Chapter 32: The Saintess' Wrath
The mission to the abandoned fort had been a harrowing one. The rogue mages they encountered had proven to be more organized and dangerous than expected. While they managed to quell the threat, the sense of unease never left Aria. Something about their leader's cryptic words before his defeat—"Your power will only hasten the end"—stayed with her.
Now, riding back toward the capital, the tension in the air seemed heavier than ever. Mira rode silently beside her, her expression grim. Aria's body still felt strange, her senses heightened beyond what she could control. The mark on her chest pulsed faintly, as though reacting to something unseen.
As the city gates came into view, Mira broke the silence. "Do you think the king will keep his word about the reward?"
Aria gave a bitter chuckle. "If his behavior before we left is anything to go by, I doubt it. But at least we'll be done with this task."
Mira nodded but didn't reply. Her eyes scanned the horizon as if expecting trouble. And trouble wasn't far behind.
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The Hostile Force Arrives
They had barely passed through the gates when the sound of armored footsteps echoed in the distance. Aria and Mira exchanged a glance, both reaching for their weapons instinctively.
The crowd in the streets parted as a group of Church paladins marched toward them, their gleaming armor catching the sunlight. At their head was a woman dressed in flowing white robes embroidered with gold—Saintess Elena herself.
Her presence was striking. Long, silvery hair cascaded down her back, and her radiant blue eyes seemed to pierce through Aria's very soul. A golden staff rested in her hand, its tip adorned with a glowing crystal.
"Aria," Elena's voice rang out, commanding and cold. "You are to come with us. By order of the Holy Church."
Mira stepped forward, her sword drawn. "And what does the Church want with her?"
Elena's gaze shifted to Mira, her expression unyielding. "This is not your concern, knight. Step aside, or face the consequences."
Mira didn't budge. "She's under my protection. You'll have to go through me first."
The saintess sighed, her voice laced with exasperation. "Very well. Restrain them both."
At her command, the paladins advanced, their movements precise and calculated. Aria's heart raced as she summoned her magic, the energy crackling around her fingertips.
"Mira, get ready!" she shouted.
The battle began in earnest. Mira charged into the fray, her blade clashing against the paladins' shields. Aria unleashed a torrent of fire, forcing the advancing warriors to scatter. But for every paladin they pushed back, more seemed to appear.
Elena stood calmly at the rear, her staff glowing with holy light. She raised it, and a beam of energy shot toward Aria. The air around her burned with divine power, and Aria barely managed to deflect it with a hastily conjured barrier.
"You cannot resist forever, child," Elena said, her voice carrying over the chaos. "Your power is unnatural. It must be contained."
Aria gritted her teeth. The mark on her chest flared painfully, as if responding to Elena's words. The holy energy in the air felt oppressive, making it harder for her to concentrate.
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The Crystal's Intervention
Just as Aria felt her strength beginning to wane, the forgotten crystal from the Veilwood pulsed in her satchel. A surge of dark energy erupted from it, pushing back the holy light and creating a temporary reprieve.
Elena's eyes widened, her composure faltering for the first time. "That crystal... How did you come by it?"
Aria didn't answer, too focused on the unexpected surge of power coursing through her. The crystal's energy seemed to resonate with her magic, amplifying it beyond anything she had felt before.
With a wave of her hand, she unleashed a blast of shadowy flames, forcing the paladins to retreat. Mira seized the opportunity to grab Aria's arm, pulling her toward an alleyway.
"Come on! We need to get out of here!" Mira shouted.
Aria stumbled after her, the crystal's energy still coursing through her veins. Behind them, the saintess' voice rang out once more.
"This isn't over, Aria. You cannot escape the Church's judgment."
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A Temporary Reprieve
The two of them didn't stop running until they reached the outskirts of the city. They ducked into an abandoned warehouse, panting heavily as they tried to catch their breath.
"What the hell was that about?" Mira demanded, her voice a mix of anger and concern.
Aria shook her head, her mind racing. "I don't know. But the crystal... it reacted to something. It saved us."
Mira's eyes narrowed. "That crystal is more than it seems. And so are you."
Aria didn't reply, her gaze fixed on the faint glow emanating from her satchel. The saintess' words echoed in her mind, and a sinking feeling settled in her stomach.
Whatever lay ahead, it was clear that her journey had taken another dangerous turn. The Church was now a formidable enemy, and the mysteries surrounding her own existence had only deepened.
For now, all they could do was press on—and hope that the answers they sought were within reach.