Page 17 of The Ascended
"Probably just someone heading home," a voice called out from the other side of the cave.
The hoofbeats drew closer, accompanied by the soft jingle of harness and the measured tread of horses.
Light appeared at the cave mouth—torchlight. As it drew closer, shapes emerged from the darkness. Riders in white robes.
The singing died completely as the lead rider dismounted, his boots silent on the sandy ground. When he lowered his hood, the firelight revealed features that were beautiful in the way sharp edges were beautiful—perfect and cold and somehow wrong.
"Good evening," he said, his voice carrying easily through the suddenly silent cave. "I do hope we're not interrupting."
Behind him, other figures moved with the same unnatural stillness, arranging themselves around the cave mouth like pieces on a game board.
The priest smiled, white teeth gleaming in the dying firelight.
Chapter 4
The Reckoning
"I must say,Last Light is far more... spirited than I expected from such a simple village."
No one moved. No one spoke.
"We had planned, of course, to wait until tomorrow's official ceremony to conduct our business," the priest said, his tone conversational. "But when we heard the music, the laughter echoing from these caves..." He smiled. "Well, we simply couldn't resist joining your celebration."
The wine in my stomach turned to acid. Around me, I could feel the tension ripple through the crowd.
"You see," the priest continued, his gaze sweeping across the cavern, "we've had such an educational stay in your charming village. Your hospitality has been... adequate." He paused beside Henrik, who was clutching his fiddle like a shield.
"Last week," the priest said, "we witnessed quite the celestial display above your cliffs."
Beside me, Sulien had gone absolutely still. I didn't dare look at him. Didn't dare breathe. Thatcher's spike of panic stabbed me through the bond.
The priest’s smile widened. "A blessed walks among you tonight."
The words crashed into the cave, ripples of fear spreading outward from their impact. Faces I'd known my entire life transformed—neighbors looked at each other with sudden suspicion.
"Now." The priest clasped his hands behind his back, beginning a slow circuit around the fire. "Divine law demands that all blessed present themselves for the sacred Trials of Ascension. It is, as I'm sure you understand, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a mortal soul."
Liar.The word blazed through my mind with such force I was amazed it didn't burst from my lips.
"However," he continued, his voice taking on a note of false compassion. "We are not unreasonable men. We are not without mercy. We understand that some among the blessed may feel... reluctant to embrace their destiny. Fear is natural." His pale eyes swept the crowd, lingering on face after face. "Therefore, we offer this blessed soul the opportunity to step forward voluntarily. No questions asked."
The silence stretched, thick and suffocating. My heart rattled in my chest. Every breath felt like it might betray me, every movement might draw their attention.
The priest let the silence build, clearly enjoying the fear he was cultivating. He moved past Lira, who had gone pale. Past Elder Keth, whose hands shook around his cup. Past children who pressed themselves against their parents' legs.
"Come now," the priest said. "Surely whoever performed such a magnificent display possesses the courage to claim credit for their artistry?"
Say something,I told myself desperately.Step forward.
But my throat was closed. Terror held me frozen as surely as if I'd been turned to stone.
Move. Say something. Do something.
My mouth opened, but no sound came out. Beside me, Sulien's breathing was shallow and rapid. His hand closed around my wrist.
"A pity." The priest sighed. "I suppose we'll have to do this the unpleasant way after all."
His gaze swept the cave once more, no longer casual. No, now he was hunting.
