When Cel opened his eyes, Selina's arms were still around him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXuj6P5Dhe
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziJ0aSXLkH
For a moment, he remained perfectly still - caught between the sacred ground he'd just left and the reality of her embrace. The warmth of it. The gentleness.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtlGRuFw3f
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT3Rz2HfXX
His breath hitched.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGJ26SBggT
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvhTPfhbls
Then, something inside him broke.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4SNlq2Bed
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbhAWSAjIz
Not violently. Not like shattering glass or splintering bone.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXeknrJopB
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4YAtWBU4x
Like melting ice. Like a dam finally cracking under pressure it was never meant to hold.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbBmcX3Ppd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9dyXETGw2
A sound escaped him - small, choked, achingly human.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeucei8uKR
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63eylzgcST
His shoulders began to shake.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNME8k61uLf
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5Vp7gp3h4
Cel tried to stop it. Tried to force the trembling back down, to swallow the weakness rising in his throat. He'd survived torture. Starvation. Nightmares made flesh. 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqDqmebUTd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPgJlyxiCc
He shouldn't be—121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rs2FvyN3R
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRoHiHWFyc
Another sound tore free. Louder this time.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EkYkNQpY8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC4DXFc7nm
The tears came.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKqfiaPWp0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b9w9482ap
Silent at first, hot against his cheeks. Then accompanied by gasps he couldn't control, sobs that wrenched themselves from somewhere deep in his chest where he'd buried everything for so long.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBmvTuGHCh
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf2n0bkBlV
The year in the cell. The maggot-infested food. The cultists' knives. Ren's death.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZxyKaJBAX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwv5QU78Hh
His father's fists. His mother's silence. His brother's cowardice.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFPv32QZjF
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA0kJDZYRW
The mirror lake. The crystal maze. The creature that had killed him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1r5GYtDFW
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56XEeYkgUw
All of it - every moment of pain, every betrayal, every second he'd told himself he had to endure because there was no other choice - tore free at once.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q1jVIkp1F
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8UrZjANXC
And he couldn't stop it.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiXRz7CAfj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfKibO0x0n
Cel's knees weakened. His hands clutched at Selina's robes, fingers curling into white fabric like it was the only solid thing left in the world.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfFFIVgjw1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY8a5LzLYc
She held him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tZrPFgySo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9eRAllS25
Didn't speak. Didn't pull away. Didn't tell him to be strong or to compose himself.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnFYE6GYQE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtYHY0LJih
She simply held him, one hand moving to cradle the back of his head with steady gentleness while he broke apart in her arms.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJEUXMSgSj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09gKBgomUn
Time became meaningless.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbU66Gab9I
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf2MPBelqO
Eventually, the sobs gradually quieted. The gasps turned to shaky breaths, leaving only exhaustion in their wake.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiXfEF3OWY
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn8uvfjqTa
Cel pulled back slowly, roughly wiping at his face with trembling hands.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHw5UBWqVu
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfHyX3hXjB
His cheeks burned. Not from fever - from embarrassment so acute it felt physical.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiq49LuEBz
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbWZZ9vXgY
He'd just—121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvapD2suxaB
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH2o0HItXX
In front of her—121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9YhVS16af
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLD6YVxE7H
"I'm sorry," he choked out, unable to meet her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2pm6ft28x
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWOZUGvyJM
"There is nothing to apologize for, Chosen One." Her voice held no judgment. No pity. No disappointment.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxNyvOYChS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaS8X8JaYX
Only acceptance.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oLP4bC62o
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEGCT8zsiM
Cel swallowed hard, gaze fixed firmly on the ground between them. His throat felt raw, stripped clean.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVdc0t2mMh
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo01Bwvtvdy
"I just…" He didn't know how to finish that sentence.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3QyLnXoSR
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc1NwW7fDo
"You have endured much." Selina's hand remained on his shoulder - light, grounding. "The soul remembers every wound, even when the body has been remade. There is no shame in acknowledging that pain."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KPjAxmKS8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleQ4k4RE4X
Cel's breath came out shaky. He nodded once, not trusting his voice.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIe1DWAkZ6
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgqEBp4jxv
When she finally stepped back, her hands lingered for a moment before releasing him entirely.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI3nfvoYp3
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDroSV3vKio
