Chapter 10: A New Name and Master
I gulped as the enchanted doors swung open, revealing a large and spacious chapel. Towering windows lined the walls from the back wall to the front, giving a panoramic view of the gardens and training grounds several stories down. A crystal chandelier, glistening with glowing gems, hung from the vaulted ceiling thirty feet above us. The first half of the room was filled with empty wooden pews, spaced evenly apart and providing for perhaps two hundred worshipers. A podium, raised several feet above the pews, took up the entire far side. It was empty save for an alter-like dais in the center. Several white-robed clergies surrounded three figures beside the dais. I immediately pierced their ranks and found the Sun Hero, clad in his gleaming armor and wearing a sheathed sword. The Father was in deep discussion with him, joined by another man I didn't recognize. The third was dark-haired and a bit overweight, dressed in lavish robes and wearing a bejeweled crown. I shivered as he alone noticed our arrival, and stared at me with hard eyes. He gave off an imperious air, and I felt like an ant beneath his boot. As Revera announced our presence, the hero and Father fell silent, turning to look at us.
"I've brought the filthblood," Revera said, pushing me forward.
I winced as she used the slur. The priestess had never been kind, but she'd avoided saying anything derogatory. At the same time, however, her tone was devoid of maliciousness, and she sounded flat and uninterested.
The imperious man's face took on a twinge of disgust as my tail swept about nervously. "Bring her forward."
Guided by Revera, I walked through the pews and arrived before the dais. She placed a hand on my shoulder, her grip bearing extraordinary strength and pushing me to my knees. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I timidly bowed my head as three pairs of eyes scoured my soul.
"This is the one who made the magic crystal resonate?" The imperious man asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
'Of course," the hero said, folding his arms confidently.
The Father glared at him but quickly smoothed his expression. "Indeed, Your Holiness. I too wouldn't believe it if I hadn't been there."
"I see. You, demon, what is your name?"