Merlin stood in the darkened room, the flickering torches casting shadows on the walls inscribed with runes. Elsa was resting on the bed, still a bit pale but breathing steadily. John was on his knees beside her, watching her with wide eyes, his hands shaking slightly as he adjusted the light seal that still lingered around her. Both of them were exhausted – Merlin from conducting the sealing ritual, John from expending all of his internal energies on binding Elsa's essence. But it seemed that the most dangerous part of it was over. At least, for now, she was safe.
Merlin let out a deep, tired breath. "Her pulse rate is steady," he said softly, without looking at John. "However, we are not yet certain that the curse has been removed from her system completely. The sealing ritual has suppressed it, yes, but only time will tell if she has recovered completely."
