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What if the plan didn't work, though? Or worse, what if Frexin was lying to me?

"And even if capturing the monster fails," Tye added. "These supplies will at least keep your grandchildren from starving."

The couple nodded. "Well then, let us say our goodbyes and we'll be on our way. It's a full-day's trip for old folks like us, but if we start now, we should be there by tomorrow afternoon."

"And you're sure you don't want a ride?" I asked, concerned for the thin, frail-looking couple.

The old woman smiled warmly. "No, we'll be fine. And honestly, I look forward to this last hike. Time to talk and be together, just the two of us." Beside her, the old man smiled sadly, taking her hand.

My heart ached as I watched them together.

Why did the best people always get the worst luck?

Two years ago, the elderly couple had been corrupted by a terrifying wild relic roaming the water. Most who heard the creature's call walked into the ocean and drowned, but they'd survived thanks to a stranger dragging them from the water before it was too late.

The creature had touched them, though, and its corruption had rapidly poisoned their korras. They'd only managed to stave off the wraith twisting by avoiding the use of their rare body magic — healing. At least until a month ago … when their granddaughter had fallen deathly ill.

The two had taken turns healing the girl, and it had worked. But the cost had been great …

Even if they weren't killed by Frexin's monster, they knew it was only a matter of weeks until they turned to body wraiths and were dangerous to everyone they loved.

I took deep breaths through clenched teeth.

Don't think. Don't feel. Just obey.

A little wail rose from the crowd behind us, and a small form dashed forward, crashing into the woman's skirts — a little girl with messy brown curls pleading frantically for them to stay.

"You don't have to go. I won't get sick again. I promise!"

"Get back here, Hope!" a woman with dark brown hair and yellow skirts yelled, darting out behind her.

The older woman waved her away. "It's okay, honey. I'll talk to her."

The mother nodded, eyes swimming with tears as she watched her mother bend to cuddle the little girl, pressing a kiss atop her head before whispering something in her ear.

Giant tears poured from the child's wide eyes and her little chin wobbled as she clung tighter.

The older man dropped down beside them, arms wrapping around the pair in a tight hug.

My heart wrenched.

This whole thing was wrong. So fucking wrong!

More villagers joined the trio, crying and hugging each other, then thanking the couple before moving and being replaced by other family members and friends — until everyone had been seen.

Finally, the group dispersed, and the couple turned to us, eyes swollen and red.

"I'm sorry. I wish —" I forced the words out but couldn't continue. Iknewthat the village would be thebetter for their sacrifice, but gods — I hated everything about it!

"Don't worry, child," the woman said. "This is a good day for usandfor our people. I was dreading the coming months for them, but now we can pass on knowing they're safe and have the food they'll need."

She smiled at her husband and my breath caught in my throat, eyes burning.

Frexin's people were well fed and safe, protected behind thick walls and supplied with food from the Empire and the farms Liam's people had kept for generations.

She didn'tneedanything from these people — but that never fucking stopped her from taking it.

Sure, the villagers wouldn't starve for a few more months. But what about after that? And what about the villages wehadn'tvisited?