Chapter 12: Secrets Unveiled
The morning after a daring heist, divine combat, and vigorous celebratory debauchery hits different when you wake up on a silk chaise lounge with three femboys tangled around you like designer drapes. The air still smelled faintly of sweat, incense, and wine, with just a hint of heresy. I stretched luxuriously, wincing as my shoulder throbbed from where Hollow had stabbed me.
"We’re going to need more bandages," I muttered, disentangling myself from Lysaria’s legs, Elian’s arm, and whatever part of Marius was currently drooling on my stomach. I needed a bath, a mirror, and possibly a small army.
Instead, I got Salem.
He strolled in with all the energy of someone who hadn’t spent the night moaning into velvet pillows. "You’re awake. Good. We need to talk."
"At least let me pee first."
He tossed a scroll at me. It unrolled across my chest like a divine indictment. I recognized the Church’s wax seal, now cracked in half.
"You opened my mail."
"You declared war. I figured you’d be fine with a little light treason."
Fair point.
I sat up and skimmed the contents. The letter was as furious as it was predictable. Accusations of blasphemy. Demands for Hollow’s return. A vague threat about divine retribution and holy fire raining from the sky.
"They’re not actually going to smite us, are they?" Elian murmured, rising from the chaise in only a sheer chemise.