The Sons of Gods

Sam’s suite was as spacious as they had expected, reflecting the comfort afforded to those with higher standing in the Temple. The entry led into a living area lined with plush couches and low wooden tables, arranged neatly beneath windows that let in the fading evening light. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of Solarius’ radiance, casting an air of quiet reverence throughout the space. A small, well-stocked bookshelf sat in one corner, filled with various texts on theology, battle strategies, and histories of the Light Pantheon. To the right of the room, a doorway led to what they assumed was Sam’s private quarters, while another door opened to a smaller study.

They moved toward the comfortable seating in the living room, sinking into the deep cushions of the couches. The soft crackling of a nearby fire added to the room’s cozy atmosphere as they settled in. Quin, seated at the center of the group, pulled the mysterious book from his pack and placed it on the table in front of them.

“There it is,” Quin said, his voice carrying a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The others leaned forward, eyeing the book with interest.

The leather cover was a deep, rich brown, unblemished and supple, as though it had just been bound yesterday. Delicate gold filigree lined the edges, forming intricate, swirling patterns that gave the tome a regal air. In the center of the cover, embossed in fine, flowing script, was the title again: The Book of Ideals. Beneath it, the author's name shimmered in polished gold leaf: Arthur the Honorable.

Zach raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Looks plain enough. Not exactly what I was expecting from an enchanted book. I was picturing glowing spirit and embedded jewels.”

“Yeah,” Cal agreed, running a hand over the smooth cover. “I’ve seen battle manuals that look more impressive than this. Doesn’t exactly scream ‘ancient wisdom’ to me. Although it does seem like the author spent some money on it to get the gold lettering and patterning.”

Quin smirked and shrugged. “I thought the same when I first saw it. But trust me, the appearance is deceiving.” He took a breath, leaning back into his seat as he opened the book, its pages crisp and clean. “Let me read a bit, and you’ll see why this caught my attention.”

He began to read aloud, starting with the opening passages that spoke of ideals—how the Gods and Goddesses each represented virtues that mortals should strive to embody. It didn’t begin with grand proclamations or complex rituals. Instead, it was a quiet exploration of balance, wisdom, courage, and justice, and how individuals could adopt these virtues into their own lives, not by strict worship, but by living according to the principles the Gods embodied.

At first, the others were fidgety. Sam crossed and uncrossed his legs several times, glancing around the room, and Cal shifted in his seat, his attention wavering. Even Zach, always the most disciplined, seemed a bit distant as Quin read on. The words weren’t as thrilling as the battles and quests they were used to hearing about, and there was no immediate drama in the text.

But as Quin continued, something in the tone of the book began to shift. The ideals described weren’t just abstract virtues—they were presented as something attainable, something that could be woven into the very fabric of a person’s life. The book didn’t preach submission to a single God but spoke of balance, how integrating the wisdom of Clarion, the justice of Justicar, and the courage of Valor would create a life filled with meaning and purpose.

“Wait a second,” Sam interrupted, his brow furrowing as he leaned forward. “So this book is saying you should strive to embody multiple Gods’ virtues at once? But isn’t that… contradictory? I mean, following just Solarius or Justicar alone can be hard enough, but throwing in Valor or even Aurora, that seems impossible. Doesn’t each God have their own specific path?”

Quin paused, nodding thoughtfully. “That’s exactly what I thought too, but the way the book explains it—it’s not about abandoning one God’s path. It’s about balancing them, drawing from each of them to create something better. It’s like… choosing the best from each of the Gods and using their strengths to guide your life.”

Cal, now more interested, joined in. “But wouldn’t that confuse your Divine Conduit? Mixing virtues like that could weaken your connection to any one God, right?”

Westin, who had been quietly listening up until this point, shook his head. “Maybe not. What if it’s about deepening your connection to all of them? If you live by their best traits, maybe your spirit grows stronger in ways we haven’t been taught yet.”

