I stared at the carved ginger, my mind spinning in a haze of nerves and anticipation. My pulse thudded in my ears, each beat a reminder that I had come here of my own choice. I was so far past hesitation that turning back felt impossible. Professor Hale watched me with the faintest smile tugging at his lips, calm and commanding at the same time, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.
“Do you understand why this is necessary?” he asked. His authority left no room for argument.
I swallowed hard. “Yes,” I whispered. My stomach twisted with dread and curiosity. “I understand.”
“Good,” he said, setting the knife down carefully. The clink against the desk echoed sharply. “You will follow my instructions exactly. Hesitation or disobedience will only make it worse. Do you accept t
