The church says they were chosen.
But no one remembers choosing.
The sermons. The rituals. The promise of ascension.
Belief only goes so far when the gods stop answering.
In a forgotten village sealed by scripture and fog, three teenagers carry out their duties beneath the watchful eye of the Church. Isaac walks the same roads every day, but finds himself forgetting where they lead. Isabelle studies the rites in hopes of staying close to her sister, who’s been chosen for something higher. Ian pretends not to hear the whispers in the walls.
They’ve been taught not to ask questions.
Taught to smile when the lanterns dim.
Taught to celebrate those who vanish.
The village is small. The rules are older than language. And somewhere beneath the altar, something breathes -something older than the Light they worship, something hungrier.
As the rituals grow stranger and the rules shift without warning, the trio begins to uncover cracks in the world they thought they understood — and the deeper truth beneath their devotion.
What do you do when your faith is a lie?
And what’s left of you after the soul is given away?
The Church of Light promises salvation.
But salvation has a cost.
And not all gods forgive.
A slow, dreamlike horror about memory, obedience, and the gods with crooked hands.
There is no escape. But there is remembrance. Sometimes.
This story is absolutely a witty and heartwarming ride. You will fall in love with the three “I”d trio. Isaac, Ian and Isabella. The characters are charming the descriptions vivid and enthralling. I gave it 5 stars across the board!
Joel, once again with the theatrics and hauntingly vivid visuals, of course. Are we officially in your gothic horror era? I’m soooo ready. What the hell happened to baby Isaac though, why would you do that to him??? Isaac might’ve grown to be my favorite character in this chapter and I’m loving it. I’m actually so hooked. Need part two NOW.