The words had the same toxicity. Every thread of my life withdrew at the idea of facing darkness, of caving in to the terrible curse that had tormented our forebears. "You talk of rebirth as if it is a Salvation," I remarked, voice quiet and deliberate. But at what price, Edrik? Before our legacy is cleaned, how many more have to suffer? "
He chuckled, a hollow, echoing sound that made me shudder down my back. "Alpha, the expense is paid for always. The blood of the betrayers, the tears of the loyal, and the spirits of those who ventured to hope for a better future. No matter how terrible the sacrifice is, you have to decide whether to break the pattern or stick to the past and permit the curse to persist.
