Lauren folded her hands in her lap, her voice soft but steady as she began to explain. "After you left, the Knights of Solarius combed through the entire cavern network. They found several more children, Quin." Her voice caught slightly, but she continued. "Some of them… were already gone. Others were alive but traumatized; their bodies were pretty mangled by surgeries. I fixed what I could, but they need a more powerful healer than me."

  Quin’s fists clenched, and he looked away, his jaw tightening. A wave of anger surged through him, hot and searing, only to be replaced by a hollow sadness that settled deep in his chest.

  Lauren placed her hands in her lap, unable to take actions that would reassure him while maintaining her vows to Purity. "Quin, you did everything you could. You saved the ones you found. Without you, without what you did, none of those children would have made it out."

  Quin closed his eyes, taking in her words, but the weight of the loss lingered. "It doesn’t feel like enough," he admitted quietly. "I can’t stop thinking about how weak I was. How unprepared I was for something like this. It’s… no wonder I found Zach pushing himself so hard. I feel the same."

  Lauren’s expression softened further. "You’re not weak, Quin. You fought with everything you had. You saved lives. But feeling this way—that’s what makes you human. It means you care, and that’s what sets you apart from people like Eloria."

  The mention of Eloria brought a shadow over Lauren’s face, and she continued. "The Knights also found several more cultists. They managed to capture a few of them, but the others…" She hesitated before finishing. "The others committed suicide before they could be taken. It’s clear they were fanatically devoted to this cause."

  Quin’s gaze snapped back to hers, searching. "What about Eloria?"

  Lauren shook her head. "She wasn’t among the captured or the dead. Lief believes she either escaped somehow or is still hiding in the cavern network. It’s vast, Quin. They didn’t have time to search it all last night. Lief and many of the other knights stayed behind in Vistow to map it out and ensure every inch of it is searched."

  Quin exhaled sharply, his hands gripping his knees. The thought of Eloria still being out there, free to potentially restart her twisted work, sent a chill down his spine.

  Lauren squeezed his arm gently. "They’ll find her. Lief won’t rest until this cult is completely dismantled, and I know you won’t either."

  Quin nodded slowly, his resolve hardening. "I’ll get stronger," he said, his voice firm. "The next time I face something like this, I’ll be ready. I won’t let anyone suffer because I wasn’t enough."

  Lauren smiled faintly, a mixture of pride and concern in her eyes. "You’ve already done more than most would, Quin. Don’t forget that."

  Quin looked back at her, the lingering sadness in his heart tempered by her reassurance. "Thank you, Lauren. For everything."

  Her smile widened slightly. "Always."

  They sat together in the garden for a while longer, the flowers around them swaying gently in the breeze, their shared silence a quiet promise of support in the trials to come.

  “So what do we do next?” Quin asked when the silence stretched on too long.

  Lauren sighed softly, her expression tinged with weariness as she looked at Quin. "What do we do next?" she repeated his question, then shook her head gently. "Nothing. This is out of our hands now. The leadership in the temples will take over. They’ll sweep the tunnels, track down any remaining cultists, and, most likely, launch an inquisition into the Temple of Serenity here in Cremoor to root out any corruption connected to this… Eternal Peace cult."

  Quin furrowed his brow. "An inquisition?"

  Lauren nodded. "Yes. When something of this magnitude arises, it’s treated with the utmost gravity. An inquisition isn’t something the temples take lightly. It’s a process where all the temples of the Light Pantheon unite under a council to investigate the offending temple. This council is composed of high-ranking priests, warriors, and scholars from each temple, including representatives from Justicar’s temple for their judicial expertise."

  Quin listened intently as Lauren continued.

  "First, the council reviews every aspect of the temple in question—its teachings, practices, and leadership. They interview everyone associated with the temple, from the highest-ranking priests to the lowest acolytes. Records are scrutinized, sermons are analyzed, and finances are combed through. Nothing is off-limits."

  "And if they find corruption?" Quin asked, his voice tense.

  Lauren’s expression grew grim. "If they find corruption, those responsible are removed and punished accordingly. Depending on the severity, it could range from excommunication to execution, especially if lives have been lost or if the faith of the Light Pantheon has been endangered. The offending practices are dismantled, and the temple is either restructured under new leadership or, in extreme cases, purged entirely."

  Quin’s eyes widened slightly. "Purged?"

  Lauren nodded. "It’s incredibly rare, but it has happened. The temples of the Light Pantheon are meant to uphold justice, peace, and the betterment of the world. If a temple strays too far from those principles, it’s deemed a danger to the Pantheon as a whole. So they execute everyone remotely guilty and replace them with new followers from other cities."

