Chapter 530: Tainted Remains
One Month Before
The old woman hunched over the table, her thin fingers moving slowly as she crushed dried leaves inside a stone bowl.
Her long grey hair hung loosely around her shoulders, partially hiding the deep wrinkles carved into her face.
She did not turn when Victoria entered.
But she knew Victoria was there.
Victoria ignored the ritual table completely.
Instead, she crossed the chamber and lowered herself onto the black velvet couch positioned near the wall.
Victoria leaned back against the cushions as though she were settling into a throne.
She crossed one leg over the other.
"Tell me something," she said calmly.
Selith's grinding slowed.
Victoria watched the old woman's back as she continued.
"Have you seen the beast remains yet?"
Selith's shoulders lifted slightly.
Then she chuckled.
The sound was low and dry.
She finally turned around, the pestle still resting loosely in her hand.
