Predatory Marriage

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Mura’s lips quivered.

“Cerdina has abandoned her humanity for power,” the Toma woman said impatiently.
“The King of Kurkan is said to be strong, but this may be…a little difficult.
I would like to explain one way that we might help him.” – Posted only on NovelUtopia

She sounded serious and was obviously picking her words carefully.
Leah nodded for her to continue, gripping Mura’s hand.

“Cerdina’s spell was built on the foundation of Estia.
Thanks to the royal family, she has gained almost infinite power.” Which meant that Leah was required, if they wanted to shake the spell to its foundation.
“It is something only the true mistress of the palace…the true mistress of Estia can do.”

“Why are you saying this now?” Mura asked suspiciously.

The Toma woman glanced at the huddling Tomaris, as if in answer to her question.
All of them looked as if they had seen visions of the violent end of their lives.

“Because it is a method I did not want to use,” said the old woman, with a bitter smile.
“But today is the day of atonement, where we must cut the chains forged by the sins of our ancestors.” The woman transferred her gaze to Leah.
“Do you want to help us with this spell?”

They likely already knew what her answer would be.
Leah nodded, and as soon as the decision was made, the gathered Tomaris moved to transform the existing pattern on the ground, adding and shifting its lines.
They had already prepared, assuming that Leah would accept their proposal.

Watching, Mura muttered something in Kurkan under her breath.
No one asked her to translate.
It sounded like it would be rude in any language.

“We need a sacrifice,” the old Toma woman explained.
“In sorcery, a heart of the same bloodline is the highest sacrifice.
That is why Cerdina ate her father’s heart.”

Leah’s lips tightened at the memory of Count Weddleton’s grisly end.

“Then we must make an equivalent sacrifice?” She asked.

“That’s right.”

“But a sacrifice comparable to her father’s heart…”

“Still…” the Toma woman said slowly.
“There is someone else who is connected by blood to Cerdina.”