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Dawn pulled me from my sleep, sunlight streaming through our grimy windows onto my face and the sounds of Selas awakening filtering through the thin walls. I stirred, momentarily confused by the warm body pressed against mine before remembering that Sky had moved in.

“You’re thinking too loud,” he grumbled, his eyes still closed but his wolf ears twitching.

“Sorry,” I whispered, smiling despite myself. “Just getting used to this.”

One blue eye cracked open, regarding me with sleepy affection. “Good used to or bad used to?”

“Definitely good,” I assured him, brushing a strand of dark hair from his forehead.

A throat cleared loudly from across the room. I looked up to see Kuro standing there, already dressed and armed, an amused smirk on his face.

“If you two lovebirds are done cuddling, Kai wants us all ready to leave in twenty minutes.”

Sky growled softly, his tail bristling, but I just laughed. “We’ll be ready.”

After a quick breakfast of dried meat and slightly stale bread, our party gathered in the main room. Everyone seemed charged with nervous energy, coins carefully tucked away in inner pockets or pouches.

“Remember,” Kai said, his voice calm but authoritative, “straight to the guilds, get your skills, and meet back here by midday. No detours, no showing off your gold, and keep your eyes open. Avoid anything off the main road if you can.”

We all nodded, the gravity of our situation not lost on any of us.

“Let’s go,” Rhia said, adjusting the cloth wraps around her hands. “The sooner we get these skills, the safer we’ll be.”

We filed out into the morning sun, splitting into our designated pairs. Rhia and Mira headed west toward the Mage’s Guild, while Kuro set off toward the Knight’s Guild in the north part of town. Kai gave us all a final nod before following Kuro, jogging to catch up with him.

That left Sky and me standing in the dusty street, the morning bustle of Selas picking up around us.

“Ready?” I asked, suddenly feeling nervous. Last time I went to the Cleric’s Guild it nearly cost us all our lives. Now I was going back and this time I promised myself I’d be more discreet until I was alone with High Priestess Elayra.

Sky nodded, his face settling into its usual guarded expression as we stepped into the crowd. “Stay close,” he murmured, his eyes scanning the people around us. “And keep your hand on your coin pouch.”

The streets of Selas were already busy despite the early hour, merchants setting up stalls and newcomers wandering wide-eyed through the bustling thoroughfare.

As we walked, I found myself constantly glancing over my shoulder, the weight of my gold coins heavy in the inner pocket I’d sewn into my cloak.

“We’ll head to the Cleric’s Guild first,” Sky said, his voice low as he walked beside me, one hand resting casually on his spear. His tail swished behind him, betraying his alertness despite his relaxed posture. “It’s closer, and I’d rather not leave you alone.”

I nodded, appreciating his protectiveness even as I tried to project confidence. “I should be fine once I’m inside. The guild is sacred ground. Even the RSB respects that boundary.”

Sky’s ears twitched skeptically. “After what we’ve seen, I wouldn’t count on anyone respecting boundaries anymore.”

He had a point. The Captain’s betrayal had shattered whatever na?ve trust I’d had in the institutions of Selas.

Still, the Cleric’s Guild had been my sanctuary since arriving in Cindersea.

High Priestess Elayra had taken me under her wing, teaching me the basic healing spell that had saved our lives multiple times now.

She even trusted me with the Twilight Veil long before I was ready.

If there was anywhere in Selas I still felt safe, it was there.

As we approached the white stone building with its silver spires reaching toward the sky, I felt a familiar sense of calm wash over me.

Magic hummed in the air here, a gentle vibration that resonated with something deep inside me.

After becoming the Twilight’s champion, I’d noticed the sensation had grown stronger, as if my connection to magical energies had been amplified.

“This is where we part ways,” I said, stopping at the base of the marble steps. “The Druid’s Guild is?—”

“I know where it is,” Sky interrupted, his blue eyes scanning the street one last time before returning to my face. His expression softened slightly. “Be careful, okay? Don’t tell anyone about... anything.”

I understood what he meant. Becoming the new Twilight Champion, the necromancy spell, the skill books… all secrets that could get us killed if revealed.

“I won’t,” I promised. “Meet you back here in two hours?”

Sky nodded, hesitating for a moment before leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to my cheek, so fast I barely registered it before he pulled away. “Two hours,” he confirmed, already backing away. “Don’t be late.”

I watched him disappear into the crowd, his wolf ears visible above the sea of people for a few moments before he turned a corner and vanished from sight. Taking a deep breath, I climbed the steps to the Cleric’s Guild.

Inside, the familiar scent of incense and healing herbs greeted me.

Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the polished marble floor.

A few acolytes moved about, their white robes rustling softly as they carried scrolls or tended to small shrines along the walls.

I recognized a few faces from my early training sessions, but most were strangers.

“I’m here to see High Priestess Elayra,” I said, stepping up to the front desk where the same disinterested cleric sat. “I need to purchase a new skill.”

“I’ll let her know you’re here. Take a seat,” she muttered. Then, when she looked up at me, her flat expression broke into a smile. “Oh… Oliver. I didn’t realize it was you! My apologies. I’ll get the High Priestess right away!”

“You don’t have to…” I began, but she was already gone.

For a moment I didn’t understand her reaction. Then it dawned on me… she must’ve seen me at Boromia’s ceremony or at least heard about it. It felt strange she knew my face and name, but as I glanced around the guild, I noticed several of the other acolytes were staring. Clearly word traveled fast.

