When Cel opened his eyes, Selina's arms were still around him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhibYrGsbC
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74PQKR9VSS
For a moment, he remained perfectly still - caught between the sacred ground he'd just left and the reality of her embrace. The warmth of it. The gentleness.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwq3gjvjpz
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VKBLVzbrJ
His breath hitched.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4nDQredDA
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfaX9R85gJ
Then, something inside him broke.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD7YDULnsh
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTDXUkq9iQ
Not violently. Not like shattering glass or splintering bone.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmTFsHOTbg
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfCt3Idm1M
Like melting ice. Like a dam finally cracking under pressure it was never meant to hold.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkFjUjxXxk
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBWH2ExH7v
A sound escaped him - small, choked, achingly human.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKnDm7HoRp
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcxBz2SVwL
His shoulders began to shake.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7jJUXkHHo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm4Lx8Xf01
Cel tried to stop it. Tried to force the trembling back down, to swallow the weakness rising in his throat. He'd survived torture. Starvation. Nightmares made flesh. 112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LVRVYngsA
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8gRqk2H5f
He shouldn't be—112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ5CarAa60
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9tYIugnCO
Another sound tore free. Louder this time.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ6kFULfji
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaT6GPmrbh
The tears came.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaoEfQNCAt
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7V2xqRTcp
Silent at first, hot against his cheeks. Then accompanied by gasps he couldn't control, sobs that wrenched themselves from somewhere deep in his chest where he'd buried everything for so long.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSfYa0yPhx
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrZNAB8sI1
The year in the cell. The maggot-infested food. The cultists' knives. Ren's death.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKIresADWo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Mu0GW2MVZ
His father's fists. His mother's silence. His brother's cowardice.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsUwlUSh73
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoyIJ4XWvf
The mirror lake. The crystal maze. The creature that had killed him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8zwj5wpV1
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlof1cmKEg
All of it - every moment of pain, every betrayal, every second he'd told himself he had to endure because there was no other choice - tore free at once.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dWveHEqop
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fu6hVKp1k
And he couldn't stop it.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMBC1YxjST
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWX9mx4Iaa
Cel's knees weakened. His hands clutched at Selina's robes, fingers curling into white fabric like it was the only solid thing left in the world.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12giGVZGhD
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFC1UBAuXi
She held him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO21qJQPVWr
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8ctLYH43e
Didn't speak. Didn't pull away. Didn't tell him to be strong or to compose himself.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU95waEOvS
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqDU1nfIdP
She simply held him, one hand moving to cradle the back of his head with steady gentleness while he broke apart in her arms.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1phVLFKwM
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSljnLJr8tx
Time became meaningless.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1H7gLC5fa
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HAu6AUb54
Eventually, the sobs gradually quieted. The gasps turned to shaky breaths, leaving only exhaustion in their wake.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSZLvs7nE7
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtprY7q6CW
Cel pulled back slowly, roughly wiping at his face with trembling hands.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmmzo8AxJj
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDE2cwUxG3
His cheeks burned. Not from fever - from embarrassment so acute it felt physical.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDE5rbrhK6
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJN5SyGFp4
He'd just—112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysWR0TVzQg
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhqJJ1p7nw
In front of her—112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C9ttvE91B
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa4EmrWD9Z
"I'm sorry," he choked out, unable to meet her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKl1SK2uid
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraVzFYYM8m
"There is nothing to apologize for, Chosen One." Her voice held no judgment. No pity. No disappointment.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyYkjC4Clf
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tnjaONfys
Only acceptance.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCluvnkrE2w
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmbuwLkdA7
Cel swallowed hard, gaze fixed firmly on the ground between them. His throat felt raw, stripped clean.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbIPH0GRno
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVaaczgDzq
"I just…" He didn't know how to finish that sentence.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3q2QTb1KA
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaHVBdYdrQ
"You have endured much." Selina's hand remained on his shoulder - light, grounding. "The soul remembers every wound, even when the body has been remade. There is no shame in acknowledging that pain."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvierPZjTu
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4wC4ZhaEW
Cel's breath came out shaky. He nodded once, not trusting his voice.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmez79bAWy4
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL23iiClLq
When she finally stepped back, her hands lingered for a moment before releasing him entirely.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNmiL6kfQb
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkWadBhGSk
