"If Master didn't agree to it willingly, then Aldric Voss deserves to die."
The Matron seized my arm, her voice tight with worry. "Lynara, before your master drew his last breath, he told all of you to take care of yourselves. Don't throw your life away picking a fight with a god."
I pulled my wrist free, lifted my gaze toward the Nine Heavens, and smiled faintly.
"Matron, Master said not to fight a god. He never said anything about killing one."
——
I turned and walked back to my courtyard. Without a word, I dropped to my knees and began digging through the soil beneath the spirit-blossom tree with my bare hands.
Before long, a short sword caked in dirt saw daylight again.
The Matron rushed after me and snatched the blade from my grip, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Lynara, I know you want to avenge your master."
"But Aldric Voss is a primordial god. With this unremarkable little sword, you cannot defeat him."
"Please don't throw your life away for nothing."
"Your master said it himself. Trading one life for the future of every disciple in the sect was worth it."
But I knew Master was lying.