Chapter 16
A Deal Struck in Shadows
Tygorra, seeing the turmoil within Bishop, offers him a choice. He can continue his mission, destroying this haven and betraying his sister, or he can join her in protecting these 'unwanted' souls from the Church's zealous persecution. A dangerous negotiation ensues, a battle of wills and ideologies. Sister Petra, caught in the crossfire of their unspoken alliance and the rising tensions, becomes an unwitting pawn in this clandestine pact, her own fate intertwined with Bishop’s decision.
The air in Tygorra’s sanctum was thick with the scent of dried herbs and something vaguely metallic, like old blood. Bishop Dark stood before her, his Radiant Blade, Soul Sun, humming with a low, restless energy against his thigh. He could feel the raw magic thrumming beneath the stone floor, a stark contrast to the sterile, righteous hum of the Church he served. Tygorra, a woman carved from obsidian and moonlight, watched him with eyes that held the depth of ancient forests. Her offer, delivered with a voice like rustling leaves, hung in the charged silence.
“You hunt us, Bishop Dark,” Tygorra stated, her gaze unwavering. “You hunt to extinguish. But look closer. What do you truly see?”
Bishop grunted, the sound rough in his throat. “I see a nest of witches snatching children. I see power being siphoned. I see a threat the Church wants buried.” He gestured with his chin towards the shadowed alcoves where faint, childish whimpers could occasionally be heard. “And I see a lot of little mouths to feed. Not my problem.”
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