Chapter 109. Sacrifice of Life
Hadizah stood tall, meeting the woman in the plain white robe with unwavering eyes. "Yes, I accept your test," she said firmly. "But I have a condition for the Temple of the Holy Ones."
The woman’s face hardened in offense. "Who are you to place conditions on us?"
Mrs. Spencer quickly stepped forward. "It’s not about defying your authority. She is risking her life for this. It’s only fair she makes a request—one that will benefit us all."
The woman’s sharp gaze flicked between them. Silence lingered before she finally asked, "What is your condition?"
Hadizah’s voice remained steady. "If I fail, let my blood be used as a cleansing for this temple. But if I pass, the temple and everyone in it must grant us the help we seek."
The woman fell silent, her face unreadable as she weighed the request. After a long pause, she finally lowered her staff slightly. "We accept."
Two men approached and silently gestured for Hadizah and Mrs. Spencer to follow. They were led deep into the temple. As they entered the sacred room, thick white smoke curled in the air, heavy and tangible.
The elders formed a perfect circle, their expressions calm but focused. The woman in white stepped into the center, raising her staff high as she chanted in an ancient tongue. Her voice echoed softly through the smoky air.
"Let the spirit of truth and righteousness come upon us now. Reveal the true nature of the soul that stands before us."
She turned to Hadizah. "Walk into the smoke. If your heart is pure, you will return alive. If not, you will perish."
Without hesitation, Hadizah stepped forward into the dense fog. Mrs. Spencer’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched her friend disappear. Fear gripped her as the room grew louder with chanting.