Chapter 15: Test of Purity.
"It's already time, huh?"
Akamir mumbled, walking down the street.
The clouds had already thinned, leaving behind a pale, overcast sky.
The village's lanterns flickered to life one by one, casting trembling light onto the cobbled paths.
Akamir slowly walked towards the church, his black cloak drawn over his shoulders, hair neatly tied behind him.
Zia walked beside him, her hands tucked into her sleeves for warmth.
The bells of the church tolled slowly in the distance, their echo lingering like a warning.
"I talked with some villagers. They've never done this before," Zia whispered, glancing at Akamir, who walked ahead.
"Even during the worst storms or disappearances. They never called the whole village like this."
Akamir didn't answer.
His eyes were fixed on the church, visible past the clustered rooftops.