He was born without a name.
Raised within the walls of the temple, he was addressed only by his title: The Sacred Instrument.
Not a disciple, nor a servant, and not even a full human in the eyes of those who raised him just a consecrated tool, a weapon wielded against shadows, then returned to silence.
In his youth, when asked if he felt fear, he didn't understand the meaning.
When asked about dreams, he remained silent.
He had learned that emotions were weakness… attachment was a burden… and love?
A word that held no place on his path.
Years passed, his body grew but his heart remained closed… until that day came.
Among the ruins of a crumbling temple, its walls standing atop the relics of forgotten ages, he was sent on a mission: to cleanse the site of the entities that dwelled within.
His steps were steady, his right hand gripped an inscribed symbol, and a pure aura radiated from his unwavering faith.
The cries of spirits rang out, yet he did not flinch he had been trained to ignore pain.
One by one, the shadows fell beneath the brilliance of his words.
But when the noise died down and the task seemed complete… he heard a new voice.
Not a sinister whisper, but a soft, confident tone human.
At last, we meet, Exorcist.
He turned and there she was.
Unlike any he had faced before.
With long black hair cascading down, and eyes aglow with unsettling calm, she stood as though she had waited for him for ages.
You… he said, raising his symbol.
She smiled without fear.
How cruel they were to you. They didn't even give you a name?
She took a step closer, eyes studying his face.
They say you're the purest to ever walk this path. But tell me… do you feel anything now?
Silence.
Tell me, Exorcist…
Can you love?
His hand stopped he didn't finish the invocation.
For the first time, he felt his heart beat to a different rhythm.
A strange warmth coursed through his veinsnot power, but something from within.
Confusion? Awe? Or… the beginning of a fracture?
"I'll cleanse you," he finally said, but his voice was unsteady.
Cleanse me of your heart first.
She spoke it before vanishing, leaving behind a silence heavier than any scream.
He returned to his chamber, his body unscathed—but his soul burdened.
And for the first time, when he closed his eyes, he didn't hear the sound of stillness…
He heard her voice.
Can you love?
🕊️ End of Chapter One — Love Thy Neighbor