Page 205 of The Ascended
"This is the best I can offer," Xül replied, his expression unusually serious. "If it's even possible to prepare for what Vorinar and Aella have planned."
"I'll take my chances," I said, stepping back. "I'd rather wing it."
Xül's eyes narrowed as he studied my face. "Don’t be ridiculous." He glanced meaningfully at another priest who walked past us. "You can’t actually expect me to believe you’re afraid of these people."
I stiffened. "Fear and hatred are two very different things."
"Yes," he agreed. "And you can use either to fuel your stars if you feel threatened."
“So I have your permission then?” I eyed him.
“I suppose, though you won’t need it.” He smiled. “Everyone in there would simply shatter if you brought the sky down. These aren’t warriors or strategists. They’re peaceful.”
I watched the priests moving about their business.
"So I shouldn’t expect any violence then?" I asked, hating the vulnerability in my voice.
Xül’s expression shifted. "I promise. And if they tried, they would not survive the attempt."
The fierce certainty in his voice steadied me. I took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine. But if anything feels wrong?—"
"We leave immediately," he finished. "You have my word."
He extended his hand again, and after a moment's hesitation, I took it. His fingers closed around mine.
The interior of the temple was cool and dim after the harsh desert sun, lit by oil lamps that cast dancing shadows on the sand-colored walls. The air smelled of incense and old parchment. Priests moved about quietly, some transcribing scrolls, others lounging in alcoves carved into the walls.
Xül led me through the main chamber and up a spiraling staircase. The higher we climbed, the fewer people we encountered, until finally we stood before a simple wooden door.
He turned to me, taking a deep breath. "What I am about to show you can never be repeated to anyone. Do you understand?"
The seriousness of his tone made me hesitate. "Why show me at all, then?"
"Because you need every advantage you can get," he replied.
Before I could respond, he continued. "Promise me, Thais."
I nodded slowly. "Fine."
He held my gaze for a moment longer, then rapped his knuckles against the handle. Without waiting for a response, he pushed it open and gestured for me to follow him inside.
The room beyond was small and sparsely furnished—a few cushions on the floor, a low table with a tea service, and shelves lining the walls, filled with scrolls and strange objects I couldn't identify. Sitting cross-legged on a cushion was an elderly man, his back straight despite his age, his eyes closed.
His skin—the color of parchment—was deeply streaked withwrinkles. His hair was a pure, luminous white that curled up at his shoulders. He wore simple robes of shifting gray, but unlike the other priests, an aura of golden light surrounded him.
As I stepped inside, the old man opened his eyes, and I had to stifle a gasp. They were milky white. He turned his face directly toward us.
"Prince Xül," he said, his voice deep and melodious.
Xül inclined his head—something I'd never seen him offer anyone, not even his own father. "Heron."
The man's attention shifted to me. "And you've brought a guest. One with a most interesting lineage."
I froze, my heart hammering against my ribs. I shot Xül a panicked glance.
"Indeed," Xül confirmed, closing the door behind us with a soft click.
Heron merely smiled, the expression transforming his weathered face into something almost boyish. "I won’t pry. Some secrets aren't mine to tell." He gestured to the cushions across from him. "Please, sit."
