Valen leads the group out of the market district, where the bustling crowds gradually thin.
The cacophony of voices fades, replaced by a quiet hum as they approach a towering structure visible even from a distance. Its golden linings shimmer in the sunlight and its pristine white walls seem untouched by time or dirt.
Eska stops in her tracks, her eyes fixed on the magnificent building. To Valen and Ciel, it's a familiar sight but to Eska, it's nothing short of breathtaking. "The Cathedral," Ciel says gently, noticing her awe. "That's where people come to pray and honor the god who protects this city."
Eska's expression shifts from amazement to a faint frown. "Nakisk," she mutters, recalling the name of the god mentioned during her first meeting with the Speaker.
Ciel hesitates, offering a nervous smile. "Y-yeah,".
Valen steps in, his tone firm. "He's the reason you're alive, Eska. You'd do well to show some respect."
"Sure," Eska replies, her voice dismissive. She casts her gaze downward, her steps resume as they walk closer to the cathedral.
Marina's voice whispers in Eska's mind. "They were all unknown once, even Nakisk. But after humans killed their first and only god, things… changed. Nakisk especially—since the god humans killed was his younger brother."
Eska flinches slightly, her eyes darting for a moment. Ciel notices immediately. "Are you okay?" she asks, concern softening her voice.
Marina cuts in quickly. "Another time."
Eska fumbles for a response. "No—I mean, yeah. I'm fine. It's just… everything here is so different from what I'm used to." She forces a nervous laugh.
Without a second of hesitation Ciel speaks. "You'll get used to it!" She reassures her with a bright smile, clasping Eska's hand in a comforting squeeze. "We'll take it slow and soon enough, this place will feel like home!"
Eska is taken aback by the warmth in Ciel's voice. For the first time, she feels a sliver of calm, her tension easing. "I—" she stammers before finally managing, "Thank you." She flashes Ciel a small but genuine smile, her first since they met.
Valen notices her smile and pauses with slight surprise. He says nothing but quietly observes the shift in Eska's demeanor.
"Oh!" Ciel exclaims, her face lighting up. "Is that your real smile? I think it is! See? We're making progress."
She lets out a soft laugh, the sound bubbling with encouragement.
The group steps into the cathedral's courtyard and Eska stops in her tracks, her eyes wide in wonder.
"What is this place?!" she gasps, running toward the rows of carefully planted trees and flower beds arranged in the shape of a half sun. The sight leaves her awestruck, her excitement momentarily eclipsing all else.
She comes to a stop when she notices the glares from people around her. Acolytes and Knights walking around
Eska's steps falter as she notices the stares. Acolytes in white robes pause mid-task, their gazes lingering on her with expressions of unease.
Knights clad in armor pass by, their eyes briefly meeting hers before shifting away. The whispers are faint but unmistakable and Eska feels the weight of their attention settle heavily on her shoulders.
"Everyone in the church knows who you are, Eska." Valen tells her as she walks back to the group. "Not many are happy that you walk around the city and many just want to get it over with."
Eska's initial awe of the cathedral fading under the oppressive scrutiny. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself and follows Valen and Ciel as they press forward.
Ciel takes her hand once more before heading out and offers her a reassuring smile, but even that feels distant under the weight of the stares.
As they approach one of the grand entrances to the cathedral, Eska's attention shifts from the onlookers to a figure standing in their path.
The sight takes her breath away.
A radiant being with brilliant white wings spread wide stands before them, their presence commanding yet serene. The woman's golden blond hair cascades down her back, reaching her waist.
She wears armor that gleams in the sunlight—metal gauntlets, shoulder guards and greaves—while the rest of her is draped in a flowing white dress intricately lined with golden threads.
Her cyan-blue eyes lock onto Eska, holding a piercing yet calm gaze.
Above her head hovers a halo, an intricate design. The halo seems alive with divine energy, its light casting soft glimmers onto the stones below.
She stands tall, much taller than everyone and anyone. She could easily reach seven feet tall.
The group halts just before stepping into the circle of light cast by her radiant halo.
"Miriel," Valen greets, his voice carrying a mix of respect and familiarity. "We weren't expecting you." He bows slightly, as does Ciel.
The angel inclines her head, her voice melodic yet firm. "Enough Valen, Ciel. That is not necessary."
Her gaze shifts back to Eska, the intensity of her presence making it difficult to hold eye contact.
"You must be Eska."
Eska feels a lump form in her throat, unsure whether to bow, speak or simply stand frozen. The sheer grace and authority of Miriel's presence leaves her momentarily stunned.