The mist swirled between them, giving him space to collect himself.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIYgZGEM2g
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7zaEWjuRW
Cel took a breath. Then another. His fingers rose to touch his face - flushed and damp, eyes surely red and swollen.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VOypwhWK3
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAyeNZHaZ3
Humiliation seared through him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvoR2pgnbU
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X0RmdDMA3
He'd wept. Like a child. In front of someone who had guided him through death itself with perfect composure.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU5LvtWBTr
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45C5BqlpMQ
The transformation still didn't feel real, but the shame certainly did.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8amBKxOcV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDggAcYPGCa
He forced himself to straighten, to look somewhere near her general direction even if he couldn't quite meet her eyes yet.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzQ8Kqnaq2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgBR3sDnpE
"Thank you. For everything.“121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSP5PoQ8JE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT53MpaCO4
He gestured vaguely, unable to articulate what her presence had meant.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWOnORcfd1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWHkXCdQoj
Selina inclined her head, serene as ever.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY5NwYq7xa
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciikVgGv0e
A question surfaced - one that had been lurking since the moment she'd appeared in his dying consciousness. Something to focus on besides the heat still flooding his face.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagLjqMbEcM
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimh0scSmM3
"Selina." He cleared his throat. "What rank do you hold as a priestess?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7AGVgGmac
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZgQqMu2MQ
No hesitation. No cryptic deflection.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLqhcpWMr1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrFPmH38Fg
Her smile deepened, tranquil and certain as moonlight on still water121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGWjrytvZX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQZhMH2Z78
"Rank One." 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREurAQZzs0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiahn2PTwXl
The words landed like a physical blow.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F9W4SmnWC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw6TPprstF
His mind went blank, then exploded with implications he couldn't process fast enough.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8h37y8f84
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW23Evtq42V
'Rank One?'121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IWlcIROQT
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpIwdeStxD
A Divine Oracle - the title humanity gave to those who stood at the pinnacle of divine service.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU7kAT6fNt
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZNW43Nem9
Not just a priestess. Not even a high-ranking servant.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20Xw3chCTJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVMt0gZMMg
The highest authority beneath the gods themselves. The singular voice through which a deity spoke directly to the mortal world.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQkOhikBeZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zgwo7jSbU
His embarrassment suddenly intensified a thousandfold.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4LVmOLYg9
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7nxfel5dk
He'd just—121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ040zukdRS9
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD8eWhzlhW
He'd just cried on a Divine Oracle.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn7E0PJBka
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUvfNw752G
Sobbed into her robes like a child seeking comfort from his mother.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11E0wP4yBv
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe21fh12rF7
And before that—121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEL89sUm4N
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JbYjJ2VNN
Memory crashed through him like an avalanche.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqejp2nh7Kj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmTMQ75nHB
His tone. The way he'd spoken to her.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlM5SN8GfE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYdwG0715K
Sharp. Impatient. Laced with frustration when she couldn't answer his questions. The edge in his voice when he'd pushed back against her words.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3pv8FNXfI
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUPmu9BiB5
He hadn't been respectful. Hadn't been grateful.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTlAKiGQ4E
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUneOCH6yar
He'd been angry - and he'd let that anger out on her.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yvB8diUkE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9zp23Pmd1
Cel wanted to disappear.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGXaDdL4rm
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIr6dXPbY2
He hadn't just questioned a priestess or shown weakness before a guide.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9eMaqbg3r
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaPo8bWI31
He had challenged a Divine Oracle with barely restrained fury. 121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlS60fvMH7
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIORUHOmvYL
And then wept on her shoulder.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqcbHbSJhH
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOqp49HhNo
His legs suddenly felt unsteady.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjCZJQagrQ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMHlMi2j5Z
Cel's gaze dropped to the ground again. He couldn't look at her. Couldn't bear the weight of meeting those eyes now that he understood what - who - they represented.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIGN6fCOLx
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0cPZKpH5N
His voice failed him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLmc981lNd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv40tDs2fQU
Everything about her made sense now. The way she moved through his soul's landscape with absolute certainty. The calm that never broke, no matter what horrors he did. The patience that felt limitless, untouchable by mortal weakness.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKjS1Jb0GR
