Chapter 256: The Truth
Shadows gathered from the corners of the alley, drawing together into a tight cloak about the man’s shoulders, draping down in wispy tendrils that curled about our legs. The summer sun darkened, growing distant and cold, the very air itself holding its breath.
"You’re as beautiful as they say," the man murmured, eyes running over my body, lingering particularly on my gentle curves.
I shivered, drawing my cloak tight about me, letting out a soft whimper as the fabric dragged over the lacerations in my flesh. Most of my wounds had scabbed over, leaving my raw flesh sticky with dried blood.
"Who are you?" I asked, eyeing him warily. Although he had helped me, no one with pure intent would so blatantly leer at someone so weak and hurt.
Finally tearing his eyes off my body, he met my eyes and pondered the question. I fidgeted, gripping the hem of my cloak, afraid he wouldn’t answer, until finally, he opened his mouth.
"Alverin Truthsworn, the First Link of the Chain and Lord of the Circle."
He stated it with such flagrance, his tone so casual, that I found myself nodding before his words fully registered. Once they had, I stiffened so fast my tail struck the wall, a rush of adrenaline and fear pumping through my system.
"Oh, as much as I love seeing you squirm, I’m afraid I’m not in a position to threaten you," he said, spreading his arms wide. "See?"
I hesitated, taking a closer look at him. A second later, I relaxed, though I still kept my staff close at hand. As he said, he bore no soul. His body was made up of countless runes and threads of mana, nothing more than a complex illusion. The detail and realism of the spell were without equal, so uncannily accurate that without the Eyes of Fate, or a similar ability, it would be impossible to determine he wasn’t real.
I had witnessed such a spell once before, though at the time I’d seen through it immediately. Luke, the self-proclaimed "Apostle of the Descent" had visited me with it within the bowels of the Ice Gate. Were the two connected somehow? Did the Circle of Chains consort with the demons as well as the inquisitors?
Before I could further that line of thought, Alverin smiled, his arms falling back to his sides. "He was right, you know. Truly remarkable, a demonkin in every way. Though the law of the first encounter makes you his, it would be a shame to leave such beauty and potential in the hands of such a weak-minded demonkin."