Zach crossed his arms, his tone skeptical but intrigued. “That sounds risky. Most teachings don’t suggest anything like that. But… it’s not completely unreasonable. Maybe that’s why no one knows about this book. It goes against the typical doctrines.”

As night began to fall outside the windows, the group found themselves more and more absorbed in the text. Quin continued to read aloud, pausing at certain points where the book described different ideals, and every so often, the group would stop to debate the ideas. They discussed how one could embody the courage of Valor without becoming reckless, or how one could follow the wisdom of Solarius without being distant from the everyday struggles of life. The debates grew more animated as the hours passed, with each of them offering their thoughts on how the principles in the book could apply to their own lives, their training, and their understanding of the gods.

Before they knew it, they had only made it through a quarter of the book, but the excitement in the room was palpable. The fire had burned low, casting long shadows across the walls, and the air was thick with the intensity of their discussions.

Quin set the book down, glancing around at his friends. “We’ve barely scratched the surface, but I didn’t expect us to get this far tonight.”

“I’m surprised how much this drew me in,” Sam admitted, his usual skepticism replaced by curiosity. “It’s a lot deeper than I expected.”

“Well,” Quin said, a slight smile on his face, “it’s a good thing I made copies.”

He reached into his pack and pulled out four additional copies of The Book of Ideals, placing them on the table. “I figured you’d want to look at it yourselves, so I had some extra copies made. We can all read at our own pace and meet up each day after training to discuss it.”

The others exchanged glances, clearly impressed. Cal picked up a copy, flipping through the pages before nodding. “Yeah, I’m in. We’ve already had some good debates tonight. This could lead to something important.”

Zach grabbed one of the copies as well. “Agreed. I’m curious to see where this goes. This isn’t like anything we’ve learned in the temples.”

Westin smiled and took the last copy. “I’m in. Let’s see what else this book has to offer.”

With that, they stood, energized by the discovery and their shared excitement. They agreed to meet again after training the next day, eager to dive further into the teachings of the book. One by one, they gathered their things and made their way out of Sam’s suite, departing for their own temples under the darkening sky. The night was cool, the air crisp, but the fire of curiosity and anticipation burned brightly within each of them as they looked forward to the next day’s discussions.

It was the following day just before lunch when Quin left the Temple of Solarius. Quin made his way through the bustling courtyards and quiet side streets of Cremoor, heading toward the Temple of Purity. He told himself that this visit was purely out of concern for Lauren—after all, it wasn’t like her to miss the cohort’s training session without some explanation. Of course, it definitely wasn’t because he was interested in her beyond their friendship. His mind clung to that thought as he rounded a corner and finally arrived at the steps of the Temple of Purity.

The temple stood in stark contrast to the other grand structures scattered across the city. While many temples were built to impose or inspire awe, the Temple of Purity was a study in simplicity and grace, its design meant to evoke a sense of peace and serenity rather than power. Its walls were made from gleaming white stone, polished so perfectly that the structure seemed to glow softly even under the bright morning sun. The stone itself had a slight sheen, a reminder of the temple's divine dedication to purity and the unblemished nature of the Goddess it served.

Tall, slender columns framed the entrance, each etched with delicate patterns of flowing water and blossoming flowers—symbols of the goddess Purity, who embodied innocence, clarity, and untarnished goodness. The columns rose seamlessly to meet a smooth, unadorned roof, under which hung faintly glowing lamps. These provided a soft, inviting light at night, ensuring that even in darkness, the temple remained a beacon of purity and peace.

Above the entrance, carved into the stone with exquisite care, was the symbol of the goddess herself—a clear drop of water, pristine and untainted, with light radiating from within it. The symbol captured the essence of Purity's domain, a reminder of the importance of inner clarity and moral integrity in a world full of chaos.

Flanking the entrance, a low garden bed was filled with delicate white lilies and soft blue forget-me-nots, adding to the temple’s tranquil atmosphere. The air here seemed lighter, fresher, as though merely standing in the shadow of the temple could cleanse one's spirit. Even the noise of the city seemed to dull in this sacred space, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves in the soft breeze and the gentle murmur of a nearby fountain.

