"Lathel?!" At that name, Lucien's heart thundered in his chest, pounding like war drums—fast and furious.
"Why?" he shouted. "Why would he kill everyone? Has he gone mad?!"
Anna's entire body trembled violently as she continued, "We were all people of strong faith, absolutely loyal to the great god Xal'veth."
"But... he... Lathel... he feared we would make the Church too powerful, threatening his control over the entire Kingdom, so... he killed everyone."
"Bastard!" Lucien could barely think straight now—he believed every word Anna said. His hands clenched so tightly they turned white, and he shook with rage.
"Lucien..." Anna sobbed, her voice warped with misery and grief, "My husband, my children, everyone in the village—they're all dead."
"Fortunately, Xal'veth guided me here to find you. He said you are the one chosen by fate, the light of justice."
