THE ACCURSED BLESSING

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ain of golden wheat, every shimmering stream, and every child born under the silver glow of the night sky. She walked among them as a radiant woman, her hair like woven starlight,

k, and ensure the village's prosperity. Norevia had flourished under her wat

earts in Nore

itement. Tonight was the Moon's Embrace, the holiest night of the year when Elara would descend from her sacred grove to bless the people. Fir

ter with sharp eyes and a sharper tongue, he had never been one

lagers laid out offerings-baskets of fru

ou should show more respect, Fathe

power, giving only what she chooses?

s known her father to be ambitious, but tonight, there

t, luminous glow bathed the village, and the crow

had ar

air grew thick with the scent of jasmine and honey. Villagers fell to their knees

ater, she spoke. "Come, children of

eceiving a touch of her sacred milk. Wounds closed, bellie

ve for the goddess. But beside

people celebrated, he turned awa

llage, what could it do for a

he made hi

eal the god

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Chapt