"There has to be another way," she said, voice shaking now.
"There isn't," seven voices said with terrible finality. "There never was. The only way to break this curse is sacrifice. Either one of your saviors takes our place, bound here for eternity. Or you give us your life, everything you are, to fuel our escape. Those are the only options."
"That's not happening!" Roshan snarled, taking a step forward.
"We're not trading anyone!" Nyx added, moving in sync with him.
"There has to be another solution!" Roshan insisted.
"Let her go NOW!" Nyx demanded.
"We'll find another way!" Roshan's voice was rising with barely controlled fury.
"You can't have her!" Nyx's eyes flashed red.
Both chiefs were moving forward now, shouting over each other, arguing, demanding answers despite the entity's warning.
The vines tightened around Faelyn.
She couldn't breathe.
Pain shot through her ribs.
'Can't... breathe...'