A wide set of marble steps led up to the entrance, the edges of each step smooth and worn from countless visitors. Despite the temple’s openness to all, there was an undeniable air of reverence about it, as though ascending these steps required one to reflect inwardly, to let go of any burdens or impurities before entering.

Quin paused at the base of the stairs, looking up at the serene structure before him. The temple’s design was modest, almost humble, but it possessed a quiet elegance that seemed to radiate from every corner. He could feel a strange sense of calm settling over him just by being near it, as if the temple’s mere presence encouraged reflection and mindfulness.

Taking a breath, Quin prepared to ascend the steps, a faint sense of nervousness fluttering in his chest—though he told himself it was just from the temple’s aura and certainly not because he was about to see Lauren.

As Quin ascended the steps, a woman in flowing white robes approached him from the opposite direction. Her robes were simple yet elegant, marked with the symbol of Purity—a pristine droplet of water embroidered near her shoulder. She had a kind face, her expression calm and composed, but there was an air of authority about her as she halted him with a gentle raise of her hand.

"Excuse me," she said softly, her voice carrying a quiet strength. "Is this your first time at the Temple of Purity?"

Quin stopped mid-step and nodded. "Yes, it is. I was hoping to visit someone."

The priestess gave him a warm smile but shook her head slightly. "Ah, I see. Well, I'm afraid you won’t be able to enter the temple. The teachings of our Goddess decree that men are not allowed within the temple itself. It's part of our tradition—Purity's followers maintain a separation to uphold the sanctity and clarity of our practices."

Quin felt a flicker of embarrassment at his ignorance. "I’m sorry, I didn’t know. Where should I go, then, to conduct my business?"

The priestess gestured to the side, off to the right, where another building stood just beyond the temple's immediate grounds. "That’s the Outreach building. Men who have business with the Temple of Purity must conduct it there. It's where we handle external affairs, meetings, and any inquiries from those who aren’t able to enter the main temple. You’re not the first to make this mistake, so don’t worry. Had you reached the top of the stairs, another priestess like myself would have stopped you. It’s something we’re used to."

Quin smiled gratefully, nodding in understanding. "Thank you for letting me know, and I apologize for the mistake."

The priestess waved it off with a kind gesture. "No need for apologies. It happens often enough. Best of luck with your visit."

With that, Quin turned and descended the steps, casting a quick glance over his shoulder at the tranquil temple before heading toward the Outreach building.

The Outreach building, unlike the temple itself, was more practical in appearance. It was still built from the same gleaming white stone, but the structure was simpler, with less ornamentation and a smaller footprint. There were no towering columns or intricate carvings here—just a wide, rectangular building with large arched windows that allowed light to pour into the interior. It stood as a more approachable counterpart to the grand temple, offering a space where those outside the sisterhood could interact with the followers of Purity.

A modest garden wrapped around the building, with small, well-maintained hedges and a few flowering shrubs. A fountain stood in the center of the garden, its gentle trickle echoing softly through the quiet space. The building itself had a welcoming air, with wooden doors framed by simple stone pillars that hinted at the same purity found in the temple but without the same level of exclusivity. Above the door, the same symbol of a clear drop of water was etched into the stone, reminding visitors of the building’s purpose.

Quin pushed open the door to the Outreach building and stepped inside. The atmosphere was markedly different from the grand serenity of the main temple. The interior was simple but welcoming, designed with practicality in mind. The white stone walls continued inside, smooth and unadorned, save for a few delicate tapestries that depicted gentle streams and clear skies, symbolic of the purity and clarity valued by the Goddess. The floor was made of polished wood, with several small rugs scattered about, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise austere space. A faint scent of lavender hung in the air, likely from the nearby garden.

In the center of the room was a wooden desk, behind which sat a priestess of Purity, her robes pristine and her demeanor calm and attentive. She was middle-aged, her gray hair tucked neatly under a simple white veil, and her eyes were sharp but kind. She glanced up as Quin entered, her gaze settling on him with the practiced ease of someone who often dealt with visitors.

