Early morning light spilled through the guild's wide windows. The faint scent of veilroot mist lingered in the air, blending with incense placed carefully across the hallways and rooms. Quiet hums of conversation echoed between adventurers eating breakfast or reviewing quest boards.
Jinn stood by her office window, her hands resting lightly on the sill. The morning breeze carried a strange weightcool, but not calm. She stared at the sky, frowning slightly.
"Why are they chasing me? Just because I helped someone? I don't get it."
The sharp clatter of hooves snapped her out of it. A muffled stir began outside the building.
She leaned forward.
Then froze.
A gleaming white-gold carriage creaked into view, flanked by armored paladins on horseback. Behind it, another followed—heavier, darker. Cloaked figures in robes stepped out, and the town's guards gave way in silence.
Her pulse spiked. She turned on her heel and rushed out.
---
Lavirra was in her office, flipping through signed reports and sorting guild requisitions. Her pen scratched to a halt as the door burst open.
"Ms. Lavirra!" Jinn gasped.
Lavirra looked up, sharp. "What is it?"
"They're here. Luminarchs. A full group. I saw their carriages outside."
Lavirra's face tightened.
"Stay in your office," she said quickly, standing. "Don't speak to anyone until I come to you."
Jinn nodded and backed away.
---
Outside, heavy boots hit the ground. One by one, the Luminarchs stepped down. First was Revery—his cloak sharp, his chin raised in disdain. Behind him, two others followed. And last, the tall figure in layered robes, the golden trim catching the morning sun.
The Grand Luminarch.
Their entry into the guild was slow but deliberate. Paladins formed behind them, their presence impossible to ignore.
The atmosphere shifted. Conversations stopped. Cups were set down. Swords paused mid-clean.
All eyes turned.
Revery stepped forward, straight to the reception desk.
"We're looking for a girl,"
he said loud enough for all to hear.
"One braid over her shoulder. Wears eyeglasses. Do not attempt to lie. Or else..."
"Or else what?" a clear voice cut in.
Lavirra approached, calm but cold.
Revery's nostrils flared. "Who do you think you are, barging into this conversation?"
"Head Officer of this branch," she said, stepping between him and the desk.
"And you're threatening my staff. That's reason enough."
"You imbecile! are you opposing us? We represent..."
"Enough."
The Grand Luminarch's voice rolled through the hall like a bell struck deep.
Silence followed. Even the paladins lowered their eyes.
The elder priest looked at Lavirra.
"Head Officer," he said. "This is an investigation concerning a divine sign. We believe a certain girl is here, and the Church needs her presence. If you're sheltering her, knowingly or not, the Guild will be seen as withholding her from the gods' will."
Lavirra didn't flinch. "The girl you're describing is no longer here. She left on an approved leave. We have no knowledge of her destination."
The Grand Luminarch's eyes narrowed. "Do you have documents proving that?"
"We do. They're stored in the archives."
"If you're honest, you won't object to a thorough search. My paladins will investigate the lower rooms. We three will go upstairs."
Lavirra's brow twitched. "This is a violation of guild privacy."
He stepped closer. "This is the will of the Church. The people demand truth. If you resist, we will assume deception! and act accordingly."
"He's sharp", Lavirra thought. "He's not buying any of it. I didn't expect him to go this far."
She swallowed back tension. "Fine. Search. But cause no damage."
The Grand Luminarch turned. "Paladins, sweep the lower halls. The rest, follow me."
---
In her office, Jinn had shut the door. Her hands moved quickly, tucking her glasses into a hidden compartment beneath the drawer lining.
"They're coming up. He said upstairs."
She tried to slow her breath.
"I look different now. No braid. No glasses. Calm down."
Footsteps creaked on the stairs. Louder. Closer. Until—
The door swung open.
Jinn flinched.
But it was Lavirra.
Jinn exhaled, knees nearly giving out.
"Ms. Lavirra… Thank gods."
"They're sweeping my office and the rest. Are you holding together?"
"For now," she muttered.
Lavirra gave a small nod, then turned as heavy footsteps came again.
The Grand Luminarch stopped just outside, reading the sign: Head Officer's Office.
"No need to enter," he said. "Paladins already passed it."
He turned his gaze to the next door—Officer's Office.
Inside, Jinn didn't breathe. She sat at her desk, papers spread out. Trying to look bored.
The door opened.
Three figures entered. Robes swept the floor. Revery scowled. One of the others scanned the room casually.
Then the Grand Luminarch stepped in. His eyes flicked to Lavirra. Then to Jinn.
"You Luminarchs never knock?" Lavirra asked flatly.
"Wasn't our intent to be rude," one said.
"We are here," the Grand Luminarch added, "to identify those who may be part of a divine calling."
Revery's mouth opened, but before he could insult again, the Grand Luminarch raised a hand.
His gaze moved to Jinn.
Blue eyes. No braid. No glasses.
His fingers twitched.
A soft light sparked behind his iris.. Appraisal.
The air shifted.
Jinn stiffened. Her blood chilled.
The Luminarch frowned.
"What is this?"
Lavirra didn't blink. "Something wrong?"
"I'm reading interference," he said. "My Appraisal is blocked."
"That's odd," Lavirra said lightly. "Might be the new veilroot mist protocol. Cleansing and disinfection procedures. We've combined spiritual and alchemical methods to improve working conditions. Also, incense... for ventilation. It helps."
The Grand Luminarch narrowed his eyes.
"She planned it. Clever woman…"
"…But this girl…"
He studied Jinn's face.
Quiet. Calm. Focused on her work.
He turned.
"We're done."
The other Luminarchs paused. "Your Holiness?"
"Let's go."
---
They left without another word.
Silence lingered like smoke.
Jinn stayed frozen until the last boot faded.
Then she slumped.
"I thought I was going to die…"
Lavirra crossed her arms. "He stared at you for too long. Did he suspect?"
"I—I don't know. I looked completely different, right?"
Lavirra didn't answer immediately.
Then: "He's the highest figure in the Church. The Grand Luminarch. He's sharp. Don't assume anything."
Jinn looked out the window. Down below, the carriages rolled away. Sunlight glinted off golden trim. The guild returned to normal.
But her chest still ached with the memory of his gaze.
I need to move carefully. That man… won't forget me.