When Cel opened his eyes, Selina's arms were still around him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreyXm06qI0
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB5WWOT5Cq
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGd8GtVrve
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn405nycdV
His breath hitched.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhQHcX8zjn
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uxjrlD1j8
Then, something inside him broke.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbbUPliXtr
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOwpiHfZzW
Not violently. Not like shattering glass or splintering bone.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxKBWrIhTJ
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzAN3F8YrN
Like melting ice. Like a dam finally cracking under pressure it was never meant to hold.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmTt8LhmIh
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ggivj91ke
A sound escaped him - small, choked, achingly human.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7OUVl2wxG
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr280gqrqq
His shoulders began to shake.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQNe07Ntfs
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaRybXiN24
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. 64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2O3EN1le5
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKkVEpJCOX
He shouldn't be—64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK7m3qSvA4
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe420OfkoZ
Another sound tore free. Louder this time.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHho1TNon5
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiMC9Tsn8K
The tears came.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTTvoiaYj3
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvjjkNc2Z8
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ54GS208O
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SN1r1Vyer
The year in the cell. The maggot-infested food. The cultists' knives. Ren's death.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCDcvBJOwH
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciR4WhyMQO
His father's fists. His mother's silence. His brother's cowardice.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3xqtiofqC
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtJpwWLMvn
The mirror lake. The crystal maze. The creature that had killed him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uv21j26gY
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUOwl71Oey
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvGr1RRWdr
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHilXcWYrx
And he couldn't stop it.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPA0uSwVVX
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ggXu4xNkz
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdsQxHM81I
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGxGFcxPE1
She held him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTYC4RbCPU
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHSMrMBVtQ
Didn't speak. Didn't pull away. Didn't tell him to be strong or to compose himself.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm3lpMLmhI
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFucjJgb9lD
She simply held him, one hand moving to cradle the back of his head with steady gentleness while he broke apart in her arms.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfteKdtHXlq
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGokgsEoPO6
Time became meaningless.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x8CgbUic0
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmaN79LTRO
Eventually, the sobs gradually quieted. The gasps turned to shaky breaths, leaving only exhaustion in their wake.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekYnsGfbuz
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XGabcYWRp
Cel pulled back slowly, roughly wiping at his face with trembling hands.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAEiIbujoZ
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTxC3NetIr
His cheeks burned. Not from fever - from embarrassment so acute it felt physical.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaSe8Txkds
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ902qMIIYPj
He'd just—64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf3vEB6HzT
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusoQCqFHzs
In front of her—64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetOY2WDWM4
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzOECRWJf1
"I'm sorry," he choked out, unable to meet her eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiN6tbuVrG
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmW5d2UAIg
"There is nothing to apologize for, Chosen One." Her voice held no judgment. No pity. No disappointment.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3a3HQbDis
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpTDUsKI2A
Only acceptance.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNSKEQ2r07
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzuvnDKxWH
Cel swallowed hard, gaze fixed firmly on the ground between them. His throat felt raw, stripped clean.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH2Xsgf4xE
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo9YDJDhca
"I just…" He didn't know how to finish that sentence.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA5C8tpLEG
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC9PWEaPx2
"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."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrku3e3jD5l
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg5xiFcJ40
Cel's breath came out shaky. He nodded once, not trusting his voice.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuWLPp7kfU
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5wfaqYWMO
When she finally stepped back, her hands lingered for a moment before releasing him entirely.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVnm2VuW1L
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCQa4HlEAC
The mist swirled between them, giving him space to collect himself.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCBIDT5aRw
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE5SLKX6Ev
Cel took a breath. Then another. His fingers rose to touch his face - flushed and damp, eyes surely red and swollen.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XPuDtHsAH
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q7bLKM62A
Humiliation seared through him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWqCMzP3G1
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM2dfKwc5k
He'd wept. Like a child. In front of someone who had guided him through death itself with perfect composure.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj1LKaCUNF
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr41nNb04gc
The transformation still didn't feel real, but the shame certainly did.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIntfGPfqb4
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPU5cPUCJD
He forced himself to straighten, to look somewhere near her general direction even if he couldn't quite meet her eyes yet.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjlmWwWDcg
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhOdPthqIh
"Thank you. For everything.“64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmLxgy8130
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Nqy3I6K4
He gestured vaguely, unable to articulate what her presence had meant.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyJYfhjxQc
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkWe6FNTmp
Selina inclined her head, serene as ever.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ4k1xgLGe