The mist swirled between them, giving him space to collect himself.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqHRfRSNyj
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK63RcbkK8
Cel took a breath. Then another. His fingers rose to touch his face - flushed and damp, eyes surely red and swollen.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAm3VtXmv8
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22qU0pKkrv
Humiliation seared through him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymbQn8T50l
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWz5FQKZaa
He'd wept. Like a child. In front of someone who had guided him through death itself with perfect composure.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxR6nyc6np
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4ZdOReKds
The transformation still didn't feel real, but the shame certainly did.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdxV2TNjb8
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn0kNhq3sc
He forced himself to straighten, to look somewhere near her general direction even if he couldn't quite meet her eyes yet.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Du2GS9Dn
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasbwtZSBqI
"Thank you. For everything.“112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAA4ZclXS0
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSbBx31a1b
He gestured vaguely, unable to articulate what her presence had meant.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVrKSCjnwJ
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XKDtkQxJu
Selina inclined her head, serene as ever.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZtjKkx20K
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SHd8gEoUt
A question surfaced - one that had been lurking since the moment she'd appeared in his dying consciousness. Something to focus on besides the heat still flooding his face.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUmDHhg0sE
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe335acWqX
"Selina." He cleared his throat. "What rank do you hold as a priestess?"112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaofg4r8HP
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMiqOxWSZE
No hesitation. No cryptic deflection.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVntjG2kZR
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7eLiJ3W0H
Her smile deepened, tranquil and certain as moonlight on still water112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhnqha1aiS
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzMWV5E6Rk
"Rank One." 112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNPncZxwvF
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg79bnA3BK5
The words landed like a physical blow.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9yTClJKjg
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG0EC91DDj
His mind went blank, then exploded with implications he couldn't process fast enough.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xagprOK5p
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl83SFplL9q
'Rank One?'112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc61Xn25J9s
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fw9UjpOTm
A Divine Oracle - the title humanity gave to those who stood at the pinnacle of divine service.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCA51lv4rW
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0wrHI3z3M
Not just a priestess. Not even a high-ranking servant.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLknDZppw5
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtkB2tkRMo
The highest authority beneath the gods themselves. The singular voice through which a deity spoke directly to the mortal world.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCION864n8B
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrYxlgGAnu
His embarrassment suddenly intensified a thousandfold.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok9XJ3k0GT
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafwPJc8Qic
He'd just—112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOXdcV1YGC
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPA530axQ4
He'd just cried on a Divine Oracle.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiecWIwjBJ1
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnIJcUAr8p
Sobbed into her robes like a child seeking comfort from his mother.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOd8UWoh5z
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tHbBq7Hcm
And before that—112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ5xTug2CW
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab4TeTOS7s
Memory crashed through him like an avalanche.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxoPwvvbdV
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwNe9140mr
His tone. The way he'd spoken to her.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdiiimpTvZ
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8plBKiAToz
Sharp. Impatient. Laced with frustration when she couldn't answer his questions. The edge in his voice when he'd pushed back against her words.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jtBErMQAq
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM75zG30ZY
He hadn't been respectful. Hadn't been grateful.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW29B0iffO
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzxwj0zOvH
He'd been angry - and he'd let that anger out on her.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDkgMeWKlz
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuW43zjRDL
Cel wanted to disappear.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrN6ojNPUb
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0eDPH8hdt
He hadn't just questioned a priestess or shown weakness before a guide.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR5q7CYAgN
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz684idZNYe
He had challenged a Divine Oracle with barely restrained fury. 112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SSB0yyQ3m
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPDfU8qeoF
And then wept on her shoulder.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviHvkvRfBv
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZoROyNMA8
His legs suddenly felt unsteady.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFz751MUlr
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt933no59e
Cel's gaze dropped to the ground again. He couldn't look at her. Couldn't bear the weight of meeting those eyes now that he understood what - who - they represented.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW6tn5oQwb
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXf7GxoaII
His voice failed him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVoRJJOXZb
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr7zQKA5e7
Everything about her made sense now. The way she moved through his soul's landscape with absolute certainty. The calm that never broke, no matter what horrors he did. The patience that felt limitless, untouchable by mortal weakness.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoB2NMcmmN
