold, sick feeling settled in her stomach.
"What have I done?"
'You have done what must be done. The Goddess will be proud of you all for making this sacrifice.'
Lady Victoria's voice echoed in her subconscious, smooth and unshaken. Lila flinched, expecting scorn, but instead, there was reassurance.
'Minerva will appreciate this sacrifice, my dear. She will see your devotion and bless you for your unwavering faith. You must not falter now. This is only the beginning.'
Lila forced herself to breathe, inhaling deeply. She wanted to cry, to scream, but she swallowed her emotions. She had to believe that Lady Victoria was right. If she let herself break now, it would all be for nothing.
