Chapter 65: Ancient Hunger
Melora’s hut was a mess. Books, dried plants, and weird artifacts covered every inch of space. Grace had to sit with her wings uncomfortably squished just to fit on the tiny stool Melora had offered her.
"The Great Root is one of seven," Melora said, her bark-like face serious as she studied Grace’s medallion. "Seven world shapers created by Eternia herself."
"First creations?" Grace asked. "Before angels?"
"Long before." Melora nodded. "When the world was young. The Root controlled growth and decay. The others ruled sky, sea, stone, beast, flame, and void."
Willow leaned forward, almost knocking over a stack of books.
"What happened to them?"
"We’re not sure. But, I suspect that when Eternia left, they lost their purpose." Melora’s face crinkled with sadness. "They were meant to be channels for her will, not independent thinkers. Without her there to direct them, they... became strange."
"Strange how?" Petriel asked, nervously eyeing a jar with something that looked suspiciously like eyeballs floating in it.
"They got hungry. Desperate to fill the hole where her presence used to be." Melora pointed a gnarled finger at Grace. "And you, kid, you’re basically walking around wearing Eternia’s perfume. The Root can smell it a mile away."
Grace touched her medallion.
"So it wants to... what? Eat me?"