Chapter 43: The Herald Appears
"Now," Elian said, turning back to the crying children, his smile returning, sickeningly gentle. "Let the purification begin."
He lifted his hands, and brilliant, golden light began to gather around them, swirling into searing intensity.
"NO!" Lila screamed, struggling against the guards holding her.
"You monster!" Sherry snarled, spitting defiance even as she was forced to her knees.
Lysaria watched, helpless, tears streaming down her face as the faith she had dedicated her life to was twisted into an instrument of horrific cruelty.
Elian chanted, his voice resonating with power. "Flames of judgment! Light of purity! Cleanse this taint! Burn away the shadow!"
He thrust his hands forward. A wave of incandescent golden fire surged from him, engulfing the posts and the children tied to them. Their screams were horrifyingly brief, swallowed instantly by the roaring flames. The heat washed over the square, forcing the onlookers to shield their eyes.
The fire burned with unnatural intensity for a long, agonizing moment. When it finally subsided, there was nothing left. No ashes, no scorch marks on the posts, not even the ropes remained. The children were simply... gone. Erased by the "holy" flames.
A deathly silence fell over the square. Even the guards looked shaken.
Lila crumpled to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Sherry stared at the empty posts, her face a mask of utter desolation and cold rage. Lysaria stood frozen, her world shattered, the golden light she revered now feeling like poison on her skin.
"It is done," Elian announced, his voice ringing with false piety. "The curse is lifted. Vintross is safe." He turned to the guards holding the three women. "Take these heretics to the cells."