"Berevreth!" I called out, a mix of excitement and relief rushing through me as I ran toward her and wrapped my arms around her.
"Elowen," she said softly, her gentle hand resting at the back of my head. I didn't even realize when tears began streaming down my cheeks__until the sobs followed.
I hadn't seen my cousins in so long, and I hadn't realized just how much I'd missed them. They weren't only sisters to me__they were my best friends. I still remembered the year they spent in the castle, it was one of the best years of my life, even though it was also the worst, because that was the year I lost my mother.
They were the ones who helped me move on, who made me laugh, who fought and played with me. Berevreth always made jokes, always brightened the moment. We gave her the Byname 'Sunshine' __because her bald head would glow under the sun, and she never took offense. In fact, she would laugh and say, 'At least the sun acknowledges me before anyone else does."
Seeing Berevreth again after such a long time stirred something deep in me. She must have suffered greatly, losing her kingdom, and with Genevieve still missing… that thought alone tightened my chest.
"Are you crying?" Berevreth teased, her tone playful as ever. Normally, I would have wiped my face quickly and denied it__I hated showing this weaker side of myself, especially since Berevreth would definitely tease me about it later. But right now, I didn't care. I was just relieved to see her.
She cupped my face gently, her thumb brushing away my tears as she looked into my eyes.
"It's okay, Elowen," she said softly. "I'm here now."
She gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze, then turned toward the priests, who were still standing there, wide-eyed and speechless after what had just happened. Berevreth helped Father Simon to his feet while Father Timothy checked on the unconscious man.
Father Othor examined the thick rope that had somehow been torn apart. He ran his fingers along it, as though searching for a hidden cut. The rope was far too strong to be snapped by hand. He glanced at me once, then back at the rope__his expression thoughtful.
It dawned on me then… maybe my presence had enraged the demon, pushed him to use every ounce of his strength just to attack me. I looked away, uneasy, trying to shake off the thought.
Berevreth seemed to notice my tension. She placed a protective hand on my shoulder, guiding me gently toward Father Timothy, who turned to us with wide eyes.
"The man is free," he said. "The demon no longer resides in him."
Every head turned toward me, as if expecting an explanation I couldn't give. I felt their stares like weight upon my skin.
---
In Father Simon's Office
Berevreth and I sat across from the three priests. They asked most of their questions to her.
"__My grandmother has gone to the House of Aurelen," Berevreth explained calmly. "She believes there's no time to delay, that action must begin now, starting with the standing kingdom."
The priests nodded, taking in her words.
"Did you see the faces of those who attacked your kingdom?" Father Simon asked.
"What?" Berevreth gave a faint, bitter laugh. "It's not a question of what, but who. They were ordinary men__no banners, no identity. They ambushed us when we least expected it. Fortunately, my grandmother and I had already reached the third gate before the attack began."
Father Timothy frowned. "These men you speak of... were they__"
"Demons?" Berevreth finished for him and he nodded.
"No," she said firmly. "They were men, just men with words and spears."
"Are you certain? They may have been Luths," Father Timothy pressed.
"They were not," she replied, staring down at her fist. "I confirmed that myself."
I turned to her, startled__understanding instantly what she meant. She had fought them. She had killed.
The priests exchanged glances and nodded solemnly.
"I heard the House of Aurelen was attacked by Luths," Berevreth said, her tone cautious. They nodded in agreement.
Father Simon leaned forward. "If what you say is true, then it's likely the attackers in Seliah are also men, not demons. This must have been their plan all along."
"What plan?" Berevreth asked.
"To exclude the Order from the battle," he said gravely.
At the mention of the Sanctum Knights, I turned sharply toward him.
He continued, "They knew the kingdoms' greatest defense lay with the Sanctum Knights. If the Holy Knights were to join the battle, their victory would be impossible. So they turned to cunning instead of strength sending the Luths to one kingdom, forcing everyone's attention, including the Sanctum Knights', toward the demon attack, while they took the remaining two by force." He explained
"Then since our kingdom is safe now, why not send the Sanctum Knights to defend the others?" I asked.
"The Sanctum Knights were created for one purpose only," Father Timothy replied calmly. "To battle demons and the supernatural, not ordinary men."
"So we'll just sit and watch the other kingdoms fall," I said, frustration slipping into my voice, "when we know there's an easy solution?"
"It's not that simple, Elowen," Berevreth said softly, turning toward me. "Involving the Sanctum Knights in a battle of men comes with consequences. They're not merely soldiers under the cathedral, they're bound by laws far beyond ours. The Sanctum Knights are no ordinary men, and they can't be used in such battles." Berevreth explained.
Well… if Berevreth could be this composed and logical while speaking of her dying kingdom, who am I to be dramatic about it?
After a while, the discussion ended, and we rose to leave. Berevreth turned back to Father Simon.
"About Genevieve," she began quietly, hope flickering in her voice. "Any news of her?"
Father Simon's expression dimmed. "I'm afraid not yet," he said softly. "Though… we fear she might not be within the kingdom anymore."
"Fear?" Berevreth asked. "Isn't it better if she's not there, if she's outside enemy territory? That means she can still be found. Or maybe she's already on her way here, just like my grandmother and I."
Her eyes carried a faint spark of hope...but the priests merely exchanged uneasy glances, silently choosing not to press further.
Truth be told, I didn't share her optimism. I understood what Father Simon really meant. If Genevieve wasn't in the kingdom… it likely meant she'd been taken, not escaped. But then, at this point, even false hope was something worth holding onto.
As we turned to leave, Father Simon called out, "Princess Elowen."
I stopped and faced him.
"Your test today," he said with a faint smile, "you passed it."
The other priests smiled as if in agreement, congratulating me silently.
"I believe that's enough confirmation for you," he added, giving me a knowing look__reminding me of our earlier conversation. "Although it's unfortunate that you don't remember the events of that night, I believe whatever happened then must have triggered your gift."
He smiled again. I simply nodded and followed Berevreth out.
---
Is that it? Just like that, I passed my test?
What exactly did I do? Deliver the man from his demons after three priests already performed the exorcism? Very convincing, Elowen. I suppose I should start cleansing the land now, one possessed body at a time.
The thought lingered in my mind, heavy and uncertain. I couldn't tell if Father Simon truly believed I'd done something miraculous or if he was just trying to make me feel better.
'Did he only said that to relieve me of my ealier doubt?'
Not that I wished it to be false. I have longed all my life to pass one of these trials, to finally prove worthy of the gift they claim I bear. In truth, my disbelief was born not from pride, but from failure, countless and tiresome failures. Yet somehow, this all feels like a dream I've yet to wake from. I mean, I did not face the terror of that night alone, he was there __ the knight. And now it's as though he never existed, as though my memory is playing tricks upon me.
Maybe I'm just imagining things. Maybe none of this is real
At least not until I confirm who that knight truly was… and whether he even exists.
My goodness
I should be rejoicing right now.
So why does my heart feel so conflicted?Even when victory stands before me, I find a way to wrestle with it.