Then the air shifted.
A sudden gust swept through the far side of the skyport.
Banners bearing the symbol of the Luminary Church flapped violently in the wind—an open eye, stylized and surrounded by seven radiant lines, a vertical sword piercing downward through the pupil.
Behind the eye, a fractured crystal halo pulsed with gentle light.
Clank. Clank. Clank.
Boots struck the ground in perfect unison—sharp, deliberate, echoing through the open air.
They came.
Holy Knights cloaked in white and silver armor. Priests robed in white and blue.
Their steps were measured, unwavering, as they marched toward the King.
At their front walked Elira, her robes rippling in the wind, a golden staff in her hand.
Beside her strode the Knight Commander of the Luminous Path, the Blade of Starlight—Commander Elyndra Vale.
She was the embodiment of serene judgment.
Her polished silver armor bore the symbol of her Order: a narrow vertical shaft of light, flanked by stylized wings, an eight-pointed star gleaming above.
The design was fine but unmistakable, etched deep into the metal.
Her pale, blonde-streaked hair was bound in a tight ceremonial braid, and her sky-blue eyes cut like glass.
At her hip hung Seraphine, a slender, radiant blade.
On Elira's other side walked Ser Alric Vael, the Hammer of the Faithful—a wall of iron and resolve.
His armor was battered, practical, and unadorned—still scarred from past crusades.
The crest of the Luminous Path was stamped across his chest, faded but unbroken.
His dark hair was cropped short beneath a dented half-helm, and his bronze eyes smoldered with quiet purpose.
Slung across his back was a relic hammer: massive, holy, and heavy with judgment.
They were of the Order of the Luminous Path, the divine militant arm of the Luminary Church.
> We are the Path.
We do not stray.
Founded by the Church and charged with divine authority, the Order exists to defend the faith, execute divine justice, and carry out the will of the Goddess Liora across the realm—even beyond the kingdom's borders.
They are not part of the royal army.
They do not answer to the King.
Their only loyalty is to the High Clergy, and to Liora herself.
Though based within the kingdom, they operate as a sovereign force, with their own laws, hierarchy, and command.
---
The crowd parted like water as the holy procession approached.
The knights halted a few paces from King Theron.
Then, in perfect unison, they bowed—not in submission, but in formal respect.
Elira raised her head, and her voice cut through the air—calm, but absolute.
> "By the light of the Radiant Mother, we come before You, Your Majesty.
The Church stands ready to stand with the Crown.
We offer our strength, our blades, our prayers, and our lives.
Together, we shall hunt this abomination—and cleanse the darkness with Her holy Light."
A beat.
Then the sharp clatter of boots on steel.
Cedric appeared beside the King.
> "Your Majesty, all airships are prepared.
The troops await your command."
Theron's gaze was cold.
His voice, colder.
> "You cast the spell that tracks it."
His eyes shifted.
> "Commander Virell.
We leave now.
No delays."
Without another word, he turned.
Commander Virell, who had been kneeling beside the King only moments before, rose at once.
Silent. Sharp.
She turned to the Saintess.
> "You're riding with me. Front ship."
She turned on her heel.
No more words were needed.
The order was clear.
---
The hunt begins.
Elira nodded once and followed the Commander.
The Church entourage fell in behind her—disciplined, silent.
Boots struck the skyport deck in rhythm as the soldiers began to move.
Banners snapped.
Engines roared to life.
Without ceremony.
Without fanfare.
The King was already walking toward the Lux Invicta, the lead airship.
And they all followed.
> The hunt begins.