Lyla
The clearing facing the Northern Forest shone brightly under the Moonlight.
I'd gone to bed early after telling Ramsey I was tired and needed to rest. When I arrived, not just Circe but Nanny, Terra, and three priestesses I recognised from the Moon Temple were waiting.
They were all dressed in ceremonial gowns and formed a circle around a pattern of intricate symbols drawn in what looked like crushed rocks and herbs.
"You came," Nanny said with a frown. I know she wished I were anywhere but here. "I thought you might change your mind or couldn't convince Ramsey that you needed time alone tonight."
"Nanny," I sighed. "I need to do this, hmm? I'll be fine." I replied, approaching the circle cautiously.
Terra stepped forward, handing me a simple white shift. "Change into this. The trial requires you to be free of modern attachments."
I nodded, slipping behind a nearby tree to change. When I returned, Circe was arguing with Nanny in hushed tones.
