Eliza nodded, and they parted ways. She hurried back to the cottage, her mind racing. She had to finish deciphering the ritual before the villagers could carry out
That night, Eliza and Lucas worked tirelessly. The ancient book lay open on the table, its pages filled with cryptic symbols and archaic language. Eliza's fingers traced the lines of text, her brow furrowed in concentration.
"We're close," she murmured. "I can feel it."
Lucas watched her, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear. "Eliza, I don't want you to get hurt because of me."
She looked up, her eyes fierce. "I'm not giving up on you, Lucas. We're in this together."
As the hours passed, the ritual began to take shape. They needed specific herbs, a silver dagger, and the light of the full moon. The final component was the most daunting—a willing sacrifice. Eliza's heart clenched at the thought.
"The book says the sacrifice must be someone who loves the cursed one," Eliza said softly. "Someone who's willing to give their life."
Lucas's face paled. "No. I won't let you do this, Eliza. There has to be another way."
Eliza shook her head. "We don't have time to find another way. The villagers are planning a hunt tomorrow night. If we don't break the curse, they'll kill you."
Lucas's eyes filled with anguish. "I can't let you die for me."