RAGNA POV...
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I ordered my parents and siblings to blindfold themselves. Oge was just a child—if they saw me carve open my hand, they would panic. I blindfolded myself as well; I didn't want suspicion, didn't want questions about what I was doing.
After taking a deep breath that felt heavier than it should have, I reached for the knife I had kept hidden by my side, the cold weight of the blade grounding me just long enough before I pressed it against my palm and sliced without hesitation, carving a clean wound into the center of my hand as sharp pain flared and warm blood immediately began to pool.
I clenched my fist tightly, forcing more blood to gather, then moved my trembling palm above Oge's mouth, lowering my voice as I whispered for her to open it, my heart pounding so loudly I was afraid she could hear it.
Once she complied, I let my blood drip into her mouth.
