Rain
We need someone to bleed for him, before we can begin.
The words hung in the cold night air, thick and heavy like storm clouds before a downpour.
"What the hell does that mean?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at Kiran. My gut twisted, already knowing whatever he was about to say would be bad news.
He sighed, like it physically pained him to explain it.
"Didn't he tell you?" Kiran's gaze drifted toward Batista's pale, lifeless body lying on the stone altar. "Someone must sacrifice their blood for him before the ritual can work. And it can't be just anyone. It has to be someone who shares a strong bond with him. Blood may call to blood, but bonds call to the spirit."
I scoffed, jerking my thumb toward Eric and Mara lingering near the edge of the clearing.
"Well, that rules me out," I said with a shrug. "Those two are your best bet. I'm just here for the show."
