"From the moment this trial began," Seraphius said calmly, "someone was destined not to return. One of us is meant to die in each round."
Serena's head snapped toward him. "Excuse me?"
The Holy Son didn't seem to realize he'd stepped on a landmine—or perhaps, he didn't care. He went on in the same composed tone, as if lecturing in a golden temple rather than announcing a death count.
"This relic only allows four participants to leave. A prophecy given by His Holiness confirmed it— four exits, four survivors." He gestured vaguely toward the chamber walls that had a faint star in 4 different directions. A detail Serena had never paid attention to. "One in each cardinal direction."
Serena's stomach twisted.
"So you see…" he continued, hands folded like he was offering condolences at a funeral. "This is all according to the will of a higher power. Kain has served his time on this Earth, and now his purpose is fulfilled—as the third sacrifice demanded by the relic."