  Quin leaned back, processing the weight of her words. "So the Temple of Serenity in Cremoor…"

  Lauren sighed. "It’ll be scrutinized heavily. It’s likely that most of its followers are innocent and unaware of what this cult was doing. But if any high-ranking members are found to have been involved, they won’t escape justice. And if it’s found that the teachings themselves allowed for this kind of corruption, changes will be made to ensure it never happens again. I find it incredibly unlikely a purge will occur."

  Quin exhaled slowly. "It’s a lot to take in."

  "It is," Lauren admitted, her voice softer. "But this is how the Light Pantheon maintains its integrity. We hold ourselves accountable, even when it’s painful."

  Quin nodded, though his thoughts remained heavy. The idea of doing nothing didn’t sit well with him, but he understood the necessity of stepping back and letting the leadership handle the larger battle. "And we do nothing?"

  Lauren managed a small smile. "We rest, Quin. We recover. And when the time comes, we continue to grow stronger. This fight isn’t over, but for now, it’s not ours to fight. Maybe one day when you have grown older and Ascended a few more times."

  Quin nodded slowly, the weight on his shoulders feeling just a fraction lighter.

  “I found something you might be interested in, actually,” Lauren said, changing the topic.

  Quin’s expression shifted from weary contemplation to startled curiosity as he turned to Lauren. “You found something?”

  Lauren hesitated for a moment, clutching the leather-bound book closer to her chest before nodding. "I did. When we were cleaning out Elisa Marnel’s home, I came across this journal. It… it’s written by Loma, or at least, I’m almost certain it is."

  Quin blinked, caught between disbelief and hope. "A journal? From my mother?"

  Lauren nodded again, offering the book to him with a small, apologetic smile. "I hope you don’t mind, but I read through it. I only did so to confirm it was really hers and to see if it had any information about what was going on in that village. I thought you would want to have it, but…"

  "But what?" Quin prompted, his voice filled with an urgency he couldn’t entirely suppress.

  Lauren exhaled softly, handing the journal over. "Some of the entries, especially near the end, didn’t make much sense. They were… fragmented. Disjointed, almost. Like something was wrong, I thought you might understand them better than I could or at least piece together something I missed."

  Quin took the journal carefully, his fingers brushing against the worn leather cover. Its weight felt significant as if it held not just words but fragments of his mother’s soul. He stared at it for a long moment before meeting Lauren’s gaze. "Thank you, Lauren. I didn’t think I’d find anything more about her after leaving Vistow. This means more to me than you know."

  Lauren smiled softly, her tired features easing. "I thought you’d feel that way. Take your time reading it. And when you’re ready, let me know what you think about the parts that seem strange. Maybe we can figure it out together."

  Quin nodded, clutching the journal tightly. "I will. Thank you again, Lauren."

  Quin looked down at the journal and studied it. Perhaps it would hold all of the answers he was seeking about his mother’s past. Why did Solarius choose her, of all people, to give birth to Quin? Quin fiddled with the pages and the cover of the journal, committing all the details of it to his memory.

  “Quin? Quin?” Lauren called out.

  Quin snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Lauren’s voice. He glanced up to see her smiling at him, her usual warmth shining through despite the exhaustion etched into her features.

  “Quin,” she called again, her tone light but teasing. “Earth to Quin?”

  Quin blinked, then chuckled sheepishly. “Sorry, I was just… distracted.”

  Lauren’s smile widened as she stood from the bench. “Well, there’s something else I want to show you. The journal won’t go anywhere. You can read it later. Come on.”

  Quin raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “What is it?”

  Lauren’s grin turned playful. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

  With a flirtatious tone and a sparkle in her eyes, Lauren guided Quin out of the gardens behind the Temple of Purity through the temple district. They wove through the bustling pathways until they reached the Temple of Vicavity, Goddess of Youth, Nurturing, and Learning.

  The temple was a vision of lighthearted elegance and welcoming warmth. Its exterior was unlike the imposing grandeur of Solarius’s temple or the austere simplicity of Purity’s halls. Instead, the Temple of Vicavity radiated an inviting charm.

  The building was circular, crafted from a soft cream-colored stone that glowed warmly in the afternoon sunlight. Its design was free of harsh angles, every line curved and flowing, giving the structure an organic, almost playful appearance. Carvings of children at play, teachers instructing eager students, and symbols of blooming flowers adorned the walls, etched with stunning intricacy.

