I arrived back at the Divine Church, still carrying Anna in my arms. The wind brushing against her during the flight must've stirred her, because she slowly opened her eyes just as I landed.
"Ash..." she murmured, squinting up at me.
"Hey," I said softly, smiling down at her.
"I was scared..." Her voice was faint and shaky as she rested her head against me, still trembling. "The voice... it kept speaking to me."
I could feel how much she was shaking—she was clearly traumatized. I gently brushed her silver hair. "It's okay. I'm here now. You don't have to be afraid."
The holy knights standing guard outside the church stared at us like they were watching a scene from a drama.
Still holding Anna, I walked right past them. This time, they didn't ask me if I had an appointment or why I was there. They just growled and glared at me with eyes full of resentment.
