Page 52 of A Soul to Guide

In his peripheral, he watched Raewyn reach up with her free hands to unwrap her hair coverings, allowing her two thick white braids freedom.

Chattering echoed. If he could hear their curiosity about the Duskwalker and the Elf, he didn’t doubt she could as well.

The Priest led them into the centre of the candles on the floor, where Merikh examined the runic circle, not only painted, but carved into the ground. An aversion to entering it filled him, as such magic symbology could be used to harm or trap him, but he entered it anyway.

The man’s earlier behaviour gave him the impression they wouldn’t harm Raewyn, considering his awe and desire to assist her. If they were to attack Merikh, they would know she could be put in potential danger.

He hoped they remained wise.

Just in case, though, he warned, “Try anything funny, and you’ll make the Elf regret coming here.”

The man’s back stiffened, as did Raewyn’s.

A Priestess with dark, fawny skin and straight black hair came running into the sanctuary, her robe, black rather than white, fluttering behind her. She skidded to a halt, her eyes a bright pink before they settled into their normal dim glow.

The person who had run out earlier was behind them, and they bumped into her so hard, they both almost fell forward. Their feet squeaked as they stumbled and righted themselves, both chests heaving with panted breaths.

The Priestess dressed in black had a different kind of mask tied to her belt sash. It was painted completely red, with a golden triangle where he thought her third eye would be if she were to wear it.

There was something about her, though, as she quickly calmed her breathing while looking them over. She straightened her robe, lifted her chin, and gracefully walked forward.

She’s different,Merikh concluded after examining her. Her shoulders were pushed back, as though to convey a sense of superiority.She must be some sort of leader.

The Priest who led them inside turned to the approaching Priestess. Since he’d removed his mask upon entering, he closed all three of his eyes, crossed his right arm over his stomach, and placed the side of his index and middle fingers of his left hand over his third eye.

“Holy overseer,” he greeted, his tone light and filled with the utmost respect. “I can understand why you must have been alarmed, but I’m sure you can recognise why I permitted them entry.”

Her lips were pursed in Merikh’s direction, and he folded his arms in response. He nodded his snout in Raewyn’s direction.

Her glare didn’t fade, her eyes remaining on his bony skull even as she moved her face towards the Elf. Then she smiled brightly towards Raewyn, likely knowing by her starburst pupils that she wouldn’t be able to see it, but did so regardless.

“Hello, my name isMaia Sheltier. I am the holy overseer of Ashpine City’s temple.” Her voice was deep, lacking in femininity, yet it radiated kindness and respect. “May I ask you both your names?”

“I am Raewyn Daefaren, and this is Merikh,” Raewyn answered, presenting her own smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Maia said, never taking her eyes off Raewyn. “Never in my life did I think I would be bestowed the honour of meeting an Elysian Elf. Us Anzúli have not greeted your kind in centuries. What are you doing on Earth? Has the great change finally come?”

There was hope in the woman’s voice. It even brightened the faces of those pretending they weren’t eavesdropping on their echoing conversation.

Raewyn’s smile snuffed out within the span of a breath, and her head lowered, as though with shame.

“No. I’m sorry, but I’m not an emissary for my people,” Raewyn responded in a small voice. “I’m actually one of the eighteen from thesynedruscouncil, specifically one of the three heads of the scientific divisions.”

Merikh reared his head back in surprise, unaware Raewyn was a person of power, or a scientist. Her personality already appeared far too playful and light for this kind of profession.

Then again, what would he know? His assumptions were based on stereotypes, considering he’d never met a scientist of any kind before – other than maybe himself. He guessed what he did was theory work and studies, since he’d always known he’d need a freaking portal to get off this world.

Any human leader he’d met was usually someone cold and unfeeling, bearing the burdens of their people.

“While I was working in my laboratory,” Raewyn continued, “I accidentally constructed a chaos portal and was transported here, to Earth.”

Maia and the Priest’s hopeful expressions fell, but Maia was the one who looked truly concerned. She’d even gone a little pale, which only highlighted the brightness of her glowing pink eyes.

“I’m truly sorry, but if you have come here seeking a way home, there is nothing we can do for you.”

Merikh could hear the way Raewyn’s heart stuttered before pumping wildly. She stepped forward, her brow crinkling in confusion, and he thought even fear. The overpowering incense in the temple made it near impossible for him to smell anything clearly, no doubt even if he removed his snout cloth.

“What do you mean, there’s nothing you can do?” Raewyn asked, a tremble in her voice. “If-if you take me to your portal, you should be able to redirect it to Nyl’theria. I’m sure I can help you.”

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