Chapter 31

Armed with the jarred supplies they'd just picked up from Sven, Valen leads Eska out of the market district, where the bustling crowds gradually thin.

The cacophony of voices fades, replaced by a quiet hum as they approach a towering structure visible even from a distance. Its golden linings shimmer in the sunlight and its pristine white walls seem untouched by time or dirt.

Eska stops in her tracks, her eyes fixed on the magnificent building. Nothing short of breathtaking.

"The Cathedral," Valen tells her, noticing her awe. "That's where people come to pray and honor the god who protects this city."

Eska's expression shifts from amazement to a faint frown. "Nakisk," she mutters, recalling the name of the god mentioned during her first meeting with the Speaker.

Valen seems to notice the lack of respect, his tone firm as he speaks. "He's the reason you're alive, Eska. You'd do well to show some respect."

"Sure," Eska replies, her voice dismissive. She casts her gaze downward, her steps resume as they walk closer to the cathedral.

Marina's voice whispers in Eska's mind. "They were all unknown once, even Nakisk. But after humans killed their first and only god, things…changed. Nakisk especially—since the god the humans killed was his younger brother."

Eska flinches. Valen notices immediately, though he doesn't raise a question. His eyes shifting towards her, as if he had something to say.

After a few seconds, Valen lets out a sigh before speaking. "I don't expect you to suddenly venerate our god given your… circumstances. But I would appreciate at least some level of respect. If not for our god, then maybe for your judge."

Eska's gaze hesitantly lifts, her eyes meeting Valen's for the first time since they've met.

Valen stills at the surprise.

For a brief moment, he looks almost taken aback. His posture remains composed, but his red eyes betray a flicker of surprise, a brief shift in focus—as if he hadn't expected it to happen at all.

There's confusion in Eska's eyes, uncertainty. She expected sharpness, cold authority—something untouchable, unshakable. Instead, she finds something she doesn't quite understand. Not anger. Not judgment.

"You're… not as scary as I thought you were…"

Valen raises an eyebrow. "You barely know me," he tells her.

Eska tilts her head slightly, studying him for a moment longer before speaking.

"Why do you look angry all the time?"

The question catches him off guard. His expression shifts—not quite shock, but something close. Like she had struck a thought he hadn't considered before.

For a man so composed, so reserved, the sudden break in his usual demeanor is almost jarring.

His expression shifts, a mix of frustration and confusion creasing his brow. Valen opens his mouth, about to respond. "You—"

But Eska cuts him off, her voice rising with sudden urgency.

"What is this place?!"

They step into the Cathedral's courtyard, and Eska's eyes widen as she takes in the towering spires, the grand archways, the sheer scale of it all.

The stone beneath her feet feels too smooth, too pristine. Statues of robed figures stand tall, their hollow gazes cast downward, and intricate carvings line the walls, depicting scenes she can't yet decipher.

She runs towards the rows of carefully planted trees and flower beds arranged in the shape of a half sun. The sight leaves her awestruck, her excitement momentarily eclipsing all else.

She comes to a stop when she notices the glares from people around her. Her steps falter as knights pause, mid-task, their uneasy gazes lingering on her.

The whispers are faint but unmistakable, and the weight of their attention settles heavily on Eska's shoulders.

"Everyone in the church knows who you are, Eska," Valen tells her as she walks back to him like a punished child. "Not many are happy that you are free to walk around the city, and many just want to get it over with."

Eska glances up at him, expecting stern detachment.

His tone remains firm, but now that she's looking, she catches the slight change—the way his eyes lower just for a second, as if acknowledging the reality of what he's saying rather than simply stating it.

Eska's initial awe of the cathedral fades. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and follows Valen as they press forward.

As they approach one of the grand entrances to the cathedral, Eska's attention shifts from the onlookers to a figure standing in their path.

The sight takes her breath away.

A radiant being with brilliant white wings spread wide stands before them, their presence commanding yet serene. The woman's golden blonde hair cascades down her back, reaching her waist.

She wears armor that gleams in the sunlight—metal gauntlets, shoulder guards and greaves—while the rest of her is draped in a flowing white dress, intricately lined with golden threads.

Her cyan-blue eyes lock onto Eska, holding a piercing yet calm gaze.

Above her head hovers a halo, alive with divine energy, its light casting soft glimmers onto the stones below.

She stands tall, much taller than everyone and anyone Eska has ever seen. She could easily be seven feet tall.

They halt just before stepping into the circle of light cast by her radiant halo.

"Miriel," Valen greets, his voice carrying a mix of respect and familiarity. "We weren't expecting you." He bows slightly.

The angel inclines her head, her voice melodic yet firm. "Enough, Valen. That is not necessary."

Her gaze shifts back to Eska, the intensity of her presence making it difficult to hold eye contact.

"You must be Eska."

A lump forms in Eska's throat, and she's unsure whether to bow, speak or simply stand frozen. The sheer grace and authority of Miriel's presence leaves her momentarily stunned.

