"Help me uncover what has been hidden," the leader murmured. "Do that… and I will return your freedom."
Ayana stared up at them, her pulse hammering in her ears. For the first time since her capture, she felt something beyond fear, something ancient, heavy, and unfamiliar stirring deep within her chest.
"…Who told you about my power?!" she demanded, her voice trembling but firm.
"Hmm?" The leader tilted his head slightly, almost amused. "It would be strange if we didn't know, my child, Eyes that can see anything-"
"It's not!" Ayana snapped, struggling against her restraints. "My power doesn't work like that!"
The leader chuckled softly, the sound muffled beneath the mask. "Not yet, my child," he whispered, tone dripping with unsettling certainty.
Then he turned away from her, raising his hand toward the kneeling followers.
"Prepare the altar," he commanded. "Let us begin the ceremony… the Baptism of the Darkness"
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