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CHAPTER LX

AISLING

The Great Forge of Creation bubbled darkly from the brim of the Goblet.

Neither here nor there, Aisling stood in darkness, caught somewhere in between. Her wings fluttered at her back and her blade was licked with violet flame.

Aisling smelled the plum-fresh perfume of the Goblet. Slowly, she brought the chalice to her lips, its brew dripping down the corner of her mouth and down the edge of her throat. Aisling drank and drank, guzzling until not a drop was left.

At last, she came up for air. Pupils dilating across the whites of her eyes.

“Rise,” Racat purred, “Rise and reign everlasting.”

Aisling wiped her mouth with the back of her sleeve. Her gown glittering even in the darkness.

“May I take one last sip of the Goblet?” Aisling asked, not entirely sure whom she asked.

“Take as many as you like,” Racat said.

Aisling brought the Goblet to her lips once more, tasting its sickly-sweet sap. She closed her eyes and thought of her intent, of returning what was stolen.