  At the center of the temple’s roof, a domed skylight sparkled like a polished gem, refracting sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors that danced over the temple’s surroundings. Around the base of the structure, vibrant gardens bloomed with an explosion of flowers in every imaginable hue. Pathways meandered through the garden, dotted with benches and small gazebos where visitors could sit and reflect or study.

  The entrance was marked by an archway draped with living ivy, the tendrils winding up and around like nature’s own decoration. A wooden door stood open, inviting visitors inside, with a carved inscription above the arch that read:

  "To nurture is to give life; to learn is to bloom forever."

  Children laughed and played in the nearby garden, watched over by caretakers and priestesses in robes of soft greens and golds. The sounds of joy and chatter blended harmoniously with the peaceful rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

  Quin stopped to take it all in, his lips quirking into a smile. “It’s… different,” he admitted.

  Lauren nodded, her gaze sweeping over the temple with a fond expression. “It’s not like the others, is it? But that’s what makes it special. Come on, I think you’ll like what I have to show you.”

  With a curious heart, Quin followed Lauren through the archway and into the Temple of Vicavity.

  The interior of the Temple of Vicavity was as welcoming and vibrant as its exterior, a stark contrast to the grandeur of Solarius’s temple or the austere solemnity of Purity’s outer walls. The ceiling was high and vaulted, but instead of being intimidating, it felt open and uplifting. Sunlight poured through the domed skylight, refracting in a dazzling array of colors that painted the interior with a lively spectrum of hues.

  The walls were lined with murals depicting scenes of nurturing and learning: children being taught by patient elders, a young gardener cultivating a flourishing plot of flowers, and a healer tending to a wounded bird. The motifs celebrated growth in all forms, whether it was physical, emotional, or intellectual.

  Comfortable seating areas with plush cushions and low tables were scattered throughout the space, inviting visitors to rest and engage in quiet study or conversation. Shelves along the walls held books, toys, and out-of-lear tools, which were available for anyone to use. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of baked goods, likely coming from a kitchen somewhere within the temple.

  The floor was tiled with intricate mosaics depicting cycles of life and growth, with paths leading deeper into the temple. Children’s laughter echoed faintly from other rooms, adding to the sense of life and joy permeating the place.

  As Quin and Lauren stepped further inside, a priestess in robes of soft green and gold approached them. Her robes were embroidered with images of vines and blossoms, and her demeanor radiated warmth and kindness.

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  “Lauren!” the priestess exclaimed, her voice cheerful as she smiled. “It’s good to see you again.”

  Lauren smiled back and gestured toward Quin. “It’s good to see you too, Sister Delara. This is Quin.”

  The priestess’s face lit up at the mention of Quin’s name, her eyes widening with delight. “Oh! You’re the Quin! Vivacity bless you, young man!” she gushed, her bubbly energy catching Quin slightly off guard. “You’re a hero! We heard all about how you saved the children from Vistow! Thank you, thank you so much. Asper has been asking about you nonstop since she got here!”

  Quin blinked, trying to process the sudden wave of gratitude. “Uh, Asper?” he asked, turning toward Lauren.

  Lauren gave him a knowing smile. “Yes, Asper’s here. All the children are here. The Temple of Vivacity usually takes care of orphans and children in need, so it was the best place to bring them on such short notice. They are the best when it comes to children, especially those who had undergone something so traumatizing as they had.”

  Quin exhaled slowly, relief washing over him. He hadn’t known where the children had gone after they’d parted ways with the knights, but hearing they were safe and cared for here lifted a weight from his chest.

  Sister Delara beamed at Quin. “Asper will be so excited to see you. She talks about you constantly—‘Quin saved me this,’ ‘Quin is the best that.’ She’s quite taken with her hero.”

  Quin chuckled softly, a blush creeping up his neck. “Well… I’m glad she’s doing okay. It’s good to know they’re all safe here.”

  Lauren placed a reassuring hand on Quin’s arm. “Come on, let’s go see her.”

  Delara clapped her hands together in delight. “Oh, she’ll be thrilled! Follow me!”

  Quin and Lauren followed the priestess deeper into the temple, eager to reunite with the children they had fought so hard to save.

  Sister Delara led them down a wide hallway filled with doors that opened into various rooms. Some were classrooms with children sitting cross-legged on the floor, listening attentively to a priest or priestess. Others were playrooms filled with laughter, toys, and games. The deeper they went, the more Quin noticed the energy shift—children who seemed less burdened by their experiences played joyfully while others sat quietly, clutching stuffed animals or staring pensively at the walls.

