Hadizah stood rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on Mrs Spencer, unable to believe what was happening. The very thought that her oldest friend had volunteered to die in order to save the world shook her to the core.
It didn't feel right... it didn't feel fair. Her heart raced as the truth settled in. Mrs Spencer was truly ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.
"No!" Hadizah cried out and ran forward, desperation in her steps. But to her horror, an invisible force blocked her. She collided with it as if with solid glass, staggering back in confusion. A glowing line on the ground separated her from the area where Mrs Spencer now knelt, surrounded by the two elder priests. "Let me through! She can't die alone! We opened that path together. If a sacrifice must be made, let it be both of us!"
The barrier held firm. Her fists pounded it in vain, her voice echoing in the sacred chamber.