The Sanctified Lanterns' base wasn't what Elias had expected. Hidden beneath the streets of Arkwright, the sprawling complex was a blend of cathedral-like grandeur and utilitarian efficiency. The air was cool and heavy with the scent of old books and burning incense. Gaslight fixtures cast flickering shadows across the stone walls, where ancient runes glowed faintly in the dark.
Elias followed Adrienne Vaughn through the halls, his eyes scanning the shelves of artifacts, the stacks of papers, and the robed figures moving with purpose. Despite the unusual surroundings, he wasn't entirely surprised.
"It's true, then," he said, breaking the silence. "The Sanctified Lanterns are part of the Covenant of Lumina."
Adrienne glanced back at him. "You don't sound shocked."
Elias smirked faintly. "It's common knowledge in certain circles that the Covenant is hiding something dark. Your existence isn't exactly the best-kept secret."
Adrienne didn't respond, her expression unreadable as she pushed open a heavy wooden door.
The chamber they entered was grander than the others. A long table occupied the center of the room, surrounded by robed figures seated in high-backed chairs. At the head of the table sat a man who exuded authority. His piercing gaze met Elias's, and his presence demanded attention.
"Welcome, Mr. Thorne," the man said. "I am High Inquisitor Marcus Veylan. I oversee the Sanctified Lanterns and, by extension, the Covenant's dealings with the Veil."
Elias folded his arms, his skepticism clear. "I didn't ask to be brought here."
Veylan smiled faintly, his tone calm. "And yet, here you are. Adrienne tells me you encountered a Veilshard and survived. That alone warrants our attention."
Elias felt the weight of their gazes as Veylan continued.
"We have a few questions for you, Mr. Thorne," he said. "Starting with the artifact you carry—the monocle."
Elias instinctively reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing the cool brass surface. "It's just something my father left me," he said flatly. "Nothing special."
"Nothing special?" Adrienne interjected, leaning against the table. "That monocle is Veil-touched. It allows you to see what others can't, doesn't it?"
Elias hesitated before nodding. "Sometimes. I don't know how or why, but it does."
Veylan exchanged a look with Adrienne, then leaned forward. "Your father, Mr. Thorne. Do you know what he was?"
Elias frowned. "He was a detective. A good one, from what little I remember. But he disappeared when I was a kid. That's all I know."
"Disappeared," Veylan echoed, his voice heavy with implication. "Did it ever occur to you that he might have been Veilborn, like you?"
The question hit Elias harder than he expected. He clenched his fists, his voice sharp. "I don't care. He left, and that's all that matters. I have no interest in searching for a man who walked out on his family."
The room fell silent for a moment, the tension palpable.
Adrienne spoke next, her tone softer. "Elias, the artifact you carry—it didn't just find its way to you by chance. Your connection to the Veil runs deeper than you realize. Joining the Sanctified Lanterns could help you understand it."
Elias's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Is this where I'm supposed to jump at the chance to be a hero? Sorry, not interested."
Veylan leaned back in his chair, studying Elias carefully. "You misunderstand, Mr. Thorne. This is not an offer of heroism. It's practicality. The Veilshard you encountered was only the beginning. There are far greater threats at play, ones that will require your cooperation—whether you like it or not."
"And if I refuse?" Elias asked, his tone defiant.
Adrienne stepped closer. "If you refuse, the Covenant will have no choice but to bar you from investigating the case you're working on. You stumbled into something far bigger than you realize, and continuing to dig without oversight is too dangerous."
Elias's jaw tightened. "You'd stop me from doing my job?"
"We would," Veylan said firmly. "But if you join us, not only will you be allowed to continue, but you'll have access to resources and knowledge far beyond anything you could find on your own."
The weight of their ultimatum settled on Elias. He didn't trust the Covenant, but he couldn't deny that their offer had its advantages. Investigating the murders had already led him to things he didn't understand—things that could get him killed if he wasn't careful.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're not giving me much of a choice, are you?"
"It's your decision," Adrienne said. "But consider this: the shadows are stirring, and they're not going to wait for you to make up your mind."
Elias met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I'll think about it. Give me a day."
Veylan nodded, his tone satisfied. "Take the time you need, Mr. Thorne. But understand this—once you step into our world, there's no turning back."
Elias turned without another word, leaving the chamber with Adrienne following behind him. As they walked back through the dimly lit halls, his mind raced.
The Covenant's offer loomed over him, but so did his instinct to trust no one. For now, all he knew was that the shadows he'd glimpsed were only the beginning. And whether he joined the Covenant or not, they were waiting for him.