The sun rose, but it brought no warmth. Its pale light struggled to pierce the grey mist that hung over the Withered Scar, casting a colorless glow over the desolate landscape. It was a sun that had given up trying to bring life to this place.
A heavy silence had fallen over the checkpoint. The assembled soldiers, both the Academy's elite guard and the Church's Temple Knights, stood in a wide semi-circle.
It felt less like a scientific demonstration and more like the prelude to an execution. Cardinal Evangeline stood at the very center of the formation, her hands clasped before her, her expression calm and unreadable.
Next to her, Inquisitor Theron watched Jonah with eyes burning like hot coals, his hand resting on the golden hilt of his sword, ready to deliver swift and final judgment.
Vanessa and Seraph stood just behind Jonah. Their faces showed a clear mix of deep worry and strong loyalty. They were his only friends in this sea of doubt.
