Elissa didn’t know where Raphael was leading her. But she didn’t resist.

They walked through the narrow streets, dissolving into the shadows, hidden from prying eyes. The wind tugged at the edges of her cloak, her breath was unsteady—not from the cold, but from something greater.

Raphael didn’t let go of her hand.

— We’re almost there, his voice was tense but steady.

— Where are we going?

He glanced at her over his shoulder.

— To the church.

Elissa shivered.

— The church?

— You go there every morning, don’t you? — he smirked.

Yes, but now her heart clenched. Because there, he was waiting.

The pastor.

The ancient doors of the cathedral groaned as Raphael pushed them open. Inside, the darkness pressed against the walls, only the dim light of candles pushing back the shadows.

The scent of incense mixed with the aroma of wax and cold stone.

— Do you trust him? — Raphael asked, releasing her hand.

— I…— Elissa hesitated. — He has always been kind to me.

Raphael scoffed.

— Not everyone who wears a robe brings light.

She wanted to argue, but at that moment, footsteps echoed from the distant hallway.

— A late visit, princess,— a familiar voice rang out.

A tall man in black robes stepped out of the shadows. His gray eyes were calm, watchful.

— Pastor,— Elissa whispered.

Raphael took a step forward, his fingers unconsciously clenching into a fist.

— You were following us.

The pastor didn’t blink.

— You think I didn’t know you would come?

Elissa looked between them. The tension in the air was palpable.

— Why were you watching? — she asked.

The pastor held her gaze for a long moment.

— I am protecting you, child.

Raphael let out a dry laugh.

— Protecting? From what? From me?

The pastor turned to him, and for a brief second, something dark flickered in his gaze.

— From everything that carries the curse of blood.

The air in the church grew colder.

Elissa looked at the pastor, but suddenly, she felt her heartbeat slow.

His eyes…

There was something wrong in them.

— Who are you? — Raphael whispered.

The pastor smiled.

— The one who knew your ancestors.— Raphael froze.

Elissa could hear only the dull pounding of blood in her ears.

The pastor knew the truth.