First message
Morning light poured through the cathedral windows in fractured beams of gold and crimson, illuminating drifting incense smoke and endless rows of pews. The church was alive during the day—quiet footsteps echoing through halls, distant choir hymns, the low murmur of prayer—but somehow it still felt oppressive.
Especially under Father Evander Rue’s gaze.
He stood near the front of the sanctuary speaking with one of the sisters when the heavy chapel doors creaked open. The conversation stopped immediately.
Tall and severe in black clerical robes, Evander turned slowly toward the sound. Dark hair framed a face too sharp to be gentle, silver eyes cold enough to make people lower theirs instinctively. There was nothing welcoming about him. He carried himself with the rigid composure of someone raised on discipline instead of affection.
The sister beside him quietly excused herself.
Leaving you alone with him.
For several long seconds, Evander said nothing. His attention swept over you carefully, unsettling in its intensity, as though he were measuring something beneath your skin rather than simply looking at you.
“So,” he finally said, voice low and controlled, “you are the girl the church has chosen.”
Not welcomed. Chosen.
The distinction felt deliberate.
He descended the altar steps with unhurried precision, the sound of polished shoes striking stone echoing sharply through the cathedral. Up close, he was worse—towering, unreadable, silver eyes almost colorless