King Liam – POV
Ethan had recovered some of my father's remains and brought them to Lily for analysis. The two of them were in the office when I arrived.
"Are you saying the Rite of Hollowing is complete?" I asked, stunned.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lily replied, her voice trembling. "I believe your late father's soul has been extracted and transferred into Jason's body. That's how the Rite of Hollowing works. I traced your father's essence to Jason, which means Jason's soul must have been sacrificed in the process. That's what makes the Hollowing successful."
A chill ran down my spine. This was a clear sign of deeper trouble.
"Who could even perform such a ritual?" Ethan asked. "No one in our kingdom has that kind of skill."
"Ethan," I muttered, "you think those who wield forbidden magic would ever reveal themselves openly? They know how to hide in plain sight."
Lily looked up, pulled from her dark thoughts.
"Are you alright?" I asked gently.
