The Crescent Heir
"I believe you, Anna. It's the rite itself that's the problem."
"JB, you're keeping me in so much suspense, and I can't take it anymore." Anna searched his face, her expression pulled tight, eyes flicking between his like she could read the answer there before he gave it. "What's really wrong with the rite? Is it bad news?"
Jebediah sighed again, his mouth not fully ready to form the words. He hoped it wouldn't shatter her. "Anna, the severance ritual is a death sentence."
"What?" Anna gasped, pure reflex, her eyes widening.