Valen steps forward to address the angel, but she extends the palm of her hand towards him.

"I'd like to speak with her, if you don't mind," Miriel says, her voice calm and melodious as she addresses Valen.

"Yes, of course." He turns towards Eska. "I'll deliver this. If I'm not back by the time you are, just wait for me at this entrance."

Eska barely has time to process his words before he steps aside without hesitation, moving past her.

"Come, child. I'd like to speak with you," Miriel says softly, her serene gaze settling on Eska.

Eska hesitates and glances back at Valen, but he is already walking away. Miriel steps between them, her halo casting a soft glow around her as she signals Eska to follow.

As they move together through the area, the weight of the stares and murmurs from others gradually fades, leaving a quieter path behind them.

"Eska," Miriel begins, "you may see us as an opposing force, perhaps even an enemy. But I want you to know—I consider you one of our god's children." She looks down at Eska with compassion rather than judgment, her radiant presence both soothing and intimidating.

Eska listens in silence as Miriel continues. "I also want to thank you. What you did—saving so many of our people—was extraordinary. Oblea must be an incredible teacher...and a devoted mother." Miriel pauses briefly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, "I almost envy her."

Eska glances up at Miriel in confusion, catching only fragments of her last words. But the light of the angel's halo blinds her, and she quickly looks down, shielding her eyes.

Miriel notices but continues, regardless.

"That is not all," she says, her tone shifting. "Valen, as steadfast as he is, doubted himself for the first time because of you. He even sought the guidance of the Speaker, something I never thought I'd witness. He can be very… stubborn."

A faint smile crosses her lips. "Though I had hoped he'd turn to me, I thank you for it. I look forward to seeing more of what you are capable of."

Eska squints against the glow as she looks back up. "Why would you be okay with all this?" she asks, her uncertainty growing. "You seem like someone who can order a lot of people around here…aren't you even higher up than the Speaker?"

Miriel chuckles softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Titles and ranks mean little to me. What I care about is watching my children grow, Eska. But this will be enough for today."

She stops and places a gentle hand on Eska's shoulder. "One thing I want you to remember—no matter what you think of the church, I will be here for you. Come to me if you ever need guidance."

"Uh...sure," Eska responds, unsure of what else to say. She looks forward, noticing Valen waiting for her inside the Cathedral.

As the light around her begins to dim, Eska looks around to try and catch a glimpse of Miriel, but the angel has vanished. Her attention is soon drawn to the immense grandeur of the Cathedral's interior, its sheer scale and beauty momentarily stealing her breath.

"Angels. Eugh," Marina's voice echoes in Eska's head, dripping with disdain. "I've fought three of them. Devious creatures, really. Their greatest trick is their ridiculous ability to heal—slice a limb off and they'll regrow it before your blade even finishes the cut."

Eska blinks, startled by the unsolicited angel trivia.

"I'm not sure," she whispers in her mind. "Miriel didn't seem...devious. She seemed to care."

"You'll understand when the time comes," Marina replies cryptically, leaving Eska to her swirling thoughts.

Valen's voice interrupts her. "I'm done with the delivery, are you alright?"

"O-Oh!" Eska snaps out of her daze. "Sorry, this place is just...I've never seen anything so massive with so many people inside."

Valen then tells her, his expression painted with slight pride. "This Cathedral is the most sacred place connected to our god. The doors are always open for anyone to pray. Parents even bring their children here—it's one of the safest places in the city."

"Because of all the church people?" Eska asks curiously.

"Not just the knights," He explains. "Miriel is often here. Even when she's away, she can see everything that happens inside these walls."

"Is she...a hunter, too?" Eska tilts her head, her curiosity bubbling up.

"She's strong enough to be one, she used to be a paladin, after all." Valen tells her with a slight note of nostalgia. "But angels aren't allowed outside the city."

"Is that another law?"

Valen nods, but there is doubt in his expression. "It's more of a sacred guideline." Valen then resumes his walk. "Let's keep moving. Time to head to the living quarters."

"The living quarters?" Eska asks, her steps falling in beside his.

"Yes," Valen replies as they leave the Cathedral. "You'll be staying with Vanessa once your recovery is complete."

Eska takes a deep breath as they step into the open air, the imposing grandeur of the Cathedral shrinking behind them.

"You never said who Vanessa is."

Valen slows his pace slightly, considering the question. "She is part of a big guild, one of the stronger hunters. Miriel chose her for her reliability."

Eska nods slowly, taking in his words. A strong hunter. Reliable. Someone trusted enough to take responsibility for her. But who is she really?

Her gaze drifts back toward the cathedral behind them, its massive walls stretching impossibly high, blocking out the sky.

Is Mom in there?

The thought settles heavily in her chest. How is she doing? Are they treating her well? Does she even have a book to read?

The questions linger, unanswered, as they continue forward.