Could they be taking that from us?

No, that's almost guaranteed, isn't it? They made it quite clear they intended for us to give them "gifts." I wonder how our deaths would help or hinder that goal.

[She, of course, would have once been worth far more magical energy alive than dead.

Oriko closes her eyes, frustrations mounting.] You would know: Is it worth it to divert our energies to breaking the illusion?