Quin approached the desk, his steps cautious but purposeful, and gave a polite nod. "Hello, I’m Quin. I’m here to visit Lauren Hess, an Acolyte priestess."

The priestess returned his nod, offering a small smile. "Welcome, Quin. I’m Sister Mara," she introduced herself. "I can certainly help you with that. Is Lauren expecting you?"

Quin felt a flush of heat creep up his neck and scratched the back of it awkwardly. "Uh, no. She isn’t… I didn’t really… tell her I’d be stopping by."

Sister Mara’s smile didn’t falter, and if she noticed his awkwardness, she didn’t show it. Instead, she calmly pulled out a sheet of parchment from a drawer and dipped her quill in ink, preparing to write. "That’s quite alright. Let me send her a message so she knows you’re here. May I ask the nature of your visit so I can inform her?"

Quin hesitated, his mind scrambling for a coherent explanation. "Well, uh… I didn’t see her at our training session yesterday. So, I just… came by to check if everything was okay. You know, make sure she’s alright."

Sister Mara raised an eyebrow slightly but nodded as she wrote down his words on the parchment. "I see. Very thoughtful of you."

Once the note was written, she called softly into the back room. A moment later, a young girl appeared—perhaps twelve or thirteen years old, clearly too young to begin cultivating spirit. Her plain robes were clean and simple, marking her as a servant of the temple but not yet a member of the priesthood. She looked at Sister Mara expectantly.

"Please take this note to Lauren Hess if she is in the temple," Sister Mara instructed, handing the girl the parchment. "Return once you’ve delivered it."

The girl gave a quick nod, took the note, and hurried out of the room with quiet efficiency. Sister Mara turned her attention back to Quin. "It may take a few minutes for Lauren to receive the message and respond. Feel free to make yourself comfortable in the sitting area."

Quin smiled in gratitude, though he still felt a bit awkward under the calm, composed gaze of the priestess. He nodded again and moved to the nearby sitting area, which was arranged with a few simple but comfortable chairs and a low table. A small shelf along the wall held books and scrolls, presumably for those waiting to read if they desired. He settled into one of the chairs, trying to relax as he waited, but his mind was already churning with thoughts about what Lauren might say—or if she would even see him at all.

He had never called upon her before and did not know how she would react. He liked to think that they were good friends and he could visit her whenever he wanted, but he simply did not know how to act around girls. Let alone one that he had to tread so carefully around since she was a follower of Purity.

It wasn’t long before Lauren arrived, pushing her way through the doors. Quin spotted her almost immediately, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe. She looked beautiful—her white priestess robes of Purity fluttered lightly around her as she walked, her strawberry blonde hair catching the soft glow of the midday sun filtering through the windows. There was a grace about her that always seemed effortless, and Quin felt a sudden heat rush to his face. He blushed, quickly rising from his seat, trying to compose himself before she noticed.

“Lauren!” he greeted her with a warm, somewhat shaky smile. “Good to see you. I—uh, just wanted to check in, you know, since you missed training yesterday.”

Lauren smiled back kindly, her expression soft but appreciative. “Thanks, Quin. I got your note and came right away. I didn’t mean to worry anyone.”

Quin awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, the same nervous habit showing again. “No, no—nothing to worry about. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. You’re usually the first one at training, so... I figured something might have come up.”

Lauren sighed quietly, and Quin noticed her shoulders relax a little, as if a weight had been lifted. “It’s nothing serious, but... do you want to go for a small walk? I could use some air, and it’s easier to talk outside.”

Quin nodded, feeling both relieved and curious. “Yeah, of course. Let’s go.”

Together, they left the Outreach building, walking side by side around the perimeter of the Temple of Purity. The streets around the temple were peaceful, filled with followers and passersby going about their daily routines. Lauren led the way toward an open garden that was accessible to the public, a quiet, serene place tucked just behind the temple’s main compound.

