Sonny arrived at the sect, which was larger than he realized—far larger than the demonic sect—but he turned his head around, taking in the scenes.
The sect gleamed white and shiny, the walls had no dust, and palm trees lined every inch of the ground. The green grass spread out like a blanket, and people dressed in tight white robes walked across the area—just like Killian.
Killian gently squeezed his hands, "Come on."
A cold breeze fell on him; a chill unlike anything he'd felt before sank into his bones as they approached the gates. The sect was eerily silent, yet blindingly bright.
Killian didn't say a word, nor did he. His heart kept racing with fear. He is in a new spot. He didn't know what his future held.
A couple of disciples whom Sonny could tell were looking at him with faint curiosity in their gazes, but when they turned to look at my ragged clothes.
Their gaze shifted—disgust, thinly veiled.
He swallowed hard and turned away.
Killian took Sonny to a certain large area—the meeting room for the elders. The room where the elders worked together—a vast room where they discussed important work that shapes the future.
Killian released his hand from Sonny and knocked on the door with a firm, steady knock, unlike his pounding heart.
Sonny wasn't naive. This meeting will determine his future. Although he was eight years old, and he's in a righteous sect, they must never discover his secrets. Even if it kills him.
He vowed in silence with his hands clenched.
"Who is it?"
Killian spoke in a respectful voice. "It's me, disciple Killian."
The voice turned slightly warm behind the large white door. "Come in."
The voice permitted Killian to open the door, and he turned to him with a slightly cold face. "Come with me."
Sonny wanted to take this moment to leave, but he knew he needed to face the music. He followed Killian into the white room along with sharp voices.
Sharp gaze turned on Sonny, making him feel like prey under their hands. His skin prickled with unease, and he lifted his head.
People across the hall are sitting in large chairs. All of them dressed in white robes, and long black cords wrapped around their waists. Their skin was pale, their expression icier than snow.
Before he knew it, he stepped closer to Killian's side, grabbing the hem of his robe.
Killian placed his hands on his shoulder, giving him comfort. "Don't be afraid."
He nodded but said nothing with a hard swallow.
Killian bowed his head to the man sitting in the front, the leader. He wore a white robe with a large white jade crown on his head. "Master, I come here to seek an audience with you."
The man raised his hand in greeting. "No need, you're welcome to come. You have every right since you are the Chief Disciple."
Killian replied. "I come here to seek refuge for this boy."
The leader turned to the little boy dressed in ragged clothes with tousled black hair cascading down his shoulders. "Who is he?"
He asks in a deep voice.
Killian speaks, "His name—Sonny. I found him; he's someone who survived a deadly battle between the demon clan and the righteous. He's the last survivor."
The leader rubbed his large white mustache in interest. He asked, "How did an ordinary child survive? Did he come from the demonic sect?"
Sharp gasps came throughout the room. Sonny nearly wanted to hide as the menacing gaze turned to focus on him like he was some kind of enemy. The worst kind. He wasn't aware that he wasn't clenching Killian's robe.
Killian nodded. "Yes, he came from the demonic sect, and he hid amongst the chaos, so nobody was able to find him. He wasn't alone, but that person didn't want to come. He was someone's child, a servant one."
The leader nodded and rubbed his chin. "Regardless, we need to test him to make sure he doesn't carry demonic powers. The demons are full of trickery and deception."
Killian nodded, "I already tested him and he carries none."
The leader raised his thick brow. "Regardless, he still needs to be tested. He will need to go through the ordinary process, like everyone when they enter the sect. We know nothing about the boy, and I won't let a child fool me."
His words slightly harden. "Alright, tomorrow you'll take the child to the center and get him tested."
Killian nodded. His expression was cold and icy.
~🌕🌙🌝~
Killian takes him out of the meeting room, and Sonny can feel a heavy prickling stare down his spine.
His hands felt sweaty, and he walked somewhere with Killian. He took him somewhere. A room. An empty room with a bed, table, and bowl with a washcloth in it.
Killian turned to Sonny, and a softer expression appeared on his face. "Don't worry. They won't hurt you."
Sonny opened his lips, "What test are they talking about tomorrow?"
Killian arches his brow, "Tomorrow, you'll go through something called The Mirror of Truth. It reveals your true nature, whether you're human, demon, or a hybrid."
Sonny's face was flat, but his heart was pounding. He remembered the bracelet his father gave him. He hopes that the bracelet will protect him. His father said the bracelet would conceal his powers, and he hopes it will conceal them tomorrow.
Killian watches him quietly and sharply senses something brewing underneath Killian's skin.
He asked, "Is there anything else you need?"
Sonny raised his head, "Will you be there with me?"
Sonny's voice was quiet, nearly ashamed of needing comfort.
He wasn't sure what he wanted to hear. He trusted nobody in this place, but he would rather have Killian with him. It would give him security at least.
Killain faintly smiled. "Yes. I'll be with you every step of the way."
Sonny smiled, and relief filled his chest. He was happy to know he won't be by himself.
Killian faintly curved his lips and walked out of the room. "Get some rest. We'll have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
Sonny lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, the mirror would determine everything. And if it saw too much—they'd tear him apart and not even Killian can protect him.