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBKU6FFDmc
Because it transcended mortality.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5en9oFJQx
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGyENChK5Z
She wasn't just a guide. She was the voice of the Moon Goddess.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFqKTJjqoi
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoBAvzoONG
And he'd—112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPKc8dQ5Yr
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjy8CFptg9
Shame crawled up his throat like bile, bitter and choking.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmP76TETng
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmgS7qoNuV
"I was..." He forced the words out. "I was angry. At everything. And I took it out on you."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKSbkqr4K7
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIdW9pFvRC
His hands curled into fists.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgk5PPdYBW
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dllQeRmgZ
"You were patient with me. Kind. And I..."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C08XobEJt
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4I2aiyYLO8
He couldn't finish. Couldn't articulate how wrong it felt now—lashing out at the one person who'd actually helped him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72QmPtvDl0
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNs6G5wt2a
"I'm sorry."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVDywsvCv8
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8ozqFtcVK
Silence answered him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN4KhadDuB
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0oeSmS21U
Cel kept his gaze fixed on the ground, watching mist curl around his bare feet. Each second stretched unbearably long.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYv68FMIyR
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVFMu33SqW
Then—movement.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpQsNusXtF
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPgJ2zk5rM
Selina stepped closer.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cHG5O2CEC
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnFnJua062
He flinched slightly, expecting… what? Blame? Divine wrath channeled through soft words?112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqX2zZziMn
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCXOLpocaw
"Chosen One." Her voice carried no anger. No coldness.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXGAOegxcY
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhCkOi3wXD
Only that same impossible gentleness she'd shown since the beginning.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMD4Iap9Lk
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgkFr7z1xQ
Slowly, reluctantly, Cel raised his head.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcldgOqPDA
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHyT51kk45
She stood before him unchanged. Mask catching moonlight, lips curved into a beautiful smile. White robes stirring in wind that didn't exist.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJofG401rcX
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSY4LWlz7S
But now he could see it - the presence that saturated every gesture, every word. The weight of divinity she carried with such grace.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4N0kP3oel
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIckwW0OTX
"You are not the first to question the divine." Her tone remained even. "Nor will you be the last."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ5u21OgQr
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGNGZQgW82
Cel's breath hitched.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5XiPTsQNW
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9X1aAYRJ9
"But you're a Divine Oracle." The words tumbled out before he could stop them. "The highest voice of the goddess. I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did. With anger. With—"112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNLOXzZ96l
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQnDoxNVGA
He gestured helplessly.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAuepc0Xch
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB868RSOVL
"You deserved better than that."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEHtL2SMKz
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhCISlFHEI
Selina regarded him for a long moment.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR2JEOtOpH
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5lTTvSsMR
"Your tone was inappropriate, yes."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk9ZL5VlIz
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwCwRxWg5W
The blunt truth hit like a fist.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcehFMO72Wu
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWUoNmYVPY
But there was no cruelty in her statement. Just fact, stated simply.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uYclnMQRV
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr4o4kL5r1
"However." She tilted her head slightly. "I do not serve to be worshipped. I serve to guide. To guide you."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4WEHXitQB
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jBbEQPa4w
Her hand lifted in a small, dismissive gesture - as if brushing away his concern.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6wvdDCnU4
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Co8omG0c
"You may speak to me as yourself. It is enough."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCvF16f6HX
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9YwtXmdDC
The shame didn't vanish - it couldn't - but something about her words cut through the worst of it.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YWX6LtEGd
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlBaPOuuDT
She had never demanded reverence. Never once reminded him of her status, even when he'd pushed boundaries most priests would have punished him for crossing.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG5RWgdc4m
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCSNnKrkpJ
Even now, standing before him with her true nature revealed, she spoke with grace rather than command.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlLn4V8hoz
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigi1XvQghj
Cel's chest tightened.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMspkZNJQa4
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3cQQR7dv5
Not from unworthiness - though he felt that keenly.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aTa1vgsMU
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6L3bgUxlS
But from recognition.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXitjNtojI
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcpkET6H23
He had spent his entire life surrounded by power. His father wielded authority like a weapon, crushing anyone who dared question him. The nobles of the Sun Clan wore their status like armor, ensuring everyone knew their place.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmVWBBaLdd
