Chapter 152: THE OATH OF SACRIFICE

"In the name of the moon goddess!" The old man’s voice echoed through the hall as he pressed the sizzling rod onto Gary's right shoulder. Xina's breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide with horror. The sight of the searing metal against Gary's skin was unbearable. She wanted to intervene, to stop the old man from inflicting this cruel punishment, but her feet felt rooted to the ground. The old man lifted the rod, twisted it in a practiced motion, and then pressed it against Gary's left shoulder. The sound of the rod searing flesh was horrifying, and the old man's voice rang out with authority. "Gary Donovan!" The room's silence was shattered as the gathered crowd echoed the old man's words in a chilling chorus. Xina's hands flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could scarcely tear her gaze away from the gruesome ceremony unfolding before her. Dalia's firm grip on Xina’s elbow was the only thing keeping her from rushing forward. The witch’s e