Reita smiles down at the young girl, and motions for her to join her Queen at the top of the temple. The girl hurries, clambering up the stairs with the foreign boy behind her. Reita’s shimmering gold hair blinds the surrounding crowd, but the girl continues, a silly smile plastered across her face.

She makes it to the top of the temple only a few minutes later, pushing the boy to the front of the balcony. “Look!” Reita roars over the din of her people, “A child of our proud ancestry has brought us one who is lacking.” She places a reassuring hand on the girl’s tiny shoulder, “What is your name, little one?” her voice is soft and sweet, like milk and honey.

“I am Sheda.” the girl responds quietly, eager to please. Reita nods and pushes her forward, slipping the ceremonial dagger into her hand. The river rages around the city, and the crowd becomes frenzied, begging for release by sacrifice. The girl lifts the knife to the confused boy’s throat.

One quick pull, then she greedily drinks from her kill.