“I’m sorry,treasure” Alek’s voice was low, full of meaning. A shadow crossed his face, but there was no time to dwell on it.
His claw descended onto my palm, and when it punctured my skin, the pain was more than I had expected. I flinched, but didn’t pull away. I couldn’t.
“Alek, you’ve cut too deep,” Aaron muttered, his voice tight with worry as he watched the blood already dripping from my hand.
But I didn’t respond. I had to endure this. There was no other way. “It’s fine,” I forced the words out, trying to keep my composure.
Luka moved in, his grip firm but gentle as he took my hand. He opened my palm, the blood still flowing from the cut, and placed it firmly against the box. The moment my blood touched the wood, I felt the magic surge, almost like the box was breathing along wit