Ciel gently places a hand on her shoulder, grounding her. Valen steps forward to address the angel but she extends the palm of her hand towards him.
"I'd like to speak with her, if you don't mind," Miriel says, her voice calm and melodious as she addresses Valen.
"Yes, of course." Valen steps aside without hesitation. Ciel follows his lead, stepping back, leaving Eska caught off guard as Miriel approaches her.
"Come, child. I'd like to speak with you," Miriel says softly, her serene gaze settling on Eska.
Eska hesitates and glances back at Ciel, who gives her a reassuring nod. Miriel steps between them, her halo casting a soft glow around her as she signals Eska to follow.
As they move together through the area, the weight of the stares and murmurs from others gradually fades, leaving a quieter path behind them.
"Eska," Miriel begins, "you may see us as an opposing force, perhaps even an enemy. But I want you to understand—I consider you one of our god's children." She looks down at Eska with compassion rather than judgment, her radiant presence both soothing and intimidating.
Eska listens in silence as Miriel continues. "I also want to thank you. What you did—saving so many of our people—was extraordinary. Oblea must be an incredible teacher...and a devoted mother." Miriel pauses briefly, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, "I almost envy her."
Eska glances up at Miriel in confusion, catching only fragments of her last words. But the light of the angel's halo blinds her and she quickly looks down, shielding her eyes.
Miriel notices but continues regardless.
"That is not all," she says, her tone shifting slightly. "Valen, as steadfast as he is, doubted himself for the first time because of you. He even sought the guidance of the Speaker, something I never thought I'd witness."
A faint smile crosses her lips. "Though I had hoped he would turn to me, I thank you for it. I look forward to seeing more of what you are capable of."
Eska squints against the glow as she looks back up. "Why would you be okay with all this?" she asks, her uncertainty. "You seem like someone who can order a lot of people around here… maybe even higher than the Speaker?"
Miriel chuckles softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Titles and ranks mean little to me. What I care about is watching my children grow, Eska. But this will be enough for today."
She stops and places a gentle hand on Eska's shoulder. "One thing I want you to remember—no matter what you think of the church, I will be here for you. Come to me if you ever need guidance."
"Uh... sure," Eska responds, unsure of what else to say. She looks forward, noticing Ciel waiting for her inside the Cathedral.
As the light around her begins to dim, Eska looks around to try and catch a glimpse of Miriel but the angel has vanished. Her attention is soon drawn to the immense grandeur of the Cathedral's interior, its sheer scale and beauty momentarily stealing her breath.
"Angels. Eugh," Marina's voice echoes in Eska's head, dripping with disdain. "I've fought three of them. Devious creatures, really. Their greatest trick is their ridiculous ability to heal—slice a limb off and they'll regrow it before your blade even finishes the cut."
Eska blinks, startled by what she can only assume is unsolicited angel trivia.
"I'm not sure," she whispers in her mind. "Miriel didn't seem... devious. She seemed to care."
"You'll understand when the time comes," Marina replies cryptically, leaving Eska to her swirling thoughts.
"Eska?" Ciel's voice cuts through her internal conversation. "Valen's gone to deliver Adevi's order."
"O-Oh!" Eska snaps out of her daze. "Sorry, this place is just... I've never seen anything so massive with so many people inside."
"Of course!" Ciel beams with infectious enthusiasm. "This Cathedral is the most sacred place connected to our god. The doors are always open for anyone to pray. Parents even bring their children here—it's one of the safest places in the city."
"Because of all the church people?" Eska asks curiously.
"Not just that," Ciel explains. "Miriel is often here. Even when she's away, she can see everything that happens inside these walls."
"Is she... a hunter too?" Eska tilts her head, her curiosity bubbling up.
"She's strong enough to be one, for sure," Ciel says with a smile. "But angels aren't allowed outside the city."
"Is that another law?"
"You could say that," Ciel nods. "It's more like a sacred guideline."
Before Eska can ask further, Valen approaches from behind. "Girls, let's keep moving. Time to head to the living quarters."
"The living quarters?" Eska asks, her steps falling in beside his.
"Yes," Valen replies as they leave the Cathedral. "You'll be staying with Ciel once your recovery is complete."
Eska takes a deep breath as they step into the open air, the imposing grandeur of the Cathedral shrinking behind them.
The city's buzz returns in a softer hum as they walk toward the living quarters.
The trio walks away from the Cathedral, its towering spires fading into the background as they move further into the city.
She watches the people passing by, each one of them carrying a different purpose and she can't help but wonder quietly if she could ever belong among them.