The church didn't feel holy anymore. Dark energy stuck to the marble walls like smoke that wouldn't go away. The sacred runes carved into the pillars flickered weakly, as if they were having trouble remembering what they were for. The priests were so shocked that they couldn't decide whether to pray or run away.
Kael remained on one knee.
Blood pooled beneath his palm, spreading slowly across the floor. His breathing came in controlled, shallow movements, but control was becoming harder with each passing second.
Two seals were broken.
That had never happened before, not even during the final war.
The demonic core inside his chest pulsed steadily, alive with quiet awareness. It didn't get angry or go crazy. Instead, it watched, patient and careful.
That calmness frightened Kael more t
