fabrayist

In an alternate 21st century, unseen by the eyes of ordinary men, a war rages in the shadows.
The Order of the Silent Flame, an ancient brotherhood of exorcists, stands as humanity’s last line of defense against the demonic forces led by Centurion, the fallen warlord of the underworld. Armed with sacred relics, forbidden rituals, and unbreakable vows, the exorcists work in secrecy to protect a world that does not even know it’s under siege.
As the darkness spreads and Centurion’s legions grow bolder, cracks begin to form in the veil that hides the truth from humanity. And among the Order, a new generation must rise—one that will uncover long-buried secrets, face the betrayal of old allies, and decide whether the Silent Flame will continue to burn… or be snuffed out forever.

Apostles' War

Lisieux, Normandy – 7:38 AM

The sun had risen gently over the cobblestone streets of Lisieux, and the city, once shrouded in eerie silence the night before, had come alive.

Children's laughter echoed from alleyways. Vendors opened their stalls, the scent of fresh bread and fruit warming the air. Tourists strolled the sidewalks, snapping pictures of flower boxes hanging from windowsills. The cathedral's bell tolled faintly in the distance, solemn but peaceful.

As if no dark presence had ever crept behind the walls of Lisieux Cathedral.

Inside the cozy inn where they had spent the night — Auberge du Rosier, named after the wild roses growing in its garden — Elian sat at a small wooden table in the common room, watching the bustle through the window.

He sipped from a chipped porcelain cup, its contents warm and mildly bitter. Tea. He didn't remember asking for it.

"You didn't sleep," Leon said calmly, settling across from him.

Enoch appeared next, carrying a small plate of toasted bread and boiled eggs. "I asked the innkeeper what she knows. She says Sainte-Marguerite's been locked for two days. No official reason. Some locals say they saw lights inside… others heard singing. Wrong kind of singing."

He placed the food down and pulled up a chair.

Leon narrowed his eyes. "Grinshades?"

Elian didn't speak. He chewed the inside of his cheek and kept his eyes on the window.

The brightness of the city unsettled him. It felt like a veil — a pleasant lie that the rest of the world had bought into.

Not since the voices. Not since the mark.

"The people here have no idea," Elian said quietly. "They're just living their lives. While something's insidethat cathedral. Something's… wrong."

Leon looked at him for a long moment. "You're seeing clearly. That's good. But remember, Elian — our mission is not to frighten the world. It's to shield it from what it's not ready to face."

Enoch offered a rare smile. "And you're not alone."

Elian gave a faint nod, though doubt still coiled in his chest like mist.

Chapter 18 – Morning in Lisieux