The garden was lush and tranquil, filled with vibrant greenery and flowers of soft, calming colors. A small pond in the center reflected the clear sky, and the air was fresh with the scent of blooming jasmine. It was a perfect retreat, open to all but imbued with the same sense of purity and peace that the temple carried.

As they entered the garden, Lauren seemed to relax a bit more. Her eyes followed the path ahead as they walked, but her voice was soft when she finally spoke. “I wasn’t at training yesterday because I had a meeting with my mother.”

Quin glanced at her, listening carefully but not interrupting. He knew enough about Lauren’s background to guess where this was going, but he wanted her to speak on her own terms.

“She’s the High Priestess of Renewa, as you know,” Lauren continued, her tone a mix of frustration and sadness. “And every so often, she asks me to come back to the Temple of Renewa and take up my role as her successor. The next High Priestess.” She sighed again, her steps slowing slightly as they neared the pond. “I told her no. Again. But it’s exhausting, Quin. Every time I see her, it’s the same thing—expectations, pressure, the future laid out for me like it’s already decided. And I just... I left that life for a reason. I can’t go back.”

Quin knew the story well. Lauren had left the service of Renewa, the Goddess of Rejuvenation and Rebirth, to escape the suffocating destiny of being groomed for leadership. She had always wanted to make her own way, to serve in a way that felt true to her, not because it was expected of her. It was why she had chosen the Temple of Purity, where the weight of her lineage wouldn’t hang over her every move.

Quin listened patiently, his expression sympathetic. He knew the burden of expectations in his own way, but Lauren’s struggles were different—tied not just to duty, but to family.

When Lauren finished venting, she offered Quin a small smile, looking up at him gratefully. “Thanks for listening, Quin. I don’t have many people I can be this open with, and it’s nice to talk to someone who isn’t trying to push me in one direction or the other.”

Quin felt his face warm again and quickly waved it off. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m happy to be here for you.”

Lauren’s smile widened a little, and for a moment, Quin felt a flutter of something more than just friendly concern. Trying to push that feeling aside, he cleared his throat and added, “How about I take you out to lunch? You know, to take your mind off things for a while. Get away from all this pressure for a bit.”

Lauren’s eyes brightened at the suggestion, and she nodded eagerly. “That sounds perfect. I’d love that.”

With a shared smile, the two of them turned and began to make their way back out of the garden, the weight of Lauren’s frustrations appearing a little lighter as they stepped back into the world beyond the temple’s serene walls.

As they walked out of the garden and back onto the temple district streets, Lauren turned to Quin with a curious smile. "So, where are we going to eat?"

Quin, who had spent the last several weeks exploring the city, especially the areas close to the temple district, had a place in mind almost immediately. He had become fairly familiar with the upper-class parts of Cremoor, and while there were plenty of high-end restaurants, he knew one that Lauren would enjoy—The Hearthstone. It was a popular spot with locals, but during lunchtime, it tended to be quieter, especially since most patrons preferred to come for dinner when it was busier and more social.

“How about The Hearthstone?” Quin suggested, glancing at Lauren. “It’s pretty popular, but not too crowded around this time of day. Great food, and it’s more laid-back than some of the fancier places.”

Lauren smiled and nodded. “That sounds perfect. I’ve heard of it, but I’ve never been. Lead the way.”

As they walked, their conversation remained light, drifting between casual topics—stories from their training sessions, Quin’s observations about the different temples in the district, and a few anecdotes about the people they both knew. Quin kept the tone easy, trying to avoid anything that would bring back the stress Lauren had just shared with him. Despite his internal nervousness, he found himself enjoying the natural flow of their talk, and Lauren seemed to relax further with each step.

The Hearthstone was located on a side street, just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the temple district to give it a quieter atmosphere. When they arrived, the building stood out with its simple but charming facade. The exterior was crafted from smooth stone, with a sloping roof and wooden beams that framed the windows. A small, carved hearthstone symbol—an open flame nestled in a hearth—hung above the door, indicating its welcoming nature. A few well-maintained flower boxes sat beneath the windows, filled with bright, cheerful blooms that added a splash of color to the otherwise understated building.

