Lucian and Lara were in the visitor's dining room, a hall with high windows that let in a blinding white light.
Sister Elena stood in front of them.
Her hands were clasped inside her wide sleeves.
"Brother Raziel has suffered a severe episode of spiritual fatigue," she said. "It is common in novices who try to bite off more than their core can chew. Exarch Caelum pushed him too hard."
Lucian gritted his teeth.
'Lie,' he thought. 'It's a damn lie.'
"I want to see him," Lucian demanded.
Elena didn't blink.
"I'm afraid he is in medical isolation, young Valerius. The contagion of mana instability is a real risk." She leaned slightly toward Lara, who was sitting on a wooden bench. "Especially now that you are also here to learn to control your gift, dear. You wouldn't want your empathy to interfere with his recovery, right?"
Lara didn't answer.
"Rest," Elena said, ending the conversation. "Tomorrow we will begin your lessons, tonight, pray for him."