  Finally, Delara stopped in front of a large wooden door painted with a cheerful sunburst. She opened it gently, peeking inside before stepping back to allow Quin and Lauren through.

  The room was warm and inviting, with colorful rugs covering the stone floor and low wooden beds arranged neatly against the walls. A handful of children were inside, some drawing at small tables, others playing with toys scattered on the floor. In the far corner, Asper sat at a table, her back to the door as she concentrated on her painting.

  “Asper,” Delara called softly, her tone filled with gentle warmth. “You have a visitor.”

  The little girl froze, her paintbrush halting mid-stroke. Slowly, she turned her head, her wide eyes scanning the room until they landed on Quin. Her face lit up, and without hesitation, she bolted from her chair, tiny feet pattering across the floor.

  “Quin!” she cried, her voice high-pitched with excitement and relief.

  Quin crouched down just in time for Asper to throw her arms around his neck, almost toppling him over. He laughed softly, hugging her back. “Hey, Asper,” he said, his tone gentle. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m being brave,” Asper declared firmly, her tiny fists gripping his tunic as if she’d never let go. “Just like you said I should.”

  Quin’s chest tightened with emotion. He smoothed her hair, a warm smile spreading across his face. “That’s my girl,” he said. “I’m proud of you.”

  Lauren stood a few steps behind him, her expression soft as she watched. “She’s been waiting to see you,” Lauren said. “I don’t think she’s talked about anything else since we brought her here.”

  Asper turned to Lauren with a beaming smile. “Miss Lauren! You’re here too!” she said, giving her a quick hug before grabbing Quin’s hand. “Come on, Quin! I want to show you everything!”

  Quin glanced at Lauren, who nodded encouragingly. Letting Asper tug him along, he followed her to the center of the room, where a group of children sat. They looked up curiously as Asper declared, “This is Quin! He was there and saved us!”

  Some of the children looked shy, while others immediately began peppering him with questions, clearly recognizing him from the previous day: “Are you a knight?” “How did you fight like you did?” “What’s your favorite food?”

  Quin laughed, overwhelmed but smiling. “One at a time!” he said, holding up his hands. He settled onto the floor with them, answering their questions as best as he could, his presence drawing more and more of the children closer. Before long, they were dragging him into their games, and Quin found himself playing make-believe battles, building towers out of blocks, and pretending to be a captured prince in need of rescue.

  Lauren sat on a nearby cushion, watching with amusement as Quin played wholeheartedly with the children, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

  Hours passed, and Quin finally stood, brushing himself off. “I’ve got to go now,” he said, his voice apologetic.

  A chorus of groans erupted from the children. “No! Don’t go!” Asper clung to his arm, looking up at him with pleading eyes.

  “I’ll come back,” Quin promised, kneeling to Asper’s level. “I’ll visit again, I promise. But I’ve got to go for now.”

  Asper frowned but nodded solemnly. “Okay,” she said, holding out her pinky. “Pinky promise?”

  Quin chuckled and linked his pinky with hers. “Pinky promise,” he said, his tone warm.

  The children waved and called out goodbyes as Quin and Lauren walked to the door. Asper stood by the table, watching him leave with a small but hopeful smile.

  “That was sweet of you,” Lauren said softly as they stepped into the hallway.

  Quin shrugged, a faint smile on his face. “I think I needed it as much as they did.”

  As they walked side by side through the cobbled streets of Cremoor, the late afternoon sun painted the city in warm hues of gold and amber. The bustling sounds of the marketplace nearby filled the air, but Quin and Lauren seemed in their own little world, quietly enjoying each other’s presence.

  Lauren glanced at Quin. “You know, seeing you with those children earlier, it’s clear you’ve found your purpose. It’s not just about fighting, is it? You’re trying to protect, to nurture something greater than yourself.”

  Quin smiled, looking ahead as they strolled. “That’s the goal,” he said, his voice thoughtful. “That’s what The Radiant Vanguard is about. My friends and I—we’re not just a group of Acolytes training together. We’re trying to build something that lasts. Something that goes beyond the battles we fight.”

  Lauren tilted her head curiously. “The Radiant Vanguard,” she repeated, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “That’s the name of your brotherhood?”

  Quin nodded. “Yeah. We’re building it around The Book of Ideals, a text I found in the Temple of Solarius’ Library. It’s not just about becoming stronger—it’s about living with integrity, about sacrificing for the greater good, about inspiring others. We’re striving to embody those ideals in everything we do, even if it’s not always easy.”