Quin held the door open for Lauren as they stepped inside. The interior of The Hearthstone was warm and inviting, as its name suggested. The walls were paneled in dark wood, with large stone hearths at either end of the dining room. The air smelled faintly of roasted herbs and freshly baked bread, giving the entire space a cozy feel. Simple, rustic furniture filled the room—wooden tables and chairs, arranged in a way that allowed for intimate gatherings without feeling cramped. Small lanterns hung from wooden beams overhead, casting a soft glow across the space.

It wasn’t crowded at this time of day, just as Quin had expected. A few patrons sat scattered at tables near the front, quietly chatting over their meals. The murmur of conversation was light, adding to the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant.

As soon as they entered, a friendly waitress approached them with a welcoming smile. She was a young woman, dressed simply in the restaurant’s uniform, her hair tied back in a neat braid. "Good afternoon! Just the two of you?" she asked cheerfully.

Quin nodded. "Yes, just us."

The waitress gestured for them to follow her. “Great! I’ll seat you near the back—it’s a little quieter there.”

They followed her to a cozy corner at the far end of the dining room, away from the other patrons. The table was tucked near a window that looked out into a small, well-tended garden behind the restaurant. The setting felt private without being too isolated, and Quin felt a bit more relaxed knowing that they wouldn’t be overheard by the few others dining nearby.

"Here we are," the waitress said, placing two menus on the table. "I’ll be back in just a minute to take your order."

Quin and Lauren sat down, the soft cushions of the wooden chairs adding to the comfort of the place. Quin glanced at Lauren as she settled into her seat, her earlier tension seeming to fade even more. He picked up his menu, giving her a small smile. "I think you’ll like it here. They have a lot of great dishes—personally, I can never decide between the roasted chicken and the lamb stew."

Lauren smiled back, her eyes scanning the menu. "Sounds like I’m in for a treat, then."

Together, Quin and Lauren placed their orders with the waitress. Quin opted for the lamb stew, a hearty dish he had grown fond of during his time in Cremoor, while Lauren chose the roasted chicken with herbs, paired with a small side of greens. The waitress brought them each a glass of water before retreating, leaving the two in the cozy, quiet corner of The Hearthstone.

As they settled in, Lauren looked across the table at Quin, her hands gently cradling her glass. "Well, you’ve heard all about my family drama," she said with a soft smile. "Tell me a bit about yourself, Quin. I know Lief brought you from the Abil Mountains, but I don’t know much else beyond that."

Quin, who had been expecting to coast through lunch with casual conversation, suddenly found himself taken off guard. His past wasn’t exactly an easy topic for him, and it was especially dangerous now, considering he was hiding the fact that he was the Son of Solarius—a Demigod. His heart skipped a beat as he scrambled for a response, knowing he had to be careful. He wasn’t a skilled liar, and the last thing he wanted was to arouse suspicion.

He stuttered for a moment, buying himself some time. "Oh, uh, yeah. I guess I haven’t really talked about my past much." He took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay as close to the truth as possible—it would make the lie easier to manage. "Well... you probably know that my mother passed away during childbirth. So, I never knew her." He paused, trying to gauge Lauren’s reaction. She nodded, her expression gentle, waiting for him to continue.

"My father was never in the picture," Quin went on, "and since my mother didn’t have any family left, Lief was kind enough to raise me. He took me under his wing when no one else would. I owe him a lot for that." He smiled briefly, hoping that sounded natural enough.

Lauren’s gaze stayed on him, her eyes soft with sympathy, but she didn’t interrupt.

"Most of my childhood was spent training under Lief," Quin continued, slipping into the story a little more easily now that he was talking about something true and a nonsensitive topic. "He’s a tough teacher, as you can imagine, but he’s also... fair. I learned a lot from him, not just about fighting, but about life, discipline. I think that’s probably the reason Solarius made me a Chosen One." His voice faltered slightly at the end, the lie tasting bitter in his mouth. He wasn’t a Chosen One—he was a Demigod, the direct son of Solarius, but that wasn’t something he could reveal. Not yet, he hoped his friends did not resent him when the truth finally came to light.

