The cathedral ceiling continued to fracture as divine light forced its way into the mortal world.
Stone groaned like a wounded beast. Long cracks spread across the painted dome, splitting saints and scripture apart as golden radiance poured through widening gaps.
Kael did not hesitate. He lifted Eron into his arms.
Eron’s body felt fragile, yet impossibly heavy at the same time, as if the divine sigil burning on his chest weighed more than flesh and bone should allow. The boy’s breathing was uneven, and his fingers still clutched Kael’s sleeve weakly.
“Stay conscious,” Kael said quietly.
Eron tried to respond, but only a faint sound escaped his throat.
The divine voice echoed again above them.
“Judgment descending.”
The pressure in the cathedral increased until even the stone pilla
