Page 96 of The Curse of Golden Blood
"The trials continue to yield catastrophic results," Varlath began, "Each attempt to synthesize the girl's blood essence has resulted in transformations that mock the very concept of healing."
"The wing manifestation was merely the beginning," he continued, unrolling a scroll covered in clinical observations. "Subject Seven experienced complete skeletal restructuring before her bones turned to glass. Subject Nine's organs began reproducing themselves until his body cavity burst. Subject Twelve developed acidic secretions that dissolved her flesh from within."
Narietta leaned forward, her expression troubled. "Is there any indication her heart could be used to reverse the effects?"
"Theoretically, it would take several years to test the possibility and ensure there are no further mutations or side effects."
"We don't have several years." Narietta's gaze shifted to me, and I saw the unspoken question in her eyes. "The Rot is spreading faster than we can contain it. Each day, more of our people are taken into the shadows."
I shook my head slightly, and she sighed.
"Which is precisely why we need the source itself," Kaelen said, "One life against thousands. The mathematics are quite simple."
"Mathematics." I let the word hang in the air like a curse. "Tell me, Councilor, when did we begin measuring the worth of souls in equations?"
Zoreth stirred in his seat, ancient eyes reflecting torchlight like pools of starfire. "The prophecies speak of great sacrifice in dark times. Perhaps this girl's death was always meant to be our salvation."
"Prophecies are guidance, not commands," I replied. "And I've seen enough death to know that sacrifice without certainty is simply murder dressed in noble words."
Velora spread her hands on the table, callused from years of handling storm-blessed weapons. "The outer territories have gone silent. My scouts report entire settlements consumed by rot. We're fighting a war we cannot win with conventional means."
"Then we find unconventional means that don't require killing the only hope we have." I let my gaze drift to each face around the table. "If the heart extraction fails, we lose our only weapon against the Rot."
"It seems clear that you're simply too attached to this human girl to make a decision based on logic." Thane said, leaning back into his chair.
I clenched my fists beneath the table, forcing myself to remain calm.
Varlath cleared his throat, commanding attention with the subtle authority of age and knowledge. "I call for a formal vote. All in favor of proceeding with the heart extraction?"
Hands rose around the table in slow succession. Gryven's first, his loyalty to the realm overriding his friendship with me.Narietta's followed, though I saw her fingers tremble slightly. Varlath, Kaelen, Velora, Thane, and finally Zoreth.
Seven hands. Unanimous consent to murder.
I pushed away from the table, my chair scraping against stone. "This is not a gathering of equals. Your votes are counsel, nothing more."
"Lord Zydar," Thane began, diplomatic training evident in his careful words, "surely you understand the impossible position—"
"It is my fault that you've forgotten your place." I let forth the thunder in my voice. Lightning began to dance between my fingers, blue-white energy that made the torches gutter and flare. "I understand that desperation has made you willing to become the very monsters we're supposed to be fighting."
"We've seen the consequences of the trials," I continued, letting more energy build until the very air crackled with potential violence. "Your plans failed before they even began. Killing Miralyte will achieve nothing. It may even make it worse."
Every piece of glass in the chamber exploded simultaneously. Windows burst outward in crystalline cascades. Ancient goblets shattered like dreams. The mirror above the fireplace spider-webbed before collapsing in a symphony of destruction.
In the ringing silence that followed, I spoke with quiet finality. "This is not happening. The girl lives. Find another way or learn to die with dignity."
One by one, they departed. Muttered protests and meaningful glances, but no one dared voice direct opposition. Not after witnessing what restrained power could accomplish.
Only Gryven remained.
My oldest friend waited until the door sealed behind Zoreth before approaching. I moved toward the balcony,putting distance between us while trying to make the movement seem natural rather than desperate.
The night air struck my face like absolution, cool and clean after the suffocating atmosphere of political necessity. I gripped the stone railing and gazed out at the palace grounds below, acutely aware of Gryven's presence behind me.
"You cannot shield her indefinitely," he said finally.
"Watch me."
"This transcends protection now, Zy. This is about the continuation of our entire civilization."