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIDy17KwGl
Because it transcended mortality.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dRLkZy20v
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQQ7lettzK
She wasn't just a guide. She was the voice of the Moon Goddess.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XOMrzP2g0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb2J65IIQ4
And he'd—121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM1BdJFBUc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ckq1JMZCR
Shame crawled up his throat like bile, bitter and choking.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzByqfHTU7u
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PUPsRnDHI
"I was..." He forced the words out. "I was angry. At everything. And I took it out on you."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pBNScCMrw
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr7HolfY0g
His hands curled into fists.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5UUCr4SSU
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBgWFPFqyj
"You were patient with me. Kind. And I..."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdrmdQFncL
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFuOnRpZcz
He couldn't finish. Couldn't articulate how wrong it felt now—lashing out at the one person who'd actually helped him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nWmV024tX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxypmhys5fg
"I'm sorry."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDvE96t6sS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Io38XJyK
Silence answered him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxneHPgEGTu
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF1nymDXUS
Cel kept his gaze fixed on the ground, watching mist curl around his bare feet. Each second stretched unbearably long.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdwEvizjll
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvhMsxaUwG
Then—movement.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNE4Rk69CO
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kY2gvRE7h
Selina stepped closer.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2tZrWy1wW
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZitvAXjTfm
He flinched slightly, expecting… what? Blame? Divine wrath channeled through soft words?121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYzE53MjGk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhAhGDQT72
"Chosen One." Her voice carried no anger. No coldness.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwUP0InyfF
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ68Sq0yEQd
Only that same impossible gentleness she'd shown since the beginning.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhW06MiJOi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBtHVO4Wwe
Slowly, reluctantly, Cel raised his head.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJAZmgc8Mz
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhfUGJW76E
She stood before him unchanged. Mask catching moonlight, lips curved into a beautiful smile. White robes stirring in wind that didn't exist.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkirG5mGWi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9wRBW6Gzg
But now he could see it - the presence that saturated every gesture, every word. The weight of divinity she carried with such grace.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpnKg9bHoJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOBVq3Epqf
"You are not the first to question the divine." Her tone remained even. "Nor will you be the last."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxBDa5gmy8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBu2SkV7S0
Cel's breath hitched.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglPznLy4OA
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ayWJSnOCw
"But you're a Divine Oracle." The words tumbled out before he could stop them. "The highest voice of the goddess. I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did. With anger. With—"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Rc0UuPdYJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYopphBKzmR
He gestured helplessly.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaFam47sC4
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjJEElBzus
"You deserved better than that."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aWZaAJd6I
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBh2CX4Q9l
Selina regarded him for a long moment.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6bfsRWvK1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5la7qZbl2v
"Your tone was inappropriate, yes."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPmyLLplbV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwV4cJR3I8
The blunt truth hit like a fist.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXkOSKYLGd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhJ91JTsmp
But there was no cruelty in her statement. Just fact, stated simply.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMAponwocF
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LVuYDNJgF
"However." She tilted her head slightly. "I do not serve to be worshipped. I serve to guide. To guide you."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YBGVSwJNl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ280YhivA0y
Her hand lifted in a small, dismissive gesture - as if brushing away his concern.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTiLTrIy7j
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvmAQSpQPN
"You may speak to me as yourself. It is enough."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaTnWEaNo4
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLczIcosio9
The shame didn't vanish - it couldn't - but something about her words cut through the worst of it.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQpo7VJEKx
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC6fZENyUP
She had never demanded reverence. Never once reminded him of her status, even when he'd pushed boundaries most priests would have punished him for crossing.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGmShbdCqi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oZYvHzh18
Even now, standing before him with her true nature revealed, she spoke with grace rather than command.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbix6O8rsl1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKSn9mo9yy
Cel's chest tightened.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6aAkbImgh
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdSOzHlYhh
Not from unworthiness - though he felt that keenly.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SFpEolxRn
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnShBSy1q9i
But from recognition.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYCTKL8bjC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGUZfPsZoi
He had spent his entire life surrounded by power. His father wielded authority like a weapon, crushing anyone who dared question him. The nobles of the Sun Clan wore their status like armor, ensuring everyone knew their place.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZvTSzkPYD
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6KkgMuqCB
And here stood someone with more power than any of them could dream of.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5l1q7j2cB
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk8OEeQuSW
Who chose not to wield it as a tool of domination.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TAui94xqN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86MJNlXVyv
"Then..." He straightened slightly, meeting her masked gaze. "I'll speak to you as myself."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQVu0fNXCM
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkKAe2YhhW
A pause.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknuDER5jSo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TZhyhOK4G
"And I'll make sure you never regret guiding me."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwKGwLA1sc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fUm0JKKbt
Selina's smile deepened - genuine warmth that transformed her serene expression into something radiant.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tNowCuH5y
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTmWc3wxq6
"I never have, Chosen One."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnOpQ10YCR
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewImOfDpse
The simple certainty in those words settled over him like a blanket.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTV79iK4vF
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlqj2xMFaY
Not forgiveness - she had nothing to forgive, apparently.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSBvtY6VXC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoGvcYQb12
Just acceptance.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2L3OmGfhw
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqk1g8O5pk
Cel bowed his head. Not in apology this time.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WSHE6GATB
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex7ov2EETI
In respect. True respect, given freely to someone who had earned it through every patient word, every quiet truth.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQgjOBkSJJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8R1ctsAqK
When he raised his eyes again, something fundamental had shifted inside him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4op5fpw2p
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkpoAHTF3W
The guilt remained - it would serve as reminder, fuel to be better.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF3423CF2Y
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf8stQEvMO
But beneath it, something else had taken root.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChXhpxtTCj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw81a6GwqZp
Trust. Deep and unshakeable.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCnimkIxy0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr63HLoGTOR
Whatever came next - whatever trials or horrors the future held - he would follow where she led.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHUEa1ueWB
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuldfx9aMdt
Because Selina wasn't just the goddess's voice.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWnJ24WeR6
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLxn3c4zEV
She was his guide.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbvWZO0Gbf
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV0axwKu6f
And he would not dishonor that gift again.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGilwt7ziDq
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ39f7PAtE
Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken understanding.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxFll5fuli
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiZ7NF1yNA
He didn't need more words. Neither did she.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcelJsqaSa
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mt7Oal30G
The mist around them stirred.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo9EsC3G1P
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LMubs0NhD
Selina's gaze lingered on him - just a moment longer - before she turned away.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpJDI1idX0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPNi8drxse
"Follow me, Chosen One. There is more yet to be done."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEUUgVECMl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIBHOLNS1E
Cel followed without hesitation.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59ZPjpTiGs
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IJv0KBzj6
They walked in silence through the transformed landscape of his soul. The mist parted before Selina as if bowing, then closed behind them like a curtain.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNWc0Z9l2G
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlxyoddEJT
With each step, Cel felt the difference. Steady. Strong. No trembling weakness in his legs, no exhaustion dragging at his limbs. His body moved with an ease he'd almost forgotten existed.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCLIuSkEDw
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV3uNZCU4O
"What happened to me?" he asked.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYFUw1bzwZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaBiaSErft
She didn't slow her pace, but her head turned slightly toward him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMgIZd2sv8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G2S5WiJX6
"Your physical form in the Hollow Realms succumbed to its injuries," she said simply.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEvvSCxy1b
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKcRqUffsv
The words should have struck harder. But after everything - after dying twice already - the revelation felt almost distant.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5NSOyZQZd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahjAhOy3ur
"Then how…“ He gestured at himself, at the body that felt foreign in its wholeness. "How am I still here?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfVXheje1g
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdRKu6Npjn
"Your soul was preserved within the trial - protected by divine ground." Selina's voice carried a weight he hadn't heard before.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDMyaeB1TS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOLLKU4bTy
She paused, as if choosing her next words carefully.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1uhmQvL0j
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw1LQOpG1O
"What the Moon Goddess granted you is not mere healing. It is true resurrection - the reforging of flesh and bone around a soul that had no vessel."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lqlPTXnUk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsCwOrk0OV
Cel’s breath caught.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRXSDOTp3i
