Chapter 30
The faint chime of silence hung in the lounge after Aurorwen's graceful greeting. The air seemed to hold its breath as Lucien returned her bow with a stiff nod, doing his best to maintain composure despite the flutter in his chest.
The Third Light of the Sixth Branch—one of the highest-ranking individuals in the Church of Elyssira—was standing mere paces from him. More than that, she had personally arrived to oversee his awakening. If that wasn't intimidating enough, she was now his guide to a sacred rite whispered of with awe in noble circles.
Aurorwen broke the quiet, her voice as tranquil as a morning bell.
"If the young master does not mind," she began, "may I explain the procedure of awakening while we walk? I apologize for the abruptness of your summoning. My schedule today is... tightly bound."
Lucien's eyes widened.
"N-No! Not at all!" he replied quickly, panicked that someone of her status was apologizing to him. "Please, there's no need to say sorry. I—I would honestly prefer if we hasten it. Truly."
A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "That is most reassuring."
She turned gracefully and began walking toward the front-facing door—one far older than the rest, made of aged wood reinforced by pale silver bands. Ancient symbols were etched deep into the arch and its hinges, some glowing faintly with enchantments only the Church could maintain.
As she reached it, Aurorwen gestured toward the door.
"This passage leads to one of the many sanctified chambers housing a Root of the World," she explained.
Lucien's brows knit as he silently echoed her words in thought. Root of the World...?