E U P H O R I C
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THE SICKLY CRIMSON elixir, viscous as honey, bearing a metallic essence akin to molten metal. It swathes the surface, forming a luxuriant pool, suffusing the surroundings with its weight.

It emerges from the flesh, a meandering cascade of vermilion, tracing an intricate path. It pulses forth, an inexorable tide.

Within creatures' forms and human veins alike, it courses as a shared yet sacred fluid, both tainted and revered, repulsive and evocative.

For some, its sight triggers heaving, darkening spirits and pounding minds. Stomachs twist and flip as this crimson tide spills from its conduits. It invades even the chambers of the lungs, a suffocating embrace that seems to defy the very oxygen it carries.

It creeps into every crevice-lungs, throat, mind-constricting like a tightening noose. Efforts to expel it intensify, bubbling forth from parted lips, cascading down the chin. But its advance halts not.

The body strains, an orchestra of overdrive, a desperate bid to sustain the fading flame of consciousness.

Amidst labored breaths, her body stood, eyes quivering-a dance of pupils contracting and dilating with each fleeting second.

The viscous fluid coated her hands, adhering to the pallor of her shirt, forming pools at her feet. The liquid's embrace felt as though it sought to engulf her, a suffocating tide.

Her gaze, clouded and unseeing, fixated upon her mentor-an open wound weeping, the scarlet essence trickling from the gash upon their throat, mingling with the purity of their white attire.

With bated breath, the girl sank to her knees, the knife's clatter resonating upon impact with the ground, settling near her legs.

Soft words escaped her lips, drifting into the air with a hushed cadence as her palm pressed against the now-chilled skin of the lifeless form. Her hands traversed the visage, drawing closed the eyelids in a gentle caress, imprinting three vermilion streaks upon the pale skin.

Standing resolute, a tremor in her breath, she clutched the knife, concealing it within the pocket of her pristine garments.
Her gaze swept over the vigilant eyes-countenances of stone that tracked her every action. In an instant, a decisive gesture spurred the stones to life.

They converged upon the lifeless form, handling it with meticulous care, then orchestrating a slow transit to a waiting tarp.

Through the expanse of white concrete and into the enshrouding embrace of the somber woods, they dragged their burden, an undertaking embraced by shadows.

A somber, gloved hand rested upon her shoulder, prompting her gaze to ascend-a glare ignited within her eyes as they locked onto the figure before her. A black mask concealed the countenance of the leader who presided over the realm between.

She stood poised, inhaling deeply, her acquiescence manifested in a nod. The small tray exchanged hands, passing from the enigmatic figure to hers.

Moments elapsed, and she reappeared,
garbed in fresh attire, though her skin retained the indelible stains of crimson. Upon the tray lay the now-pallid vestments, bearing the traces of scarlet. The figure accepted the offering with a nod of acknowledgment.

Stepping forward, she traverses the forest, navigating through the undergrowth and vines, eventually arriving at a concealed cabin nestled amidst the trees.

Approaching the door, she draws in a deep breath, captivated by the aroma of food wafting from the interior.

Crossing the threshold, she opens the door, revealing Alyssa within. Her blonde hair is gathered in an elegant arrangement, while a black mask still conceals her visage.

Alyssa's gaze lifted, locking onto the woman's with a mix of recognition and relief in her tone. "Aster," she acknowledged with a nod, her eyes flickering down to the crimson stains marring Aster's skin-a sight that prompted a subtle frown.

Aster drew in a composed breath, reciprocating Alyssa's nod. "It's planned," she revealed, her voice void of emotion, rendered with a distorted quality. Alyssa's composure wavered briefly before she recovered, nodding in response.

Her typically light footsteps carried a heavier weight as she hastened to a chest nestled in a distant corner.

With a decisive sweep, she cleared the chest's surface, causing small implements to thud onto the floor. The chest's opening creaked, revealing its long-hidden contents, draped in cobwebs.

Drawing another steadying breath, Alyssa extracted a map, an aged stopwatch, a concealed knife, and a note sealed with wax.

Alyssa gently pressed the assorted items into Aster's gloved hands, a touch of sadness in her eyes as they met the taller woman's gaze-features that appeared so impassive.

"Are you going to see it through?" Alyssa's soft inquiry hung in the air, her gaze locked onto Aster's dark, enigmatic eyes. Aster nodded, her hair creating a slight veil as she regarded the blonde woman.

"I must," Aster replied, a hint of rawness in her voice, "I have to see it through, for the transformation." A sharp breath punctuated her words. "Once it's done, I'll depart. They can't claim me afterward."

Alyssa acknowledged the decision with a nod, her head bowing briefly. "You know where to find them, right?" Her gaze held onto Aster's, her tone carrying a note of melancholy.

"I haven't been there in a while, and I can't offer much insight on how they've changed, but hand them this note. Make sure the one in the deer-like attire is present," she added with a wistful chuckle.

Her attention lingered on the regularity of Aster's presence before turning back to the culinary preparations.
"Just take care," Alyssa's voice held a soft urgency, tinged with a shimmer of emotion.

"Don't let the transformation overwhelm you-your kind might not be well-received there." She kept her gaze fixed on Aster, eyes glinting with a certain intensity.

"Have a meal and then rest. They'll be here by morning, I'm certain of it," Alyssa's tone bore a bittersweet resonance, capturing the essence of their connection.