Lauren nodded, her eyes still on him, and Quin suddenly realized how intently she was listening. She hadn’t said a word, hadn’t interrupted, and the way she was watching him made him feel more exposed than he had expected. His words began to ramble as nervous energy crept up inside him.

"Uh, yeah. So, you know... growing up in the village, it was pretty isolated. There weren’t many Followers of Solarius up in the Abil Mountains, so I didn’t really... connect with many people." He paused, trying to steer the conversation away from his secret, but his nerves were starting to get the better of him. "Except, of course, for my broth—" He froze, catching himself mid-sentence. His heart skipped a beat as the word slipped out. Brother.

Lauren blinked at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Your brother?"

Quin’s mind raced. He hadn’t meant to mention that. His brother wasn’t just any sibling—he was the twin born of Vesperos, the God of Darkness, Fear, and Secrets, a dangerous secret Quin had to keep hidden at all costs if he did not want his brother to be hunted down. He swallowed hard, feeling his face grow warm again under Lauren’s curious gaze.

"Uh..." Quin stammered, trying to recover. "I—I mean, uh, not really my brother. More like, you know, someone I grew up with. Like a brother, you know? We were close for a while, but... not related by blood or anything." He forced a nervous laugh, hoping that would cover his slip. His heart pounded in his chest, and he couldn’t tell if Lauren believed him or not.

Lauren tilted her head slightly, still looking confused but not pressing him too hard. "I see," she said slowly, as if processing his explanation. "I didn’t know you had someone you considered a brother. I imagine that would’ve been comforting, especially with everything you’ve gone through."

Quin nodded quickly, seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation away from the dangerous territory. "Yeah, it was... it was good to have someone like that, especially with how tough things could get sometimes."

Lauren gave him a small smile, still watching him, but the intensity of her gaze seemed to soften. "It’s interesting, though. You don’t talk about yourself much. I’m glad you’re opening up a little."

Quin gave her a sheepish smile, still trying to suppress the nervous energy thrumming inside him. He sipped his water, hoping the conversation wouldn’t circle back to the slip he had made. That hope was quickly dashed.

Quin felt his stomach knot as Lauren pressed further, her curiosity seemingly piqued by the mention of his so-called brother. "So, who was this person you considered your brother?" she asked gently. "What was his name? Why were you so close, and why didn’t he travel with you?"

Quin’s mind raced as he scrambled to come up with answers that wouldn’t unravel his carefully constructed story. "Oh, um, he was just a village boy," he began, doing his best to sound casual. "His name was… Ander." Quin winced slightly, hoping the lie wouldn’t be too obvious. He cleared his throat and continued. "We grew up together, you know, wrestling and sword fighting for fun. We were like brothers in a way, always getting into trouble or challenging each other. That’s probably why we got so close."

Lauren nodded thoughtfully but didn’t take her eyes off him. "And why didn’t Ander travel with you? I imagine it would’ve been hard to leave him behind."

Quin hesitated again, the weight of the real story pressing on him like a heavy cloak. "Well, Lief didn’t like him much," Quin said, choosing his words carefully. "Ander... he was different, not really interested in the same things as the other villagers. Lief thought he’d be a bad influence, so when I left, I didn’t take him with me. I just… left him in the Abil Mountains. I haven’t seen him since."

As the last words left his mouth, Quin felt a wave of sadness and wistfulness wash over him. The truth behind his half-lie tugged at him painfully, the image of his true brother flashing in his mind. Though he hadn’t seen him in several months, the connection was still there—a dark bond that he couldn’t forget, no matter how hard he tried.

Lauren noticed the shift in his expression, her brow creasing with concern. She reached across the table, her voice soft and comforting. "You could always go back to the Abil Mountains in a few years," she suggested. "See Ander again, maybe even bring him to Cremoor. Help him set up a new life here."

