" For Satan himself transforms into an angel of light."

-2 Corinthians 11:14

The bells of Saint Rillian's Cathedral tolled softly, their solemn chime echoing through the stone halls. The evening air carried the scent of aged parchment, candle wax, and incense, a holy fragrance that clung to the walls like an unspoken prayer.

Within the dimly lit chamber, a group of priests stood gathered, their robes whispering against the marble floor as they spoke in hushed tones. Father Michael, a man of unwavering faith, rested his hands on the wooden table before him. His voice was calm, assured.

"The church needs more devoted men to guide the flock," he said, glancing at the younger priest beside him. "The people are growing restless, seeking answers in places they should not. It is our duty to lead them back to the light."

Father Andrien nodded, though a part of him was distracted. A strange feeling had settled in his chest, a weight that had been there since morning, though he could not place why.

"And so," Father Michael continued, "we have called upon a man of great faith, a priest well-versed in scripture and service. He will be joining us from the east."

A knock at the door silenced the murmurs.

The air shifted.

The weight in Andrien's chest deepened.

"That should be him now," Father Michael said with a small smile, motioning for the doors to be opened.

A figure stepped inside.

Draped in an immaculate black cassock, the new priest carried himself with effortless grace. A rosary was wound loosely around his fingers, the silver cross glinting under the flickering candlelight. His face-sharp and impossibly flawless-held a serene expression, lips curved in the slightest of smiles. His eyes, however, were unreadable.

Lucian.

Andrien didn't know why, but the room suddenly felt... different. The warmth of the candle flames seemed to wane, the air itself pressing closer. He couldn't hear his own breath.

"Are you certain this is the man?" Andrien asked, keeping his voice steady.

Father Michael nodded without hesitation. "Yes. He comes highly recommended. A devoted priest, well-learned in scripture. He will be of great service to the church."

Andrien remained silent.

Lucian took another step forward, his gaze settling on Andrien, and for a brief moment, he smiled. Not the polite smile of a man of faith, but something deeper-something unreadable, like the flicker of a flame before it devours a wick.

"A pleasure to meet you, Father Andrien," he murmured, his voice rich and smooth.

Something cold curled around Andrien's spine.

His instincts whispered.

A warning. A plea.

But he silenced it.

After all, this was a man of God.

Wasn't he