  Lauren’s smile grew, but her expression held a touch of wistfulness. “It’s admirable, Quin. What you and your friends are trying to do—it’s the kind of change the world needs.”

  Quin glanced at her, an idea forming in his mind. “You know,” he began, his tone hesitant but hopeful, “if you feel that way, maybe you should join us. The Radiant Vanguard isn’t just about fighting. It’s about embodying those ideals, no matter what path you’re on. You could be part of it, Lauren.”

  Lauren stopped walking and let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Quin,” she said gently, “the kind of work you and your friends are doing differs from mine. You’ll be on the front lines, rising through the ranks, fighting battles, and one-day bringing change from the top. Me? I’m not that person anymore. I escaped that life when I left the service of Renewa. I’m not going back.”

  Quin opened his mouth to respond, but she held up a hand, her smile warm. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in you. In what you’re doing. I’ll support you however I can, even if my way differs. I’ll make the changes I can from where I am—one life at a time, through healing and nurturing. That’s where I’m meant to be.”

  Quin looked at her, a soft smile spreading across his face. “You’re right, Lauren. I guess I just... I admire how you see the world. How you care for others, how you bring peace and hope to people who need it.” He paused, his voice dropping to a quieter, more heartfelt tone. “I love you for that.”

  Lauren’s cheeks flushed a deep red, and she looked away briefly before meeting his gaze again. “I love you too, Quin,” she said, her voice steady despite her blushing. “You do what I can’t. You’re strong in ways I’ll never be, and I admire you for it.”

  For a moment, they stood there, the sounds of the city fading into the background. Quin reached out to take her hand but drew it back when he realized what he was doing.

  “We’ll make the world better,” he said. “In our own ways. Together.”

  Lauren smiled, her eyes glimmering with affection and determination. “Together.”

  Quin escorted Lauren to the Temple of Purity under the glow of the moonlight. The white marble steps leading up to the temple seemed to shimmer faintly, and the air was filled with a serene stillness. At the base of the steps, they turned to face each other.

  "Goodnight, Quin," Lauren said softly, her voice like a soothing balm to his spirit.

  "Goodnight, Lauren," Quin replied with a gentle smile, though his heart felt heavier than his expression revealed.

  She ascended the steps, her movements graceful, and Quin watched her until she disappeared through the grand arched doors. He lingered for a moment, lost in thought. The sight of her, the time they spent together—it brought him so much joy. And yet, a pang of sadness settled in his chest.

  He yearned to be closer to her. To hold her hand, kiss her, and share the kind of affection that seemed natural in a relationship. But he knew the boundaries her faith placed on her. She had chosen a path of purity, one that forbade such expressions of physical love. It was a sacrifice she had made and one he respected deeply.

  Still, it was bittersweet. Quin took a deep breath, pushing aside the melancholy. What they shared—trust, understanding, and unwavering support—was more meaningful than any physical bond. He vowed to cherish that connection above all else.

  Turning away, he began the walk back to the Temple of Solarius. By the time he reached his room, the weight of the day began to settle on his shoulders. He closed the door behind him and sank onto the couch, exhaustion tugging at the edges of his mind.

  But there was something he needed to do first.

  Quin reached for the leather-bound journal Lauren had given him earlier. It felt heavier in his hands than it looked as if it carried not just words but memories, secrets, and pieces of his mother’s life. He hesitated for a moment, running his fingers over the worn cover. Then, with a steadying breath, he opened it and began to read.

  As Quin read the words penned by his mother, he felt as though he were peering into her soul. Her voice, etched in ink across the pages, carried a tone of vulnerability and resilience. Loma’s thoughts and fears unfolded before him, painting a picture of a woman deeply conflicted by the life she had lived and the truths she carried.

  ---

  I have found peace here in the service of Solarius, one early entry read. The light of his teachings is a comfort I have never known, and my work among the people—bringing hope and warmth to those in need—has filled my days with purpose. Yet, there is a shadow that follows me. I find myself missing the village of Vistow, not for its people or its practices, but for the sense of belonging it once gave me. Even so, I know I cannot condone what they do there. The surgeries... the experiments. It is too great a cost for the ideal of advancement without violence.

  Quin’s heart tightened. His mother had witnessed the horrors of Vistow firsthand, even endured them herself.

  They performed surgeries on me, too, though I cannot say they did anything of note. I remain an Initiate like the others my age. But what I saw—the pain, the lives altered irrevocably—it haunts me. I cannot imagine returning to that place, no matter how noble the goal may seem.

