The Fallen and the Faithful

**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