*Zara*
For the first time since arriving at Celestial Valley, I felt hope. It was a small flicker, no more than a single ember, but it was there and bright enough to lead me forward.
It took some time for the elders to prepare for the purification ceremony. For the next few days, while they were getting things situated, I was watched closely by Niva and Noah, who were worried for me and made it appear like they were watching over me. I knew the other half of that truth.
I was being watched for the good of the community. With Malphas’ wicked darkness festering inside of me, I was a threat and a danger to everyone.
There were elixirs and complicated spells that needed to be researched before the ritual could take place. Not only that, but it was also necessary to wait for the next full moon. The goddess was clearly smiling down on us because the next one was only a few days away from when I decided to undergo the potentially dangerous ritual.
