Chapter 36: Harmony
As Sherry gazed up into the sky, this time she did not see the holy maiden with wings that she had seen earlier.
Above her — vast, solemn, silent — the robed figure of the Shadow Priest lingered still, staff lowered now in silent benediction.
The girl's mouth trembled.
Her eyes widened — and then flooded with tears.
"The Shadow Priest..." she whispered brokenly. "The Keeper of the Forgotten..."
Her tears blurred her vision, and she stumbled forward and dropped to her knees. Her head bowed low in reverence, forehead pressing into the dust.
The presence of Varr was overwhelming, yet strangely kind — like the acceptance of a night that shielded all wounds from the harshness of the sun.
Around them, the villagers — still kneeling — watched in breathless awe.
Even Lysaria, her heart hammering against her ribs, stared silently.
Riku smiled faintly, stepping forward.
He pointed gently — not at the sky, but at the violet-glowing stones, and at the rows of villagers still praying, still believing.