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

Eidalein – The Throne Hall

10:02 AM

The silver gate shimmered open in the air, a ripple of feathers and light unfolding into form.

Elian stumbled through first, followed closely by Leon Yu and Enoch Ruiz. The weight of their mission hung over them, heavier than even the battle itself. Though the Cathedral had been cleansed, something else had been awakened — and it now stalked the edges of their thoughts.

The moment they stepped onto the alabaster floor of Eidalein, the air changed — softer, cleaner, cradled in divine stillness. The faint chimes of the citadel welcomed them.

But waiting for them was Cardinal Caeli, standing beneath the twelve-seated Throne of Virtue, hands folded over the open Scripture of the Unseen. The book's pages turned without wind, glowing faintly with living ink.

"You've return," Caeli said, their voice neither warm nor cold — simply knowing.

Leon stepped forward and bowed lightly at the waist, the gesture precise. "Cardinal. We cleansed the Cathedral. The Grinshade Lord is no more."

"I'm aware" Caeli murmured. Their glowing eyes turned to Elian — and softened. "What else did you encounter?"

Leon's lips tightened. "A Dark Apostle."

Even the air seemed to still in its breath.

"Who?" Caeli asked, already turning to a fresh page in the Scripture.

"She called herself Nyxamé," Elian answered, stepping beside Leon. "She appeared right after the battle ended. Just… watched us. Spoke as if she knew us."

Enoch's voice was unusually grave. "She didn't attack. But the pressure… it felt like she could've erased us with a thought if she wanted to."

Cardinal Caeli's fingers traced across the living page as it inked itself with a new passage:

The Crownless Queen awakens. The mirror is turned inward. The Meek shall face their Pride.

Caeli whispered, "So the Veil begins to thin..."

Leon stepped forward. "Cardinal. What are the Dark Apostles?"

Caeli looked at them — truly looked. Their radiant gaze like glass, reflecting all sins and virtues.

"They are not mere Apostates… not like the corrupted ones we've fought before," they said quietly.

"They are the Inverted Reflections — forged by Centurion himself to unravel the Twelve Virtues. Where you are light by choice, they are darkness by design."

"Because you are new. Unshaped. Vulnerable to doubt — and powerful enough to threaten what she is."

"You all did well. Rest, recover. The Seraphblade has awakened — and so too has the gaze of the enemy. We must move carefully now."

Leon bowed again. "Understood, Cardinal."

As the three turned to leave, Caeli's voice echoed softly behind them:

"Let the world not forget: where one light is kindled, shadow always stirs to meet it."

Chapter 27 – Shadows in the Light