In a dark hall lit by warm yellow light from torches mounted on golden pillars, silence hung heavy. All the villagers, dressed in white, knelt in reverence before a towering golden statue.
It was the statue of an eagle—its beak raised proudly toward the sky, like a sovereign ruler surveying its domain. Its eyes were black, so deep they resembled the abyss itself. Feathers were etched in exquisite detail, and talons—sharper than any sword—gripped the raised golden platform it stood on.
Haron stepped forward and knelt. In a praying tone, he declared,
"O Mighty One of Thunder, Ruler of the Sky — grant us this chance to offer the sacred sacrifice."
Thunder crackled through the chamber, and all the villagers prostrated themselves, chanting in unison:
"The Thunder God is great!"
Rising, Haron raised his hand and commanded in a voice like a storm,
"Bring the sacrifice!"
Karon approached with a frown.
"What about the one with the wolf?"
A sinister smile curled Haron's lips.
