The interior of the cathedral was filled with solemn silence as the conversation between Dinis, Irina, and the priest progressed. After the long account of the attack and Irina's return, the priest finally understood the extent of Dinis's courage. But even so, his doubts only deepened. He couldn't understand what would lead such a powerful Sentinel to seek the church's counsel or to venture on such a dangerous quest.
Dinis, however, had no interest in prolonging explanations. Every minute seemed to weigh on him, and his determination was palpable. He looked directly at the priest and, in a firm and resolute tone, said: "Irina told me about an oracle at the foot of Mount Targot. I need you to tell me how I can get there."
Dinis's words were direct and sharp like his blade. His posture indicated urgency, and he was not willing to waste any more time. The priest's calm expression quickly transformed into something somber, almost as if those words had crossed an invisible line. Dinis's urgency did not seem to move him; instead, he showed growing unease, as if every second spent beside the Sentinel left him more alarmed.
"Look, young man," began the priest, his voice laden with concern and respect, "I am immensely grateful for what you did for Irina and the safe return of our grimoire. But, as a form of gratitude, I implore you: do not waste your life on this quest. The risks are incalculable, and the oracle... it is a force that no one fully understands. Mount Targot is a place where many are lost."
Dinis, however, remained impassive. He had already decided that there was no turning back. His search for answers about his parents and his destiny was all that mattered. As soon as the priest finished speaking, he stood up firmly, ready to depart without hesitation.
But before he could cross the door, a soft and worried voice interrupted his departure.
"Wait! You're already leaving?" Irina took a step toward him, concern evident in her gaze. "At least... at least let me accompany you on this journey. You shouldn't face this alone."
Irina's words carried a sincere weight. Although the time they had spent together was short, something deep had formed between them. Irina felt a connection with Dinis, a feeling of companionship and perhaps something more. The desire to be by his side, to share the journey, propelled her.
However, Dinis had already anticipated that she might make this proposal, and his response was ready, even though it caused him mixed feelings.
"No," he said, his voice firm but laden with a gentleness that Irina hadn't heard before. "You... would only end up delaying the trip. And I cannot guarantee your safety by my side."
Irina, though she felt the harshness of the words, understood that he spoke more out of concern than rejection. Dinis did not want to drag her into a journey he knew would be extremely dangerous. Deep down, he preferred that she remained safe, and his heart tightened at the thought of putting her at risk.
Dinis took a step forward and cast a respectful and almost protective look at Irina. "I cannot take you with me," he repeated, this time more softly. "It wouldn't be fair to you. My life... my mission... is full of risks that you shouldn't share."
Irina lowered her gaze, trying to process the mix of emotions passing within her. She knew that, in part, Dinis was right, but the idea of letting him face that alone saddened her deeply. The days they had spent together were enough to leave a mark on her heart. She wanted to believe that, somehow, their destinies would cross again further ahead.
The priest, who until then had remained silent, sighed, recognizing Dinis's decision. "Young man," he said in a gentle and thoughtful tone, "there are burdens that were destined to be carried in solitude. The path to Mount Targot is not for just anyone. There are forces there that no one fully understands."
Dinis nodded, absorbing the priest's warning, but his determination was unshaken. He knew he was committing to an almost suicidal journey, but his desire for answers was stronger than fear. With one last look at Irina, he turned and walked out the door, leaving the cathedral in silence.
Irina and the priest remained standing, the emptiness he left seeming to echo in the environment. Irina felt a subtle pain in her chest, and the priest, perceiving this, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "He is strong, my child. And he knows what he's doing. Give him the chance to find the answers he seeks, even if the journey is difficult."
Irina nodded, forcing a smile. In her heart, there was a certainty that somehow, she and Dinis would meet again. And as the cathedral returned to its silence, she whispered a silent prayer that he would find strength amid the darkness that awaited him on Mount Targot.