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrgeMJk4h8
And here stood someone with more power than any of them could dream of.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBYFgSHvm5
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq1o42jZsZ
Who chose not to wield it as a tool of domination.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFg7YiTGOL
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrMXd8DG8W
"Then..." He straightened slightly, meeting her masked gaze. "I'll speak to you as myself."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDBJdeWgeL
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptHxxzUKP1
A pause.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrlWqIOUiZ
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1hGQ2iEgj
"And I'll make sure you never regret guiding me."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMt8lzWyhL
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiKAIF52Fx
Selina's smile deepened - genuine warmth that transformed her serene expression into something radiant.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXrrTnt5DK
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHYw1woiex
"I never have, Chosen One."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVz9aqn99y
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfUcoYk9sX
The simple certainty in those words settled over him like a blanket.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbddo70WnE4
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTcgMXLgTK
Not forgiveness - she had nothing to forgive, apparently.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx3xiOMAOc
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AcQCX5CT1
Just acceptance.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNmNPFkGQr
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvB83YvyLp
Cel bowed his head. Not in apology this time.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp8h4ocjc9
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCwzyDODH9
In respect. True respect, given freely to someone who had earned it through every patient word, every quiet truth.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOry35XZ4mF
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMhhFoPRT9
When he raised his eyes again, something fundamental had shifted inside him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4VDuK8uZy
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJYCDQy0RH
The guilt remained - it would serve as reminder, fuel to be better.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZSdWM9YNg
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEYKlkR3jN
But beneath it, something else had taken root.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCZDH5LYD9
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob5Rkva0ij
Trust. Deep and unshakeable.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FOJyWDeSw
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdoV3W9fFo
Whatever came next - whatever trials or horrors the future held - he would follow where she led.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetFUDbiT7U
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4rMhDhx59
Because Selina wasn't just the goddess's voice.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d56ezSSq2
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQgE3RNAXg
She was his guide.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvhKp62HpL
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSedH4GX3E
And he would not dishonor that gift again.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VT1qkNC8T
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkFl29zihU
Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken understanding.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCSkZzvC1a
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdErDDlJ8bb
He didn't need more words. Neither did she.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrxAkmJLLo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO2fIMqwfT
The mist around them stirred.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2dV41CFyk
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaGAdHeXck
Selina's gaze lingered on him - just a moment longer - before she turned away.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeTTXRunvE
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj05UTFsqnX
"Follow me, Chosen One. There is more yet to be done."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOMuWuGEZu
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEc5fW8BRJ
Cel followed without hesitation.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQgv48cW4P
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DIJnGchwl
They walked in silence through the transformed landscape of his soul. The mist parted before Selina as if bowing, then closed behind them like a curtain.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaYP7zFBs1
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNSipGZpKM
With each step, Cel felt the difference. Steady. Strong. No trembling weakness in his legs, no exhaustion dragging at his limbs. His body moved with an ease he'd almost forgotten existed.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP9knyAtYc
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnBZd4DfRV
"What happened to me?" he asked.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy0RfTaVoI
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She didn't slow her pace, but her head turned slightly toward him.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk985Xa72c
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgnRVMm1Lu
"Your physical form in the Hollow Realms succumbed to its injuries," she said simply.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssZ5kpB54P
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNibPUWGy7s
The words should have struck harder. But after everything - after dying twice already - the revelation felt almost distant.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hqy0CtFCs
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoyPKmMbDZ
"Then how…“ He gestured at himself, at the body that felt foreign in its wholeness. "How am I still here?"112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46j6STgXbA
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCW3zcSwLu
"Your soul was preserved within the trial - protected by divine ground." Selina's voice carried a weight he hadn't heard before.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8VAnJlPKZ
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ZsuI9cif
She paused, as if choosing her next words carefully.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTbR4gHORo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3XzKv0NL0
"What the Moon Goddess granted you is not mere healing. It is true resurrection - the reforging of flesh and bone around a soul that had no vessel."112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8dfthlT30
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo8i2xFMLo
Cel’s breath caught.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytnBlQZ3jv
