Chapter 110. Call Of Fate
Hadizah stood rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on Mrs Spencer, unable to believe what was happening. The very thought that her oldest friend had volunteered to die in order to save the world shook her to the core.
It didn’t feel right... it didn’t feel fair. Her heart raced as the truth settled in. Mrs Spencer was truly ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.
"No!" Hadizah cried out and ran forward, desperation in her steps. But to her horror, an invisible force blocked her. She collided with it as if with solid glass, staggering back in confusion. A glowing line on the ground separated her from the area where Mrs Spencer now knelt, surrounded by the two elder priests. "Let me through! She can’t die alone! We opened that path together. If a sacrifice must be made, let it be both of us!"
The barrier held firm. Her fists pounded it in vain, her voice echoing in the sacred chamber.
"You cannot cross," one of the old men stated without looking up. "The spirits have accepted her alone. She is the chosen sacrifice for the cleansing. Her fate is sealed."
Hadizah’s eyes welled with furious tears. "You people talk of righteousness and holiness, but you choose death when there’s another way! The Stone of Light—why not use it? Must a life always be the answer?"
"Silence!" the high priestess in white robes snapped, her voice sharp with anger. "Blaspheme not in this holy place. You do not understand the ways of the temple, nor the spirits that govern it. Enough of your ignorance."
Hadizah stood trembling, powerless and broken. Her rage boiled beneath her skin, but it could not stop what was coming. Her gaze fell back to Mrs Spencer, who now turned slowly toward her, face wet with tears and yet strangely peaceful.
"If this is the price to restore balance, then so be it," Mrs Spencer whispered, forcing a small smile through the sadness. "Tell Laura... tell her I love her more than life. She must never forget that."
Hadizah’s voice cracked. "Don’t say that. Please don’t speak like this."
"She’s strong. Stronger than I ever was," Mrs Spencer continued, her eyes distant. "Promise me you’ll guide her. Keep her from straying, protect her gifts. Promise me, Hadizah."