  The following entry of note stopped Quin in his tracks.

  Today, something happened that I cannot explain. I ascended. I—Loma, the Initiate—am now an Acolyte.

  The words carried a frantic energy, as though his mother had written them in a rush, her hand trembling.

  I didn’t slay a beast. I didn’t follow the same path as my peers. Yet here I stand, somehow advanced, somehow changed. It terrifies me. Was it the surgeries after all? Did they accomplish what the village claimed was possible?

  Quin read on, his heart pounding as he imagined the fear his mother must have felt.

  I don’t want this power if it means going back to Vistow. I won’t go back. I won’t let them take me. My friends... they’re suspicious. They ask questions I don’t know how to answer. I see the doubt in their eyes. And the ones who have returned to the village—if they speak of me, will the leadership come for me?

  Quin clenched the edge of the journal, her fear seeping into him.

  Another entry caught his attention, one written in a quieter, more solemn tone.

  The distance between me and my friends grows with each day. Those who haven’t returned to Vistow speak of turning their backs to their Gods, renouncing them to return to the service of Serenity. I can’t do that, not after what I’ve seen, what I’ve been through. I just want peace, but it feels so far away.

  ---

  Quin closed the journal momentarily, his thoughts swirling. His mother’s life had been fraught with danger, secrecy, and isolation. She had carried a burden no one should have to bear, forced to hide the very thing that set her apart for fear of being consumed by those who sought to exploit it.

  He opened the journal again, determined to uncover more of her story, to understand the truth she had lived and the strength she had found to survive it.

  ---

  I’ve done it again. I’ve ascended to Disciple without killing. It should feel like a blessing, but all I feel is fear. I’ve stopped speaking to my friends entirely. Even strangers—the agents of Vistow—linger near me, watching, waiting. I don’t leave the temple now. It feels like the only place they can’t touch me. I spend my days praying for guidance, for a way out, for peace.

  ---

  My prayers have been answered... but not in the way I hoped. Solarius has given me clarity, but the path before me feels unbearable. I cannot write it. If anyone were to find this journal, it would be too dangerous to know. The answer has replaced my problems with a grander one and my secrets with a larger secret. It terrifies me. This was not the answer I asked Solarius for. In the face of what Solarius has done, all of my previous problems and worries are insignificant. I do not know what to do.

  ---

  I have to leave. I have to flee from the people of Vistow, from the temple, from Solarius himself. I will take nothing with me. I’ve been offered an out by a devil, a dark God, but I feel I must take it. Evil offers me a chance at peace, a chance to avoid the bloodshed of many. I do not trust it, but I have no other option if I wish to continue to live by the principles that have guided me throughout my life. I may not wish to return to Vistow, but the teachings of Serenity and of peace still echo within my soul. I will flee, and there will be no war.

  ---

  Quin closed the journal with a soft thud, his hands shaking slightly. He sat in the silence of his room, staring at the leather cover as if it might whisper more of his mother’s story.

  The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, though they left him with more questions than answers. He knew what the solution Solarius had given her had been.

  It was him.

  Solarius had given her a son, a child who was a blend of mortal and divine. A child who bore the strength of Solarius’s light but was destined to carry a burden too great for any one person.

  And Vesperos...

  The shadow, the evil, the devil she spoke of was the God of Darkness, Fear, and Secrets—Vesperos himself. Quin understood now. Vesperos had given her the means to escape Cremoor, Vistow, and Solarius, not out of kindness but out of a desire to bring another Demigod, Sorin, into the world as a counterpoint to Solarius’s will and Quin.

  Quin leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The tragedy of his mother’s life weighed heavily on him, the knowledge that she had lived in fear and died before she could find peace. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there was pride. She had faced impossible odds, stood firm against a corrupt cult, and somehow found a way to protect him before he was even born.

  She did not want a world of war, and she did not wish to deprive Quin of a life. Therefore, she did what she thought was right. Flee to the Abil Mountains and hope she could raise Quin in isolation away from all of the conflict and madness within the world.

  His voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Mother, but I may not be able to follow your wish for peace in this world, at least not at first, but when I become strong enough and can bring peace in this world, I’ll make you proud, Mother. I’ll make sure your sacrifices weren’t in vain.”

  He sat in quiet contemplation for a long time, allowing the emotions to flow through him—grief, anger, determination. Then, placing the journal carefully on his desk, he reaffirmed his desire to rise up and change the world so that a tragedy like his mother’s wouldn’t happen to anyone again.