---**Chapter 1**---The hoots of owls and the chirping of grasshoppers created a symphony in the dark night. Slowly, inaudible chants from a seemingly abandoned house became more distinct. Candles, scattered haphazardly across a dimly lit room, revealed a stone altar in the center. A blood-drawn pentagram encircled the altar. Two figures clad in black stood at the head and foot of the altar—one holding a skull and a golden grail, the other an ancient knife—both reciting chants:“Grande dio delle tenebre, eterno dio dell'inganno, ti preghiamo, ascolta la nostra preghiera.”The chant echoed repeatedly. Beneath the stone altar lay the lifeless bodies of countless children. Suddenly, the chant ceased, and muffled cries broke the silence. One of the hooded figures approached a dark-haired child, staring directly into the child’s teary eyes.“Jeremiah, I know you understand what is happening. Your father and I both love you with all our hearts, and I know you love us too, right?" she said

Chapter 3The van transporting Micah and his crew traversed a lonely road, flanked by withered trees, adding to the desolate atmosphere. The eerie silence inside the van was suffocating. Jerome impatiently tapped his foot, his anger evident. Kari sat with her hands clasped together, staring down, while Micah hummed along to the song playing on the radio.“I can't take this anymore! I don't understand why he is still coming with us,” Jerome finally snapped, breaking the silence.“I've explained over and over again: for now, Jeremiah is a special specimen who can be a valuable asset to the church,” Micah said without turning around.“A devil being an asset to the church? I doubt that,” Jerome scoffed. “If you hadn't interfered, I would've exorcised him then and there.”“Is that so? You think without grace, only utilizing divinity, you could take the demon down? Life is precious, kiddo; don't go throwing yours away,” Micah said, lighting a cigar before offering it to Desmond, who decline

---**Chapter 5****Saint Agnes Basilica, Sancta Vertica***The Chancel*Micah settled into a carved wooden chair, his posture rigid, as he faced Ecclesiastical Captain Daniel. Across from him, two figures cut imposing silhouettes. The first, a dark-skinned man with a polished bald head, wore the church’s deep blue uniform, a white cassock, and a red sash emblazoned with crossed swords. Beside him, a striking woman in a golden cassock, her blonde hair catching the light, eyed Micah with an inscrutable expression. Between them, a mahogany table gleamed under the stained glass mural of Angel Michael.Micah’s eyes flicked between the figures. “Why am I here?”“Micah, these are representatives from the head church,” Daniel said, his tone clipped.Micah's gaze settled on the woman. “High Inquisitor Riya and Inquisitorial Captain Ezra. You could’ve sent representatives.”“Being here in person should tell you the matter is of utmost importance,” Riya said, her voice a chilled whisper that cu

**Chapter 7****Insidious Covenant Church**Rakael stood amidst a sea of mutilated bodies. The putrid smell didn’t seem to bring her back to reality as she stared at the empty sky. The rain washed the blood of her family from her face. Finally, she let out a deafening scream, muted by the downpour.“Rakael… Rakael… Rakael.”Rakael jolted awake, her heart pounding. A female voice called to her from outside.“Rakael.”“What?” Rakael barked, her voice hoarse.“The Lord summons all high members of the Church, and if I may remind you… you are one of them now,” the voice said, fading away.***Crimson drapes covered the long windows of the church. The choking aroma of incense filled the dimly lit room. A long wooden table separated the highest members of the church, six on each side. Veyan walked briskly into the room, taking a deep inhale of the incense. The other members rose upon noticing him, and he took his seat.“Glad you all could make it on such short notice,” Veyan said.“What’s th

**A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO****Saint Cecilia Sanctuary, Obsidian Citadel***The Cemetery*Solemn notes from a violin drowned out the muffled cries of those gathered before a freshly dug grave. A young Micah, Hana, Karlee, and Kiqutu stood together, holding a framed photo of their recently deceased friend, Israel, who beamed brightly in the picture. As the priest recited the final prayers, the casket was lowered into the ground. A young Jerome fell to his knees, slamming the earth with his fist as the violin’s notes reached a crescendo, then abruptly ceased.A slender man, dressed in a simple black tuxedo, walked briskly toward the grave. He muttered a short, silent prayer before turning to face the attendees, adjusting his glasses as he did.“Today, we lost another precious young soul, a member of this great church... my younger brother,” the man said, his voice steady. “I, Ecclesiastical Commander Jamiel Michael, head of the Saint Cecilia Sanctuary, pray that his humble soul will be acc