Chapter 17 - The Obsidian Altar
At the peak of Mount Obsidian, an ancient circle of jagged black stones stood under the darkening sky. In the center sat a stone altar carved with terrifying runes.
Mara was dragged to the top of the altar, her wrists and ankles bound in iron clamps. Above her, the moon covered three-quarters of the sun, turning the sky into a blood-red twilight.
Malakor stood at the head of the altar, holding an ancient ceremonial chalice made of dark bone. Celeste stood beside him, her eyes gleaming with wild, unhinged ambition as she held a razor-sharp golden dagger.
"Seventeen years ago, I made a mistake by leaving you alive in the servant quarters," Malakor said, staring down at Mara with cold eyes. "I thought suppressing your mark would be enough. But today, my daughter will take what is rightfully hers!"
"This throne does not belong to you, Celeste," Mara said, her voice steady and full of contempt as she looked up at her cousin. "You are nothing but a thief hiding behind dark magic."
Celeste’s face twisted in rage. She pressed the tip of the golden dagger directly against Mara’s glowing collarbone. "When the sun goes completely dark, your blood will fill this chalice, and your precious mark will fade forever!"
The moon slid further. Only a sliver of sunlight remained. The air grew ice-cold, and a howling wind swept across the mountain peak.
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"It is time!" the High Alchemist chanted, raising his hands toward the crimson sky. "Draw the royal blood!"
Celeste raised the golden blade high into the air, aiming straight for Mara’s heart!
