The same day, a few hours after Lucian had left, Lucy found herself alone at home, immersed in her thoughts, when suddenly, an ethereal female voice resonated in the room—it was Selena.
"I have a task for you."
The unexpected voice sent a shiver down Lucy's spine, but she swiftly regained her composure and responded, "What do you need, Goddess."
Silence followed, then Selena's voice returned with purpose, "Today, I need you to approach a Sunner team and ask to join them."
Perplexed by the request, Lucy was on the verge of asking for clarification. However, she held back, recognizing the impropriety of questioning a Goddess. Instead, she simply nodded and affirmed, "Alright."
Then, a wave of contemplation washed over her.
Am I to become a spy Embed myself within their ranks, harness their resources for 'Her'...
She adorned her special black top hat and donned a different suit, reserved for such special occasions. Crafted from finer materials, it boasted elegant layers and a rich ebony hue. She chose to forgo bringing her silver knife or any other weapons.
Soon, she set forth from her home, making her way to the church. Upon arrival, she entered the nearly vacant sanctuary and approached the Bishop, a man who appeared younger than his role, garbed in a white robe.
"Father, I wish to confess," she conveyed, motioning for privacy.
"I see, come, young woman," he responded, leading her toward the confession box.
Seated, she faced a veiled screen, behind which the face remained obscured.
"Father, I'm a Believer, recently graduated from Belfed just a year ago. I yearn to serve a higher purpose and join the Sunner ranks."
The Bishop pondered for a moment before remarking, "I see. It warms my heart to witness individuals like you, willing to shield others even when it entails facing harm."
He inquired further, "What is your current occupation and name?"
Without hesitation, she replied, "I am Lucy Hall a private detective."
Observing the Bishop contemplative, she awaited his decision. Eventually, he spoke, "Excellent. I will confer with others to ascertain if there is a vacancy for you. Return this evening at 18:00 to receive the news."
Lucy beamed with joy, expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Father."
She strolled out of the church, her mind immersed in contemplation.
I had no choice. Despite being a devoted follower of the God of Sun, after witnessing what she revealed to me... I simply cannot continue down that path.
...
18:00 Outside the church:
"It's time, ohh I'm nervous."
Lucy's heart raced as she approached the imposing wooden door, its creaking echo seemed to heighten her apprehension. As the door swung open, the Victorian-era church interior was revealed, bathed in the soft glow of gas lamps. Seven figures stood within, their silhouettes cast long shadows against the aged, ornate walls.
She cautiously entered, avoiding eye contact with the others. The assembly, clad in light gray suits with accents of golden yellow, remained reticent. The priest, a familiar figure from earlier, offered a cordial greeting, his voice resonating in the sacred space.
"Good evening everyone," Lucy offered, though her salutation met with silence.
In one corner, Melissa observed Lucy's every move with a discerning gaze. Nearby, Levi stood, a distant expression etched on his face, his disinterest in the proceedings palpable. Across from them, four more members of the Sunners congregated.
Adjacent to an imposing statue, two wooden chairs and a table stood as if awaiting their guests. The priest motioned for Lucy to take a seat, and she complied, her restless fingers tapping an anxious rhythm on the table's polished surface.
Melissa joined her, the measured click of her footsteps resonating through the church. With a professional air, she placed her briefcase on the table.
"Hello Lucy. My name is Melissa," she introduced herself, her tone exuding formality.
Lucy's legs quivered, memories from her time at Belfed surfacing. She recalled the unspoken rule that surrounded Melissa. Her breath quickened, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Doubt began to claw at her, an unsettling feeling taking hold.
"I'll be asking a few questions; it's standard procedure. You have to drink from this vial," Melissa explained, retrieving a vial from her briefcase.
Speech eluded Lucy, her voice trapped. She simply nodded, accepted the vial, and downed its contents in a single gulp.
I'll definitely regret this, she mused.
As the liquid took effect, the church interior seemed to blur and sway. Melissa's hazel eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light, and she posed her first inquiry, her voice steady.
"Will you bring harm to the Church of Sun, civilians, or your comrades?"
Lucy knew that the role she'd taken on as a spy would inevitably demand such actions. She chose to deceive, her response resolute, "No, I would not."
Melissa swiftly followed with another query, her gaze unyielding, "Would you pose any danger to the church?"
Lucy's answer came swift and unwavering, "No."
With each question, Melissa's eyes grew brighter, her probing becoming more intense. She broached the next topic, her voice a measured cadence, "Were you sent by someone to infiltrate our ranks?"
A sharp, "No," punctuated the air.
Then, Melissa issued a proclamation, "In one minute, you will feel relief." This time, no memory-altering enchantment accompanied her words.
As the seconds ticked away, Lucy's surroundings gradually settled, the once-swirling images and lightheadedness dissipating like a wisp of dissipating mist. She stood composed, her gaze focused, ready to receive Melissa's final verdict.
Melissa turned her attention to Levi, who stood in the shadows, his demeanor aloof. A subtle shrug of Melissa's shoulders hinted at an unspoken exchange. Then, her gaze returned to Lucy, eyes gleaming with a newfound certainty.
"Congratulations! Welcome to our team, Lucy Hall," Melissa announced, her voice carrying a note of genuine warmth.
A surge of relief washed over Lucy, dispelling the lingering traces of apprehension. She released a quiet breath, her gratitude expressed in a soft, "Thank you for this opportunity. I won't let you down."
In response, Melissa's lips curved into a slight smile, a gesture of encouragement. She extended her hand in a gesture of camaraderie. Lucy reciprocated, their hands meeting in a firm, purposeful shake.
With the formalities concluded, Melissa proceeded to outline Lucy's new role. Her voice conveyed a matter-of-fact efficiency.
"You'll be on duty Monday through Friday, starting at 07:00 and finishing at 15:00. Occasionally, though infrequently, we may require your services in the evenings. While I acknowledge it may not be the most convenient arrangement, you'll find the weekly compensation quite substantial: one valling note and three valka notes, with room for advancement and potential salary increases. Our address is: Rasvel Street 4"
Lucy leaned in attentively, her focus honed on Melissa's words. As the details of her compensation were disclosed, a flicker of uncertainty crossed Lucy's features. Gathering her nerves, she politely interjected, "I'm sorry, could you please repeat the details of the weekly compensation? I didn't quite catch that."
Melissa's smile was reassuring as she reiterated the salary figures. Then, seamlessly, she transitioned to the next instruction. "You'll start tomorrow. Is that agreeable with you?"
Simultaneously, Lucy nodded in affirmation and responded, "Yes."
Melissa rose to her feet, and Lucy promptly followed suit. They exchanged another firm handshake before Lucy made her way out of the church.
"Levi, what are your thoughts? Do you think she'll be a valuable addition to our team? Her manners seem impeccable, and being a private detective, her tracking skills could prove quite useful."
Levi's response was terse, "Whatever."
Outside the church, Lucy practically skipped with joy. Joining the Sunner ranks had always been a secret desire, but she'd never summoned the courage to pursue it. However, her elation faded as she recalled the profound vision Selena had shared with her in that otherworldly realm.