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxW4tRX6WQ
Not healing. Not recovery.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjC0gYs8UA
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu0aoM5wng
Resurrection.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2WZhiM44W
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgSzircalg
His soul had survived the trial, and the goddess had forged him a body capable of matching that survival - whole, strong, unmarred by the year of torment that had destroyed the first.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebgCfXTPKw
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGvQlfnwzL
Perhaps that was why the trial existed at all - to prove his soul worthy of such a gift.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrQ6n7fict
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNweeTURmrB
Cel let the truth settle as they continued forward.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e9kZXnLwf
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHqJkx4LQQ
Eventually, the terrain shifted.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWSAqtjQdG
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrqu2TcRYN
The cracked earth gave way to something smoother. The jagged stones retreated. Even the bluish-white flowers thinned until only mist remained, thick and luminous around the edges of a clearing Cel didn't remember seeing before.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGoEKw6aUz
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQoXHUEaBc
At its center stood a monolith.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOtBBIUft7
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPoMbeEZln
Not stone. Not metal.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDw6ZoTnzR
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Something else.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckGE4nUMzo
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROZ82nRRgo
Cel stopped walking.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCFebbYL7k
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnfu7gsBD7
The structure rose before him - taller than he was, seamless and dark. Deep midnight blue pulsed across its surface like a slow heartbeat, while threads of pale light coiled beneath, moving in patterns he couldn't follow.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbNrPCmcC2
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PGCshbboo
Sapphire beneath moonlight - cold and radiant.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPJmSn4VC9
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEp7qntgG6
Divine.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTB8UwA2vr
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRZ540aAUz
He knew that without being told. The same way he'd known the frozen sea was sacred. The same way he'd recognized the fairy-like creature in the crystal maze as something beyond natural.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GeZeCDyWQ
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y294mWPD4
This wasn't just an object.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONQ0nIZzGa
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZClbvoIFC
This was touched by divinity itself.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnvBxO7GWZ
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmty77y6yS
Selina came to a stop beside it, one hand resting lightly against the smooth surface. She didn't look at him, but he felt her attention anyway - patient, expectant.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsScG3OfKj
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn3GFVWA4l
Cel's chest tightened.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAaJYQ2ZBB
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2pS6Dmsom
He knew what came next.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gn3KZJwnL
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6bfBqVHYU
Every Chosen One, upon receiving their first blessing, was granted three things.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRzgIBLsPg
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdAiiKvHsa
A trait - passive power, woven into the core of their being. Not meant for spectacle or battle, but something that changed who they were on a fundamental level.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NBL6tKams
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtDzTVADX1
An authority - active power, immediate and tangible. The god's first true answer to their Chosen One's nature. Something meant to be used, whether for protection, destruction, or survival.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu2VqgJnmV
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKBEiR1y3J
Both could stem from the same paragon or draw from different aspects of their deity's domain.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjMlMZJpn5
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PCxrz9FL6
And an artifact - a divine instrument forged by the gods themselves. Weapon or armor. Whatever form it took, it would be theirs alone - bound to them until death.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkZjd8ttE4
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JK875ePRP
Unlike future blessings - earned through achievements - this first gift was granted freely. A mark that the journey had begun.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPe3aJHOnT
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT22IZRApc
Cel's hands trembled slightly as he stepped forward.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPelQ5DXOR
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLb1OT5r0v
The monolith responded.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukDMmmZA50
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmVXzM51bC
Silver light bloomed from its core - threads like veins of pure moonlight spreading outward beneath the surface. They coiled and twisted, drawing patterns that burned themselves into his vision.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cLiGlbDjc
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZagQMdLjz
Runes.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpkFUAcLlm
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He couldn't read them. Didn't recognize the script.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwI3ariH8t
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiBVDGEh1V
But he understood them anyway - meaning that bypassed his eyes entirely and settled into his mind like instinct.112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QZXlQeYQn
112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d3qw2egWD
<Name: Celvian>112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZYLCwX7Ku
<Paragons: (Heir to the Moon) (The White Death)>112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPRMWYgdzN
<Artifacts: (Silent Moon)>112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbmwSUDnyb
<Insights: (locked 0/1)>112Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh1HTWj3Ln
<Achievements: (1)>1234 copyright protection108ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f7Y8dNHRq 尼

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