Chapter 11: Revelation
As I swore my life to him, the slave crest flashed one final time. The lingering pain faded with the light, replaced instead by a strange... presence. Instinctively, I knew it to be the Hero. I could feel his warmth and strength, nudging me forward. The feeling reminded me of a compass, always pointing to him. Lost in contemplation, I jumped as he snatched my dress, which hung about my waist, and jerked it up.
"Ahh!" I stuttered, holding the garment tight about my chest. I quickly slipped my arms through the sleeves, which wasn't too hard considering how scrawny I was. How had I not realized I'd been half-naked the entire time?
I blushed a deep crimson and turned away. "S-Sorry, I-"
"It's alright," he said, "It's just part of the process." Although he said that, I could tell he was hiding a little red of his own.
An intrusive cough shattered the awkward atmosphere, coming from the Pope. They had been watching the whole time! I wanted to disappear into the ground, barely listening as he spoke.
"Take your slave to the chapel to be properly identified before evening. As she'll accompany you from here on out, take her to your lessons and activities. But," he said warningly, "don't forget her place."
"Yes, Father." he nodded.
The hero took the chain from Revera's hands. I fell behind him and we left the chapel. Behind us, I saw Revera whispering with the Bishop. As we passed through the doors, they looked looking over their shoulder as we left. Probably talking about the slave crest or something.
As the doors closed behind us, the Hero's shoulders slumped and he turned to me with a face full of concern. "Are you alright?"