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwaXBKkM3D
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG7PwAcAoF
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iJdYlzMGW
"Selina." He cleared his throat. "What rank do you hold as a priestess?"64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx97614cXd
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnyI5ewmb6
No hesitation. No cryptic deflection.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1ttBHH9rE
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGu9bkQiCa
Her smile deepened, tranquil and certain as moonlight on still water64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdo7O3QsPO
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5qVOkKBXN
"Rank One." 64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj9GL0PHdY
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5cVklYd9W
The words landed like a physical blow.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6CNG5h0oB
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5NeAtM8Rf
His mind went blank, then exploded with implications he couldn't process fast enough.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQUYQ1zSua
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJbwQcQhYK
'Rank One?'64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QUzqU0ybz
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4ZllMc5TS
A Divine Oracle - the title humanity gave to those who stood at the pinnacle of divine service.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsbs6avdwx
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LH3wZJZ9e
Not just a priestess. Not even a high-ranking servant.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79USGIZOXD
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm22j666uhE
The highest authority beneath the gods themselves. The singular voice through which a deity spoke directly to the mortal world.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwRVb4qQkV
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMGtIDpdZX
His embarrassment suddenly intensified a thousandfold.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv3zmZRLbP
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUIJfQIZCm
He'd just—64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLTXFbvpQi
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlEMG0Stpm
He'd just cried on a Divine Oracle.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ24aXXlk4t
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYNMzcd2Fs
Sobbed into her robes like a child seeking comfort from his mother.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI6106CCSy
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUAW2EQeZ6
And before that—64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ834VLnDAtb
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFWiJKV1X5
Memory crashed through him like an avalanche.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHc5NEOA9L
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEKx5KIkxS
His tone. The way he'd spoken to her.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfpIP26cyQ
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElKZFqINvb
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡputTBvIjIH
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxRgGG3kD0
He hadn't been respectful. Hadn't been grateful.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWBuD7ldNm
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKaatkmoju
He'd been angry - and he'd let that anger out on her.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFvRXcJm0H
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxsYp8SjiM
Cel wanted to disappear.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMin1RYp0Tq
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC9Y96V1Cp
He hadn't just questioned a priestess or shown weakness before a guide.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjvG71eeen
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWi5yTOn6T
He had challenged a Divine Oracle with barely restrained fury. 64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNya4VHjml
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTXOFNufRC
And then wept on her shoulder.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSuWdLqYdF
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rtrysu4Ub
His legs suddenly felt unsteady.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd1A8uzcqQ
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE4aTdFRFs
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTsUmgjVyH
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMlvzqTdlD
His voice failed him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPZWl1E37r
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4na3zwA6fX
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks4q67KsJj
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSvgkvIJwp
Because it transcended mortality.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGzuld2xKm
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkL8MgzKMF
She wasn't just a guide. She was the voice of the Moon Goddess.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5yOletBay
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8qnpIt6N0
And he'd—64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVJQ1Mpga3
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiInW6fVkMZ
Shame crawled up his throat like bile, bitter and choking.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwZcg57UJg
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAs7sm5gI1
"I was..." He forced the words out. "I was angry. At everything. And I took it out on you."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBkuFT0ODy
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlp869oVaO
His hands curled into fists.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAK3FdhXfH
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQJnQouxQ0
"You were patient with me. Kind. And I..."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITCTlWzeHX
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp81k0YQCA
He couldn't finish. Couldn't articulate how wrong it felt now—lashing out at the one person who'd actually helped him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRM6fceEB3
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh23jp0RaK
"I'm sorry."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1o81gwFb7
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH50sCelErc
Silence answered him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30zinCBb2k
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9bMYuLvv7
Cel kept his gaze fixed on the ground, watching mist curl around his bare feet. Each second stretched unbearably long.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgIEA3gEHT
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMeT4yScho
Then—movement.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHI4s8jcVh
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnA4JSsstp
Selina stepped closer.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiSRPr1uZE
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXzTWCUG3p
He flinched slightly, expecting… what? Blame? Divine wrath channeled through soft words?64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAz6s9EFht
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp17ebYu3c
"Chosen One." Her voice carried no anger. No coldness.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2MFMHQl24
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Cd9PHTJtT
Only that same impossible gentleness she'd shown since the beginning.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RziatC8EN
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1U6nNptnc
Slowly, reluctantly, Cel raised his head.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqI2hwNvxM
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvNBf3NOV5