The suggestion, while kind, only deepened Quin’s inner turmoil. He forced a wry smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Yeah... maybe," he said, though he didn’t believe his own words. The idea of bringing his brother to Cremoor was unthinkable. He could never risk that. Sorin was probably long gone from the Abil Mountains anyways. If he was alive that is. But he didn’t want to stay on this topic, so he just nodded, hoping the conversation would shift.

Lauren seemed to sense his discomfort and took the hint. As if on cue, the waitress returned with their food, placing the steaming plates in front of them. Quin’s lamb stew smelled rich and hearty, while Lauren’s roasted chicken was perfectly golden, accompanied by a light salad of greens.

The arrival of their meals provided a much-needed break in the conversation, and Lauren took the opportunity to move on to another topic. "So," she asked, "did Lief know your mom? I mean, since he raised you, he must’ve known something about her, right?"

Quin let out a breath of relief, grateful for the change of subject. "No, Lief didn’t know her personally," he said, picking up his spoon to stir the stew. "But he heard about her reputation in Cremoor. She used to be a priestess in the Temple of Solarius. She was a bit of a mystery, even to people in the temple. No one seems to know much about her, other than she was dedicated to her charity work and…" He hesitated briefly, thinking of the strange gaps in her records. "Well, there’s a lot of unanswered questions about her."

Lauren tilted her head, clearly intrigued. "What kind of questions?"

Quin set down his spoon and leaned back in his chair, feeling more comfortable now that the conversation was steering into familiar territory. "When I was looking into her records in the Archive, I found out that she didn’t have a last name, and there’s no mention of the beasts she fought or how she completed her Ascension trials. Whoever kept the records didn’t document it properly. And to make it worse, the person who recorded everything—Brother Tomas—died a few years ago, so there’s no one left who might know the truth."

Lauren furrowed her brow, her fingers tapping idly on the table as she pondered his words. "That’s really strange. You’d think something like that would be recorded without fail, especially in a temple. And if she was able to Ascend Ranks without following the usual path…" Her voice trailed off, lost in thought.

Quin shrugged, a small sigh escaping him. "Yeah, it’s been frustrating. I’ve hit a bit of a dead end. I want to know more about her, but it feels like every time I dig deeper, there’s less to find."

Lauren smiled warmly and leaned forward slightly. "I’d like to help, if you’ll let me. I know how much it means to you to learn more about your mom. Maybe with both of us looking, we can put the mystery to rest."

Quin’s eyes lit up with gratitude. "Really? You’d help me with that?"

"Of course," Lauren replied, her voice soft but firm. "You’ve been there for me, and this seems important to you. I’d be happy to help."

Quin felt a surge of relief and happiness at her offer. He had been chasing the truth alone for so long, and the idea of having someone to help him—even if it was Lauren, with whom he shared an increasingly complicated connection—was a weight off his shoulders. He could not delay the task his father had put before him any longer.

"Thank you," Quin said earnestly. "That means a lot. I could definitely use the help."

Lauren smiled again, her presence a comforting balm after the awkwardness of earlier. "We’ll figure it out, Quin. One way or another."

With the promise of help hanging between them, they returned to their food, the air around them lighter now, their conversation flowing more easily as they began to talk about other, less burdensome topics. Once they had finished their meal, Quin was planning to escort Lauren back to her temple, but they realized that it was time for Cohort Eighteen’s afternoon training session so they went directly there.

Once there, Quin received many raised eyebrows from his friends. Some carried the feeling of “you sly dog” while others carried the look of confusion or “oh dear, you are going down this route.” Quin took them in stride and just blushed. What followed was a fruitful training session with Lauren observing. Lauren left after the training session while the boys were wiping off the sweat and dirt in the baths. Quin did look for her after cleaning up, hoping to invite her to their debates over The Book of Ideals that the boys were going to participate for the rest of the day in, but he did not find her. It made him a bit disappointed but he was quickly distracted. Quin spent the rest of the night with his friends debating the ethics and morals that were best suited for the followers of the Light Pantheon.