The High Priestess of the Burning Eye arrived at the border of DeCarlo territory uninvited, unafraid.
"I come to parley," she said, robed in shadow, eyes glowing with prophetic madness.
Lucien would have killed her on sight, but Aurelia allowed one word.
"Speak."
The priestess smiled. "Your child is not yours alone. That child belongs to prophecy, to the flame, to balance itself. Give it to us freely... or it will take itself from you."
Aurelia did not blink. "Let it try."