Day 1
At last, the ring is ours. My poor little brother will finally get better! I only need a few more days to prepare the ritual. Then we’ll truly be ready for our new life here.
Day 2
I didn’t think Dusko would object to the ritual, but he has. He doesn’t want me to wear the ring. He’s frightened of anything that's come from that bastard Bakir. But it’s our only hope! I’ll make him understand that. I must.
Soon, Dusko will walk again.
Day 5
I drew the circle and sat Dusko by my side. He wept, scared yet hopeful. But when I spoke the words carved inside the ring, I felt the change, not him.
I collapsed, slipping into blackness.
When I opened my eyes and saw the look on my brother’s face, I knew at once that the ritual hadn’t worked. His legs still lay lifeless on the floor, and the ring had burnt itself to ash.
Dusko looked at me with pity, and I hated it.
How dare he pity me?
Day 7
I cannot bear it. Dusko lies there like a weight upon my neck. I'm still seeking some way to mend him despite his constant whining. While I do so, I find myself asking… was he always so unbearable?
Day 8
I can’t believe I wasted months in Bakir’s service for the sake of this ungrateful brat! My brother keeps staring at me as though I were a stranger.
But I finally see the truth. The ritual isn’t finished. The ring gave me the power to heal Dusan. I can feel it – hear it, humming inside me. I just need to listen carefully, and soon I’ll know what must be done.
Day 11
At last, I understand. I must open him up, expose what’s broken, and mend it with my own hands. When I am finished, Dusan will walk again. And I’ll finally be free of him.
Day 12
The circle is drawn. The knife is ready…