"I'm so sorry about this, Elira, but could you please..." My voice trailed off as my gaze sank to the ground. I hated asking her for more after everything that had already happened.
My chest tightened with guilt, but there was no other way. This was the only thing I could think of that might work.
Her golden eyes softened, and she gave a faint nod. "I understand."
Before I could say another word, she pulled a small blade from her robe. Her movements were swift and graceful, faster than I could even react. The light caught the blade for an instant, flashing across her calm expression. I blinked, startled by how easily she had understood what I wanted.
Under the quiet breath of the forest, she pressed the blade against her finger. The cut was small, but bright golden blood welled up immediately, glimmering in the sunlight like molten metal. It ran down the curve of her finger in slow, perfect drops.
