In the center of the village—

A tall wooden pyre blazed, its flames reaching high into the sky. Thick black smoke spiraled upward, stretching toward the heavens.

Contrary to the hope that she would soon recover and rise again, Darka passed away not long after regaining consciousness.

Though her body had already weakened, some believed that she simply saw no reason to recover, having let go of all lingering attachments to life.

Her peaceful expression in her final moments only reinforced that belief.

Following the traditions of the North, a final ritual was held to ensure her soul would not …