Chapter 56: First sacrifice

Aurelia's eyes widened as the bridge creaked ominously. She scrambled, her pouch overflowing with gold and gems. "No, no! This can't be happening!" she cried, desperately trying to fit everything back in.

"Forget the treasure!" Zafron shouted, grabbing her arm. "The bridge is collapsing!"

"No!" Aurelia protested. The bridge groaned under Aurelia's weight, splintering wood cracking beneath her feet. She scrambled to fit the jewels back into her pouch, her fingers trembling. "I can't lose these!" she gasped, trying to shove the overflowing treasures inside.

Zafron's eyes tracked the shuddering bridge. 'Each time she picks up more riches, the bridge shudders more,' he thought, his mind racing. 'Her weight is exacerbating the damage. If she doesn't let go, the bridge won't hold much longer.'