Then she treated Cinon to a rictus grin devoid of all warmth. “Know now the gift you bestow upon all you kill and all who kill in your name.”
She reached out a bony finger and touched Cinon right over his heart. His face went pale as though he was in a faint, and he choked. The moment she removed her finger, he caught a breath.
She turned to Corag, who made to scoot away from her touch, but she grabbed his wrist. He shook as though touched by lightning. Only when she let go did his body calm.
The Death Mother reached out to Ailith. Unlike the boys, she did not cower, so the goddess lowered her hand and pressed her cold, colorless lips to Ailith’s brow. She did not shake or spasm but simply closed her eyes and exhaled, as though resigned to her fate. When the goddess pulled back, she d