She stood before him unchanged. Mask catching moonlight, lips curved into a beautiful smile. White robes stirring in wind that didn't exist.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7gtF5wZEy
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkEf0jcPA7
But now he could see it - the presence that saturated every gesture, every word. The weight of divinity she carried with such grace.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFg2ARw4tk
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURRKVgPgAh
"You are not the first to question the divine." Her tone remained even. "Nor will you be the last."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ35SOuyprG
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiXiNV6ton
Cel's breath hitched.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHzgs6sl7F
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOmeWjyKdR
"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—"64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqMJrn13OS
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbandtGM52e
He gestured helplessly.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD81ji0CPt
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwuLZY8XL8
"You deserved better than that."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ330Ukllwuk
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNKp0NPubP
Selina regarded him for a long moment.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKweJnFT64G
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKAQoUQl6o
"Your tone was inappropriate, yes."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprkg3bnEZx
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX3IBHL7eW
The blunt truth hit like a fist.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3ERQ8Sax2
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb0XAQgAq8
But there was no cruelty in her statement. Just fact, stated simply.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZViTgUaCv
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql0gOu8oDE
"However." She tilted her head slightly. "I do not serve to be worshipped. I serve to guide. To guide you."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4TcGYWPwe
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhKipd0noN
Her hand lifted in a small, dismissive gesture - as if brushing away his concern.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ix8LhTIXh
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHts2txDSuL
"You may speak to me as yourself. It is enough."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AqjPfL10s
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzCnSUdTsS
The shame didn't vanish - it couldn't - but something about her words cut through the worst of it.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGqBLuRZ8A
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDgL2qFHI6
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3GeTxXGEd
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSTz5BC6zB
Even now, standing before him with her true nature revealed, she spoke with grace rather than command.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iEWruKCFW
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJxVt0BxCF
Cel's chest tightened.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47llLmyMAZ
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzArqZ8BSo
Not from unworthiness - though he felt that keenly.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLrFst1Rh0
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C6AqIKAZX
But from recognition.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O76vA7tAA
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wTGOi5JTS
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ASoIcwI3X
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk1qRY8xbn
And here stood someone with more power than any of them could dream of.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd8l8rAbI2
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy4zYRjXfO
Who chose not to wield it as a tool of domination.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaHeO434fB
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5xUXwCK5R
"Then..." He straightened slightly, meeting her masked gaze. "I'll speak to you as myself."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o7lYdPz3p
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyZTBJ9qbu
A pause.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNBzP2wCNq
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aLncAm3p7
"And I'll make sure you never regret guiding me."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LR9zXLBqn
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0Qj21l9fj
Selina's smile deepened - genuine warmth that transformed her serene expression into something radiant.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2xw1aWjlR
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnpDWiTMSi
"I never have, Chosen One."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiFzlDjNE2
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKPTFvsPec
The simple certainty in those words settled over him like a blanket.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2wTyExVY7
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTePeixtWPx
Not forgiveness - she had nothing to forgive, apparently.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlIY33qE6X
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlaGUVpCJT
Just acceptance.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08fLSfuPb3
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVHt7WSe8e
Cel bowed his head. Not in apology this time.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgAVxYHDGT
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtygq6EPdcu
In respect. True respect, given freely to someone who had earned it through every patient word, every quiet truth.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fFr8KZgXf
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gBFsSgcx2
When he raised his eyes again, something fundamental had shifted inside him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIVOXwPenE
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82pOzSbZmD
The guilt remained - it would serve as reminder, fuel to be better.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2R7h4vnef
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcSrRK4Tu4
But beneath it, something else had taken root.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcvkAPNrsV
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy6E2PKFJQ
Trust. Deep and unshakeable.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvltlzVIDn9
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBAZFVtuBD
Whatever came next - whatever trials or horrors the future held - he would follow where she led.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcUfPGQZBm
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhlH3YVTbB
Because Selina wasn't just the goddess's voice.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEaEAVC57T
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySsqEQFXzU
She was his guide.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJehoDIvgCo
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPS23yYz3r
And he would not dishonor that gift again.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsNOTpmMFX
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrDHfEIhYl
Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken understanding.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTpupz5dhg
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNVEa6bzdW
He didn't need more words. Neither did she.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwRqfbHVWF
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVxjn6VGUY
The mist around them stirred.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt6MDtWzHX
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cHVuyy2y5
Selina's gaze lingered on him - just a moment longer - before she turned away.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSceDHx6igj
