As the cool mountain air brushed against Red head face, the path finally opened up to reveal the breathtaking view of the high summit. For the first time in her life, she felt a sense of profound relief. She was actually going to step onto the sacred ground of the ritual, entirely safe and whole. Looking up at the starry sky, she felt a deep surge of gratitude for the fierce intervention of her older brother, knowing his protection had brought her to the brink of her destiny.
"Thank you, Big Brother… Draculues."
The biting wind of the high peak cut through the thin ceremonial robes of the candidates, but the redhead felt a chill far deeper than the mountain air. Even from the back of the massive procession, Sharpy's death stare seemed to pierce right through the darkness, radiating an unhinged, desperate malice.