I shifted uncomfortably under their gazes, clutching my gold coin tighter in my pocket. Fame was not something I’d expected or wanted. It made me feel exposed, vulnerable… exactly the opposite of what we needed right now.

“Oliver!” A familiar voice called from the far end of the hall.

High Priestess Elayra approached, her silver hair braided intricately as always, the soft blue of her robes seeming to glow in the filtered light. Her eyes, the same shade as her garments, studied me with keen interest as she drew near.

“High Priestess,” I bowed my head respectfully, trying to ignore the continued stares from around the room.

“Come,” she said simply, gesturing for me to follow. “We’ll speak in private.”

Relief washed over me as I trailed behind her, grateful to escape the curious eyes of the other clerics.

Elayra led me down a familiar corridor to her personal chamber, a modest room filled with books, crystals, and the comforting scent of healing herbs.

She closed the door behind us, the soft click sealing us away from prying ears.

“I attended the ceremony,” she said without preamble, settling into a chair and motioning for me to do the same. “Quite the spectacle Captain Boromia made of you and your friends.”

I tensed, unsure how much I should reveal. “The captain was... generous with his praise.”

“Hmm.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “And his version of events?”

My heart skipped a beat. Was she testing me? Did she suspect the captain’s story wasn’t entirely truthful?

“It was... mostly accurate,” I hedged, studying her face for any reaction.

Elayra’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “I’ve known Boromia for many years, Oliver. His tales tend to grow more impressive with each telling.” She leaned forward slightly. “But that’s not why you’re here today, is it?”

“No,” I admitted, reaching into my pocket and withdrawing my gold coin.

“I came to return the illusory copy I borrowed last time. And to hopefully learn a new healing spell. Something stronger than the basic one you taught me. I might learn a couple others while I’m at it to fill out my repertoire. ”

She nodded, her eyes flicking to the coin before returning to my face. “The RSB’s reward money. I wondered how you would choose to spend it.” Her expression softened. “A wise choice. Knowledge serves better than trinkets in Cindersea. ”

I placed the illusory book and the coin on the small table between us. “What can this buy me?”

Elayra casually tapped the book with her staff causing it to disappear with a pop and then considered me for a moment.

“For one gold, I could teach you a single powerful spell or perhaps three moderate ones.” She tilted her head.

“What kind of healing are you most in need of? Battlefield wounds? Illness? Poisons?”

The image of Sky bleeding out from Boromia’s ice spear flashed in my mind. “Deep wounds,” I said immediately. “The kind that would normally be fatal if not treated quickly.”

Elayra nodded, her silvery braid catching the light as she moved.

“Ah, for those moments when basic healing isn’t enough.

” Her eyes studied me intently, as if seeing through to some truth I hadn’t voiced.

“I have just the spell. It’s called Lifewell.

It draws from your own vitality to knit together even the most grievous injuries. Powerful, but not without cost.”

“Cost?” I asked, leaning forward.

“All magic demands balance,” she explained, her fingers tracing arcane patterns in the air between us. “Lifewell borrows from your own life force to heal another. Use it sparingly, or you may find yourself collapsing alongside the one you’ve saved.”

I thought of Sky’s wound, how close he’d come to death. “I’ll take it,” I said without hesitation.

“And for your other choices?” She raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps something defensive? Or maybe something offensive”

“Probably both. But what would you recommend?” I asked, trusting her judgment more than my limited experience.

Elayra’s lips curved into a gentle smile.

“For someone in your position,” Elayra said thoughtfully, “I would recommend Sacred Shield. It creates a barrier that can deflect physical attacks. Not impenetrable, but enough to give you precious seconds in a dangerous situation.” She tapped her fingers against her staff, contemplating.

“And perhaps Twilight’s Judgment. A modest offensive spell that channels pure energy to strike your enemies.

Although you’ll need to upgrade your staff to use it.

Without mana ore forged into your weapon, the spell would destroy it. ”

I nodded, considering her suggestions. “That sounds perfect. All three.”

Elayra studied me for a moment, her eyes searching mine as if looking for something hidden beneath the surface. “The Captain spoke highly of your accomplishments in the ruins, yet I sense there’s more to your story than what was shared on that stage. ”

My breath caught. I wanted desperately to tell her everything about becoming the Twilight’s champion, about the skill books, about Boromia’s betrayal. But Sky’s warning echoed in my mind. Trust no one, not even those who seemed like allies.

“It was... challenging,” I said carefully. “We faced dangers I wasn’t prepared for.”

“I see.” She nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. “And did you find anything of interest in those ruins? Anything that might have... changed you?”

My heart hammered against my ribs. Did she know? Could she somehow sense the Twilight’s mark upon me?

“Just experience,” I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady. “And a new appreciation for your teachings.”

Elayra held my gaze for a long moment before nodding, apparently satisfied. Or at least willing to let the matter drop. “Very well. Let me find your books and I’ll make illusory copies again.” She headed for the bookshelf, glancing back at me. “Were you able to use Twilight Veil?”

I nodded, spinning more lies. “For about three seconds before I passed out.”

She sighed. “Well, hopefully you’ll grow into it. With all the work your about to get from the RSB, I imagine you’ll grow quickly.”

“Work from the RSB?” I asked, confused.

“Of course,” she smiled. “The Captain has his eyes on your party now. With that much talent in your group, you’ll be on the front lines from here on out.”

I wasn’t sure if it was praise or a warning. Either way, it made my blood run cold.

Was this nightmare ever going to end?