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SGkzPEdSw
Not healing. Not recovery.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz9bwcXXcg
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjYzhkphdC
Resurrection.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WTynifPtX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmory7ZIRd
His soul had survived the trial, and the goddess had forged him a body capable of matching that survival - whole, strong, unmarred by the year of torment that had destroyed the first.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq882l3xIL8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9U0AMoKMM
Perhaps that was why the trial existed at all - to prove his soul worthy of such a gift.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ0CJ4Nrkd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaHKJVbG8M
Cel let the truth settle as they continued forward.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzNrn68MSa
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBzZwrDj0W
Eventually, the terrain shifted.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxVofHHoxq
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt90sJEZRsl
The cracked earth gave way to something smoother. The jagged stones retreated. Even the bluish-white flowers thinned until only mist remained, thick and luminous around the edges of a clearing Cel didn't remember seeing before.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyml8ktJn7C
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmVEmYN8KX
At its center stood a monolith.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYZG4ccdy4
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ukfB1uGt2
Not stone. Not metal.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs8I6I4gsi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMt8fOJ99I
Something else.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPMwC57e8w
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelo19HijBg
Cel stopped walking.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUmELQcWRS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAcwmeqOLw
The structure rose before him - taller than he was, seamless and dark. Deep midnight blue pulsed across its surface like a slow heartbeat, while threads of pale light coiled beneath, moving in patterns he couldn't follow.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7L2A1ymDE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26NOOY5N5u
Sapphire beneath moonlight - cold and radiant.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoblHecOeCx
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfJE3Ocmg9
Divine.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKpiDCGWg8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlmJgHOn09
He knew that without being told. The same way he'd known the frozen sea was sacred. The same way he'd recognized the fairy-like creature in the crystal maze as something beyond natural.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvBKrYUkv2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyS99FncQF
This wasn't just an object.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzxR3mm2X6
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY3owsOmbf
This was touched by divinity itself.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwYZkZZb3l
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWg0v9Z5UJ
Selina came to a stop beside it, one hand resting lightly against the smooth surface. She didn't look at him, but he felt her attention anyway - patient, expectant.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLGMbSnY9k
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVkE2HVcuY
Cel's chest tightened.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfrPE9Xqpd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnDbz2XhPa
He knew what came next.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8CQl8bKNN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T4skCLMqx
Every Chosen One, upon receiving their first blessing, was granted three things.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi1Ojm6AMA
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojGzxooAlO
A trait - passive power, woven into the core of their being. Not meant for spectacle or battle, but something that changed who they were on a fundamental level.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwHMVUHPxZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDbY3IPgEV
An authority - active power, immediate and tangible. The god's first true answer to their Chosen One's nature. Something meant to be used, whether for protection, destruction, or survival.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE9wxgkc93
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEOZr8u1En
Both could stem from the same paragon or draw from different aspects of their deity's domain.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevca2gCCxy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AsfSXnRe9
And an artifact - a divine instrument forged by the gods themselves. Weapon or armor. Whatever form it took, it would be theirs alone - bound to them until death.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt5AFwKZQj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1YPtlA4Cx
Unlike future blessings - earned through achievements - this first gift was granted freely. A mark that the journey had begun.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcQso4Z64j
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIOLJkvrdj
Cel's hands trembled slightly as he stepped forward.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWRrLWvxfh
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoDXHYCFas
The monolith responded.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzuhD8yJiV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHFkYeYLeL
Silver light bloomed from its core - threads like veins of pure moonlight spreading outward beneath the surface. They coiled and twisted, drawing patterns that burned themselves into his vision.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIh8DfrEBw
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGri1tcd3o0
Runes.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB8e7etgq9
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcOLK6yy3E
He couldn't read them. Didn't recognize the script.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyED5po0Sgl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5po0I2Xft
But he understood them anyway - meaning that bypassed his eyes entirely and settled into his mind like instinct.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9LtChZNv6
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDXpKKMvOC
<Name: Celvian>121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPyFUJz26c
<Paragons: (Heir to the Moon) (The White Death)>121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD3WcuA0WR
<Artifacts: (Silent Moon)>121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwO5BIdnS0
<Insights: (locked 0/1)>121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFhVcNDqgV
<Achievements: (1)>1234 copyright protection117ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9OWPopIWh 尼

216.73.216.172