Chapter 18: Rest, Bond, and Blade
The morning sun beamed through the cracked windows of the run-down church. Dust floated in golden shafts of light, catching Ethan's eyes as he sat on the old wooden bench. His shirt lay folded beside him, and his back was bare as Hestia carefully traced her fingers along his falna.
She was quiet, unusually so.
A glowing light flickered as her divine script danced across his back, updating his stats. The silence was thick—until Hestia finally spoke.
"...Your growth is amazing."
Ethan smiled slightly. "Is that a good thing?"
She didn't answer immediately. Her hand paused mid-air, her eyes lingering a bit longer than usual.
"Yes," she finally said. "It's a very good thing. I'm proud of you."
But there was something hidden behind her voice—uncertainty? Worry?
Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Are you okay, Hestia?"
"I'm fine," she said quickly, too quickly.
Her tone made him frown. "You sure?"