Page 42 of Daughter of the Serpent

She turned to the fire, now burning steadily before her. Gathering the dress in her hands, she held it with care - its fabric still soft beneath her fingers. For a moment she recalled what it had felt like against her skin, how it had twirled and fanned as she danced, how those few cherished moments of freedom had felt, before everything had turned to dark. Yet, as she looked at it now, all warmth fled from her heart - for the joy it had given had turned to ash. It was now a symbol of the life she’d never have. The ache grew, spreading along her heart, clawing into her flesh like a vice.

She stiffened, wrenching herself free from the grip of her emotions.

She would obey.

She would make herself submit.

With a deep breath, she cast the dress into the fire.

The flames consumed it eagerly, the fabric curling and blackening as thick smoke rose in twisting spirals. She watched in silence, her throat tight. The ache settled into a cold, hollow space within her. Her hands fell limp at her sides.

The ritual was complete, and now she could release the hold her heart held over her.

Words dripped from her mouth in soft melody, her voice just above a whisper, beseeching the gods for their forgiveness and mercy - yet as the words sang from her lips, the question lingered.

Could they forgive her blood?

Her gaze flickered to the one solemn altar, destitute and empty.

There it stood in stark isolation, the former deity’s statue nolonger to grace the temple walls. She could still discern the intricate details of the two carved serpents coiling at its base, their sinuous forms etched with exquisite care, the only remnants left of what was. The once esteemed god had been reduced to ashes, Sylvie’s eye only testament to his existence at all.

“You are more than your curse, you know.” A voice spoke out in the shadows, causing her to startle.

“Godvik.” Sylvie breathed, inclining her head.

A smile spread his lips wide, the red blush to his skin becoming more pronounced as the kindness of his eyes met hers. “Sylvie.”

Dressed in his flowing, floor - length robes with hands clasped over his rounded belly, a certain sense of peace filled her heart. In his presence, she experienced a rare security, and for a moment, she relished the feeling of not needing to look over her shoulder.

“I do not mean to disturb your morning prayers.”

“I have finished already,” he eased, his hands coming to her shoulders. “It brings me great joy to see you here, alive and recovered. The gods have surely shown you their favor.”

“I can’t say how the gods feel about me,” She inclined her head once more, staring down at her feet. “I am here to atone for my sins.”

He nodded. “We all have sins to bear. Just don’t bear yours too harshly.”

“I will be forever grateful for what you did for me.” She whispered lowly, only so he could hear. “You took great risk standing up for me.”

A small smile curved his lips, his eyes gleaming. “You know I will always do what I can to keep you safe.”

“I don’t deserve your kindness.” she said flatly, turning her eyes away. “I should have never gone to the celebrations that night.”

“Well I would like to know what inspired such a foolish endeavor.” He sighed as he folded his hands over his belly, looking to the altars before them. “But I’d say you’ve been punished enough.”

He patted her shoulder as she felt the burn of shame further etchitself into her flesh.

“How do you feel?”

“I feel…trapped.” Sylvie breathed. “I don’t have any way out of this. I have no choice but to face the trials and my fate.”

“Yet, isn’t that what you have always wanted?” His eyes observed her. “I have seen how you have admired the Drengr, envied their strength and glory.”

“Yes, but I was foolish. I craved to be someone I am not.” She rubbed her hands, as if to scrape invisible muck that had gathered upon them, desperate to make herself clean. “I am not a warrior, nor do I know how to be. I will surely die if I face the trials.”

“I think you underestimate yourself.” He whispered. “I heard of what you did. Your magic has not just blossomed, but come with a purpose. You have a great destiny before you. You only need to focus and harness your gifts.”

“I haven’t been able to conjure any magic since.” She whimpered.