Chapter 52: When Light Casts Shadows
Chapter 52 : When Light Casts Shadows
Lioren was not kidding. He would face the church of light for his loving sister.
He was not one that wasted time. When he made up his mind on a subject matter, he took it.
The great cathedral of the Church of Light stood like a monument of judgment before Lioren, its towers piercing the gold-streaked sky. He halted at the base of its vast marble steps, and with a wave of his hand, ordered his carriage and servants to remain behind.
“Wait here. I’ll return shortly.”
The high walls shimmered faintly in the setting sun, stained glass catching the light and throwing holy specters across the stone ground. At the fire-lit front, armored figures stood rigid with discipline—Holy Knights, their gleaming breastplates stamped with the sacred emblem: a star within a circle. Their silence was not just for show. These ones were watchers and executioners, bound by vow and fire.
But even more unnerving than the knights was the figure seated silently at the highest point of the cathedral.
She wore the blood-red robes of the Red-Stitched Sisters, her head bowed, her eyes sewn shut with black thread, as was her mouth. A Ruby on her forehead that glowed softly in the dusk.
They was always one of them on the cathedral. They never moved. Not when it rained. Not when snow fell. Not even when lightning struck. Always present. Always watching—even without eyes.
Even now, with her stitched eyes, Lioren felt her presence on him. Not just him. Everyone who dared approach this place.
He climbed the high steps with quiet resolve, each footfall echoing against the stone like a challenge. Inside, the cathedral's ceiling soared so high it vanished into shadow, its arches carved with prayers older than memory. Light poured through the stained windows, but it was not warm. It was cold, reverent, and hollow—like the eyes of the statues lining the walls.
Just as he arrived, he was greeted by a bent, gray-robed priest, age etched deep into his features.