The forest clearing remained quiet long after Kael vanished. Wind moved gently through the trees, but no one spoke. The Church knights stood uncertainly, their formation broken by what they had witnessed. The inquisitors whispered among themselves, recording every detail of the confrontation.
Eron lay on the grass, staring at the space where Kael had stood. His chest still hurts, and the divine sigil burned steadily beneath his skin, glowing through the thin fabric of his shirt. Each pulse felt like a hand tugging at his soul.
Valther approached slowly.
“Eron,” he said.
Eron did not respond immediately.
Valther knelt beside him.
“Can you stand?” Valther asked.
Eron finally looked at him.
“Yes,” Eron replied, though his voice was weak.
Valther helped him sit upright.
“You should n
