chapter 49

Lora pov.

I walk slowly with the child in my hands, tears streaming down its face. The weight of the baby feels heavy in my arms as I try not to look down, but the cries of the child are hard to ignore.

We make our way to the altar that's already set up in the woods. The scent of damp earth and pine needles fill the air as I place the child down, preparing it for the sacrifice.

I feel his presence around me, knowing he's come to complete the ritual. I turn to face him, looking up at his face as he stares down at me.

"Good Lora, good," he says, his voice smooth and deep. My gaze stays fixed on his face, transfixed by his dark eyes.

"If the child is dead, you'll be able to return, right?" I ask him, my heart racing as I search his face for a hint of what's to come.

"I will, and you will be in your body in peace for the rest of my life," he replies, his words soothing and reassuring.

I turn back to the child, smiling sadly as I realize what I have to do. "I'm sorry, but you're my t