The journey back to the capital was tense. Every step Aria took seemed heavier, her body
weighed down by the growing changes inside her. Mira stayed close, her hand hovering near
her sword as if sensing the lingering danger. They had barely escaped with their lives, and now,
returning to the heart of the kingdom, they felt like prey wandering back into the predator's den.
As they approached the city gates, a strange unease washed over Aria. The air felt charged, as
though an unseen force was waiting for them.
"Stay alert," Mira whispered, her eyes scanning the bustling streets as they entered the city.
They hadn't made it far when a group of armored figures stepped out from the shadows of a
narrow alley. Their gleaming silver armor bore the unmistakable sigil of the Church of the
Radiant Flame.
"Aria Valen," the lead paladin announced, his voice cold and commanding. "By the order of the
Saintess, you are to come with us."
Mira stepped in front of Aria, her sword drawn in an instant. "What is the meaning of this? We've
done nothing wrong."
The paladin's gaze flicked to Mira, his expression impassive. "This is not your concern, knight.
Stand aside."
"I'll do no such thing," Mira snapped, her stance firm.
Aria placed a hand on Mira's shoulder, her voice low. "It's alright. We'll go with them."
Mira looked at her, hesitation and worry etched on her face. "Aria—"
"I'll be fine," Aria said, though she wasn't sure she believed her own words.
103
Reluctantly, Mira lowered her weapon. The paladins closed in, their presence suffocating as
they escorted the two women toward the grand cathedral at the heart of the city.
---
The Church of the Radiant Flame
The cathedral loomed before them, its towering spires piercing the heavens. Golden light spilled
from the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the cobblestone streets. As they
entered, Aria felt an almost overwhelming wave of holy energy wash over her.
Her body reacted immediately. The mark on her chest burned fiercely, and a sharp pain lanced
through her head. She stumbled, clutching her chest as a faint growl escaped her lips.
"Aria!" Mira caught her arm, her voice filled with concern.
The paladins stopped but did not offer help, their expressions unreadable.
Aria forced herself to stand upright, biting back the pain. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice strained.
But as they moved deeper into the cathedral, the holy energy grew stronger, like a thousand
needles pricking her skin. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her legs trembled with each step.
When they reached the central chamber, the grand doors swung open to reveal a magnificent
hall. At its center stood a woman clad in pure white robes, her golden hair cascading down her
back like a waterfall of light. Her eyes, a radiant blue, held a serene yet commanding presence.
The Saintess.
---
A Meeting of Opposites
The Saintess turned to face them, her gaze falling on Aria. Her expression softened, though her
eyes glimmered with curiosity—and something else Aria couldn't quite place.
"So, you are the one," the Saintess said, her voice melodic but firm. "The one who carries a dark
mark within her."
Aria's breath hitched, the mark on her chest pulsing painfully as the Saintess spoke.
"What do you want with me?" Aria asked, her voice shaking.
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The Saintess stepped closer, her presence overwhelming. "To understand you. To uncover the
truth of what you are. You are not of this world, and yet you tread upon our soil, carrying a
power that should not exist here."
Her words cut deep, each one like a blade slicing through Aria's defenses.
"I didn't ask for this," Aria said, her fists clenched.
"Perhaps not," the Saintess replied, her gaze piercing. "But it is here, and it is dangerous."
As she spoke, a faint glow emanated from the Saintess's hands. The holy light was blinding,
and Aria's body reacted violently. She dropped to her knees, gasping as the mark on her chest
flared with dark energy, fighting against the light.
"She's resisting," one of the paladins said, stepping forward.
"No," the Saintess said, raising a hand. "It's not her. It's the mark."
The pain was unbearable, and Aria felt herself slipping. But then, a sudden warmth spread
through her chest—a familiar warmth.
---
The Crystal's Intervention
The forgotten crystal she had taken from the Veilwood Forest flared to life, its soft glow cutting
through the holy energy. It pulsed in sync with her mark, the two energies clashing before finally
settling into a fragile balance.
The Saintess's eyes widened as she noticed the crystal. "That artifact..."
Aria felt the pain subside, her breathing evening out as the crystal's energy wrapped around her
like a protective cocoon.
Mira knelt beside her, her expression filled with relief. "Aria, are you alright?"
Aria nodded weakly, her fingers brushing against the crystal hidden beneath her clothes. It had
saved her—again.
The Saintess regarded her with a mix of wonder and suspicion. "You carry more secrets than I
anticipated," she said. "That crystal... it is ancient. Powerful. And yet, it seems to have chosen
you."
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Aria didn't respond, her mind racing. The crystal had reacted to the holy energy, shielding her
from its effects. But why? And what did it mean?
---
Lecherous Intentions
As they left the cathedral, escorted by the paladins, Aria couldn't shake the feeling that they
were being watched. The streets were bustling with people, yet she felt every gaze linger on her
a moment too long.
Her body's changes had only intensified, and it seemed to draw people to her like moths to a
flame. Both men and women stared openly, their eyes filled with unrestrained desire.
One man stepped forward, a lecherous grin on his face. "Hey there, beautiful. Why don't you
come with me? I'll show you a good time."
Mira immediately stepped between them, her sword drawn. "Back off."
The man sneered but didn't press further, slinking back into the crowd.
Aria shivered, her hunger gnawing at her as the attention weighed on her like a physical force.
The mark on her chest pulsed faintly, as if feeding off the desire directed at her.
She glanced at Mira, who was watching the crowd with a protective glare. "Thank you," Aria said
softly.
Mira turned to her, her expression softening. "Always."
But as they continued toward the castle, Aria couldn't shake the feeling that the encounter at the
cathedral was only the beginning. The Saintess knew more than she let on, and the crystal's
reaction had only deepened the mystery surrounding her.
And now, as they approached the castle gates, Aria felt the weight of her transformation more
heavily than ever. The dark hunger within her was growing stronger, and she knew that soon,
she would have to face it—or be consumed by it.