Chapter 109: Promise
The towering structures of the church of Elaris rise around me, their spires entwined with the sprawling branches of the colossal sacred tree. This is the largest temple dedicated to Elaris in the entire kingdom, an awe-inspiring place that feels steeped in an ancient, almost forgotten reverence. I step off the carriage, my boots crunching softly on the gravel path, and then turn to help Noelle down. His hand slips into mine, and despite the familiarity of the gesture, the softness of his touch still sends warmth through me.
We are greeted by a priestess as soon as we step inside, her light green robes flowing slightly in the light wind. I had sent word ahead, ensuring our arrival would not be met with delay. As we walk through the halls, I’m struck by the absence of statues, save for the trees that are meant to represent Elaris. There are no golden idols here, no grand depictions of divinity. It’s a stark contrast to the other temples across the kingdom—like that of the biggest and popular deity Sun God, where towering statues depict him in all his wrath and glory, a god of war and victory. A god worshipped by men like me, or so they say.
I’ve never corrected the assumption that I, Thorne, the Crimson General, am a devout follower of the Sun God. Frankly, it’s too much of a bother, and what would people say if they knew? Not that I care.
Noelle walks beside me, as we’re led to the entrance of the temple’s inner sanctum. Ahead lies the sacred tree itself, a towering behemoth of wood and leaves, its presence filling the air with a sense of the divine. The earth beneath my feet feels different here—softer, warmer, alive. The grass and flowers seem to shimmer with life, as if Elaris herself is watching over them, keeping them pristine and untouched by the passing of time.
The priestess gestures for me to remove my shoes, and I do so without hesitation, feeling the cool earth beneath my soles. Noelle steps forward, intending to do the same, but the priestess raises a hand to stop him. "Only one person at a time," she says, her voice firm but gentle.
Noelle gives me a small nod, stepping back, motioning for me to go on. I take a deep breath and begin to walk toward the tree. The closer I get, the heavier the air feels—not oppressive, but charged, as if the very ground is aware of my presence. There’s a weight to each step, not just the physical sensation of walking barefoot, but a sense of being scrutinized, measured.
**
Noelle stood quietly, watching Thorne as he knelt humbly beneath the massive tree. Despite Thorne’s imposing nature and his reputation as the Crimson General, the sight of him in reverence was endearing—almost charming in its contrast. Noelle had assumed Thorne would have been a staunch believer in the Sun God, but he never asked much about his husband’s faith. As for himself, religion wasn’t something that had ever really stuck. The closest thing he had to a deity was Elaris, and even then, it was more out of a passing respect inherited from his mother, Elena, who hadn’t been devout either.
"Clearly, he kept his promise," a voice interrupted his thoughts. Noelle turned, startled, to see a familiar figure standing beside him.