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3sP8bfDR6
"Follow me, Chosen One. There is more yet to be done."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwNJiYNwnK
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AjK9KAM4k
Cel followed without hesitation.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAP8cJuuH5
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiESBSVdqi
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz03afCC9G
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKg43XqUnL
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsyMXPVacK
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlCkYOZKyB
"What happened to me?" he asked.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9Q7IYrufk
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENmgtalUu6
She didn't slow her pace, but her head turned slightly toward him.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIOVbU1hXP
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o66JIP8PA
"Your physical form in the Hollow Realms succumbed to its injuries," she said simply.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuh4eTN0nO
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJn5LXmP7x
The words should have struck harder. But after everything - after dying twice already - the revelation felt almost distant.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn67UxSLGig
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHzmp9xOsJ
"Then how…“ He gestured at himself, at the body that felt foreign in its wholeness. "How am I still here?"64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnesRVDGWc8
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6xgen6AAL
"Your soul was preserved within the trial - protected by divine ground." Selina's voice carried a weight he hadn't heard before.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP4vTb7bYU
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIfjsPYuNK
She paused, as if choosing her next words carefully.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AXldCqL3N
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ94HZXDUjW
"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."64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ08d91wqQP
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwizrKyeIfM
Cel’s breath caught.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pg0IVcjlt
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5MOkycWet
Not healing. Not recovery.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43f5XJfzCu
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJLSQUyUsN
Resurrection.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLDgbmYgLs
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsXmAVKjjK
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4dX9JtvbC
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SYhDzIHUI
Perhaps that was why the trial existed at all - to prove his soul worthy of such a gift.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT57VVDCBKo
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeUpDt6ilG
Cel let the truth settle as they continued forward.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo49ErA7hU1
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUWb1qdn6y
Eventually, the terrain shifted.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDqGRRhFQb
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01Yw1jliJP
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEIDCgE7ag
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifniL5f7VB
At its center stood a monolith.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyKXyEnky9
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc7Tqq1kZ9
Not stone. Not metal.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LdqkzWlwJ
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrGBFk1COA
Something else.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0cR9Q1vJM
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94GarickHd
Cel stopped walking.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oCbKuEkdI
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVsnoihCeF
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGiZvSFM8C
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqIbm4kzRp
Sapphire beneath moonlight - cold and radiant.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yszGfKFWs
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvlb46mr7Q
Divine.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGfrVu8EK0
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhp6NBpXZK
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCkB5WKd4J
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiHvdBHSFY
This wasn't just an object.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EpZynT0ZH
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1NhDzNpQD
This was touched by divinity itself.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bHQtBANRp
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImNcR3yyhP
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31HOyRchK8
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqnJhZoAFS
Cel's chest tightened.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvmcaTXeVi
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdl59c9GSe
He knew what came next.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh9kFuqBik
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhfkOvj9J0
Every Chosen One, upon receiving their first blessing, was granted three things.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYx85QKHeu
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiUEceQZlr
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhg36z6Z6W
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxxBgblact
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ6Suc23d8
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20DKDFN7dI
Both could stem from the same paragon or draw from different aspects of their deity's domain.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkZLa7dtt4
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflzD8yOmRu
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ3FivTjqj
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOWyBlQrwm
Unlike future blessings - earned through achievements - this first gift was granted freely. A mark that the journey had begun.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡintOU8mBOK
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFDH1XGDuW
Cel's hands trembled slightly as he stepped forward.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP1ltjVYNb
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdMdQxJnWi
The monolith responded.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSumaytTI3
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQCOZRjPUV
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.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLL6urmpgh
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Rf5S9d6P
Runes.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKcr0g5mcU
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlxcTWizPp
He couldn't read them. Didn't recognize the script.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgomIltOtD
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv1CXaCQQn
But he understood them anyway - meaning that bypassed his eyes entirely and settled into his mind like instinct.64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSfq8zWf9F
64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZovOFQGld
<Name: Celvian>64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtNeBlVYbu
<Paragons: (Heir to the Moon) (The White Death)>64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeReU1ELhN
<Artifacts: (Silent Moon)>64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNjP3vadpD
<Insights: (locked 0/1)>64Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslNEJhnHkE
<Achievements: (1)>1234 copyright protection60ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLV3hGwErZ 尼

216.73.216.141