The woman just smiled at me, her eyes cold and calculating. "Don't worry about the demon spawn. He will be executed tomorrow at noon in the middle of the square in honor of our dear goddess."

"No, please, there must be some way for him to live. I will do anything!" I begged, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't bear the thought of Kerth being executed in front of everyone.

The woman's smile grew wider. "Anything, you say? Well, I do have a proposal for you. Take the boy's place and render control of the church to us, and we may just let the boy live."

I was taken aback by her proposal. Me, take Kerth's place and give up control of the church? It was a heavy price to pay, but I knew that I couldn't let Kerth die. He was just a child, and he deserved a chance at life.

But could I really go through with it? Could I really betray everything that I had worked for, everything that Lyra had entrusted me with?

As I struggled with my decision, the woman continued to watch me with a look of amusement. "Well? What do you say? Will you take the deal?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I'll do it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The woman's smile grew even wider. "Excellent. I'll have the papers drawn up immediately. You'll be executed in the boy's place tomorrow. And as for the boy, well, let's just say that he'll be taken care of."

As the door slammed behind her, I couldn't help but think that this was the fate that Lady Lyra had warned me about. It certainly did feel like my demise was at hand, but as long as Kerth can live out his life, it will all be worth it. I fear that the council will not honor our deal, but all I can do is have faith that things will turn out as Lady Lyra said.

The rest of the night was a blur of activity as the council's soldiers prepared for the execution the following day. I was taken to a cell, where I spent the night alone with my thoughts. Despite the gravity of the situation, I found myself feeling oddly calm. I had made my decision, and I knew that I had done what I could to protect Kerth.

The next morning, I was taken from my cell and brought to the town square, where a large crowd had gathered. I could see Kerth in the distance, looking lost and frightened as he was held captive by the council's soldiers. My heart ached for him, but I knew that I had to go through with it. I could only hope that my sacrifice would be worth it in the end.

As I was led to the execution platform, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I could feel the eyes of the crowd upon me, but I didn't let it shake me. I am doing this for Kerth. I can think of no better death for a father.

The executioner was a longtime friend from the bar. He had a sorrowful look on his face as he asked, "Any final words, father?"

"Yes, Thank you for the opportunity." I said to him before shouting for all to hear, "Kerth, I may not be around anymore, but I need you to be strong, kid; your future is going to be a rough one, but I know you can handle it. Make friends that you can trust with your life. Meet a pretty girl and fall in love. And lastly, settle down and have grandchildren for me, okay, Kerth? Always remember that no matter where you are in life or who you become, I love you, and sorry we have to say goodbye like this."

The crowd was silent as I finished my speech. I could feel the executioner's hand on my shoulder as he gave me a small nod of respect. "May the goddess bless your soul," he said softly before raising his blade.

As the blade came down, I closed my eyes and thought of Kerth. I hoped that he was safe and that he would be able to live a full and happy life. I hoped that my sacrifice would not be in vain and that the high council would keep their promise and spare his life.

But above all else, I hoped that Lady Lyra was watching over us both. I hoped that she could see the love that I had for Kerth and that she would guide him through the challenges that lay ahead.

As darkness consumed me, I couldn't help but think that my story was not over. It would live on through Kerth's legacy and through the memories of those who had loved me.

And then there was light…

***