Meanwhile, Elena wandered the estate grounds.
She often found herself drawn to the overgrown gardens, the glass-ceilinged library, and the private chapel nestled in the east wing. There was peace here—quiet places where she could breathe.
Today, her steps carried her to the chapel. The scent of candle wax and old stone filled the air.
She rubbed her lower back absentmindedly. Seamus was a passionate lover—more so than she had expected. Who knew intimacy could make one sore? She smiled faintly, then shook her head and turned her focus back to the display before her.
On a pedestal stood a statue no taller than her forearm, carved from glowing mana stone. The likeness was rare and intimate: Saintess Yidali, eyes closed in prayer, cradled by her rumored lover and knight, Sotomatteo. His hand cupped her cheek. A flaming heart was carved into the Saintess's chest.
Elena's breath caught.
Something about the carving felt alive. The mana stone hummed faintly in her palm.
As she gazed into the mineral surface, her vision blurred—then shifted.
A forest.
Deep summer.
Berry wine sweet on her tongue.
Silver eyes gazed down at her, full of sorrow and longing. The man wore gleaming armor, haloed by sunlight filtering through the canopy.
"Be mine," he whispered, brushing her lips with his.
"As the world falls apart."
Elena gasped.
She was back in the chapel, heart racing, breath shallow. Her hands trembled around the statue.
Without thinking, she reached into her coat pocket and drew out her divination deck. Fingers deft from years of practice, she shuffled once, twice, then pulled a single card from the center.
King of Swords.
Clarity. Truth. A cold mind and a sharp edge. Judgment cloaked in discipline. A protector. A strategist. Sometimes, a tyrant.
She leaned back in her chair, staring at the card.
"Who are you to me?" she whispered aloud.
Outside, thunder boomed again.
And the chapel's candle flames flickered with crimson light.
She just knew… Trouble is on the horizon.