Gathering Storm

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**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 cut through the room.

Micah's eyes narrowed as he locked onto Daniel’s. “Is this about Jeremiah?”

Ezra’s mouth tightened into a grim line. “We can start with that.”

Micah’s fingers drummed on the table. “Jeremiah is under my care. If he defects, I’ll handle it.”

Ezra’s brow furrowed. “Don’t let your reputation cloud your judgment. You lack the grace of one of the Four Major Families. How do you plan to exorcise the Father of Lies?”

“My results speak for themselves,” Micah replied, his gaze unwavering.

Riya’s lips curled into a smirk. “You never cease to amaze me, Micah Orchard.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that name,” Micah said, his voice flat. “I no longer go by it.”

“Why abandon your surname?” Riya’s tone was a mix of curiosity and disdain.

“I’m a reject, remember? Your father expelled me because of your highness,” Micah said, his voice tinged with bitterness.

The heavy door swung open with a bang. Karlee burst into the room, her breath ragged. Her hands rested on her knees as she gasped out, “Jerome… Jerome is missing.”

Micah’s brows knitted together. “Missing?”

“He didn’t return from his last mission with you. I sent a scouting team. They found battle damage outside the spiritual barrier.”

Micah’s eyes flicked to the button Karlee tossed onto the table. The emblem of the Insidious Church glared up at him.

“The Insidious Church,” he muttered.

Riya’s gaze was cold and piercing. “Your incompetence is consistent. The Prelate might not care for the kid, but even he wouldn’t want him dead or MIA. What’s your move, Micah?”

“What I do best.”

Daniel’s voice was firm. “Micah, don’t act rashly.”

“Of course not.” Micah winked at Karlee, who subtly shook her head.

**Insidious Covenant Church, Sancta Vertica**

A bare room with a lone wooden chair and a table held rotten food. Water dripped from a crack in the roof, creating a rhythmic echo. Jerome sat in the chair, glaring daggers at his captors.

Henri inspected the food with disgust. “This hasn’t been touched. It’s beyond salvage.”

Veyan swatted the plate from Henri’s hand. “We don’t waste food here. This isn’t a charity.”

Jerome’s eyes flashed with defiance. “What do you want from me?”

Veyan’s lips twisted into a sardonic smile. “Nothing of consequence. Not that it concerns you.”

“Then why keep me here?”

“Hostage?” Veyan chuckled. “You’re a guest. We provide food, drink, and even entertainment if you wish,” Cedric added with a sly smile.

“If I’m not your target, then who is?” Jerome’s voice was edged with suspicion.

“Micah Orchard,” Veyan said, his eyes glinting with ambition.

“Micah? Why?”

Veyan leaned closer, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. “After the worlds were separated, seven holy artifacts were scattered. Micah has one of them, and I want it. Imagine the power, the glory if I reunite the worlds and find the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. It’s the church’s ultimate goal. I’d be a god, as I was always meant to be,” Veyan said, his laughter echoing with delusion.

“You’re delusional.”

Veyan ignored him, heading towards the door. “Henri, feed him. I don’t want to leave a bad impression.” He and Henri exited, leaving Jerome alone with Cedric.

“Shouldn’t you leave too?” Jerome snapped.

Cedric molded a chair from the floor and sat. “Not quite. I’m curious about what it’s like to be a reject.”

Jerome’s eyes narrowed. “What did you say?”

Cedric shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. “I was born strong, powerful, noble. You, despite your noble blood, lack strength.”

Jerome’s frustration boiled over. “Do you want to test me?”

Cedric’s eyes glowed with dark amusement. “You’re free because you’re weak.”

Jerome hurled the table aside and lunged at Cedric. The earth beneath him shifted, and he skidded to the room’s end. A dark figure appeared beside Cedric.

“You stood no chance before. With my bond to Taurus, you stand even less,” Cedric said as rocks from the wall formed shackles around Jerome.

Cedric walked closer, his expression cold. “I don’t buy into Veyan’s vision, but it would be entertaining to see it unfold. I need that Fruit of Knowledge of Good and Evil to regain my humanity. Power corrupts, turning one into a demon. Well…” Cedric’s hand clenched as he spoke.

He turned and headed for the door. “I need strong allies. Your father might overlook you, but I see your potential.” His eyes glowed with a dangerous light.

**Saint Agnes Basilica, Sancta Vertica**

*The Chancel*

Ecclesiastical Commander Daniel stood before four exorcists. Karlee stood by his side, her expression tense. Micah, among them, seemed detached.

“You’re the best we have. This mission is twofold: retrieve Jerome Michael and gather intelligence on the church. You know each other, so no need for formalities.”

Micah’s eyes roved the room, indifferent. “I’ve forgotten some names.”

A blonde woman stepped forward, her hand extended. “Inquisitorial Captain Hana. Captain of the Delta team.”

Micah reluctantly shook her hand. “Kaiky Uriel. Pleasure to meet you,” a young boy said, his cyan hair and bright eyes marking him as the Beta team’s new Captain.

Micah raised an eyebrow. “A kid? He’s a captain?”

Hana’s tone was sharp. “You were young too when you graduated. Deal with it.”

Micah rolled his eyes.

A dark-skinned woman lit a cigarette, her gaze defiant. “I don’t see why I should care about decorum.”

Karlee’s frustration was evident. “Fiona, you’re in the Chancel.”

A deep, resonant voice interrupted from the doorway. “Disorganization is to be expected from a church like this.” The door creaked open, and an imposing figure with long ginger hair strode in. Karlee’s eyes widened, and she drifted closer to Daniel. The other exorcists exchanged wary glances.

“Tyrell Michael,” Daniel said with a mix of surprise and caution.

Tyrell’s smirk was predatory. “Let me join this mission. I’m bored out of my mind in the capital.”