Elena lifts Mirael up, the little girl's legs dangling as she's held high enough to reach the rim of the massive stone basin. "Don't be scared," Elena whispers. "When you place your offering, let go of the weight, not just the object."
Mirael nods, reaching her small hand into the golden-glowing pouch. The moment her fingers brush the item inside, she freezes. Her eyes go wide, and she whips her head around to look at Elena, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. Is it...? her eyes ask.
Elena just gives a solemn, encouraging nod. "What better time to face your past than with today's happiness?"
I lean in, squinting. What on earth did she bring of Mirael's?
Taking a shaky breath, Mirael slowly withdraws her hand. Resting in her palm is a Broken Collar Ring. It's jagged, dark metal, looking heavy and cold even in the firelight.
