Page 163 of Crowned In Venom

"This is a ritual chamber," he says. "Designed for… let's say, alternative methods."

A bad feeling settles in my gut.

"What do you mean?" Anya asks, her voice cautious.

The Ghost sighs, as if explaining to children.

"Your heartblood can be extracted," he says. "Without killing you."

I stiffen.

Anya freezes.

"But—" she hesitates. "Wouldn’t I?—"

"Live? Yes."

A flicker of hope.

For a second, I breathe.

Until—

"But it will feel like a thousand swords stabbing into you at once."

The air shifts.

Cold.

Anya sways slightly.

I step in front of her, shielding her.

"No." My voice is deadly. "Absolutely not."

The Ghost raises a brow.

"Your alternative is watching her die," he says mildly.

A deep rage coils in my chest.

A sharp panic.

I turn to Anya, gripping her shoulders.

"You can’t do this."

She meets my gaze.

Her eyes are soft. Strong.

She smiles.

"I can."

My breath shudders.

"Anya—"

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