The cold shadows retreated and she was blinded by light. Sinephilim stood in a forest, alone. Insects hummed in the distance.
Okay. Darkness said she'd be sending us to the Gods' favorites. It's possible Rhenvar's somewhere completely different.
She tapped her chin.
Now that I think about it, splitting us up makes no sense. Rendezvousing with him is my top priority.
A rustle nearby snapped her attention.
"Who's there? Show yourself," she commanded.
A man emerged. Black hair. Red eyes. Dressed in black with a cloak, long sword drawn. His gaze was sharp and stern.
"I don't remember ever seeing you in the North. What's a lady like you doing in my hunting grounds?"
"I don't know what hunting grounds you're talking abou- "
A growl cut her off. Then a hiss.
Two massive black beasts stalked into the clearing.
"Monsters…" she muttered.
The man sighed coldly, then charged. His blade and body glowed faintly with power. In two swift motions, the beasts fell.
He's using magic.
"Too easy," he spat.
"You used magic," Sinephilim said.
"Magic? No. It's my blessing." He wiped blood from his sword. "So, I'll ask again, what are you doing here?"
"I was sent by your Gods to help stop a threat from destroying your world."
The man narrowed his eyes.
"Quite a story- "
Then he doubled over, clutching his head, dropped to his knees.
"Hey… are you alright?" Sinephilim asked warily.
"It's… nothing. Just a curse."
Sinephilim stepped closer, placing her hand gently on his head.
"I wish I could help."
A bright light flared from her palm.
Is this the magic the Gods of this world gave me?
The man froze. His pain was gone.
He looked up at her, stunned. "You… removed the curse. Impossible. Just who are you? Are you a Goddess?"
"I'm Sinephilim," she said simply. "I'm here to help you and your people."
"You don't understand. I have the Blessing of Power. But my bloodline was cursed. Every time I use it… it burns me."
To prove it, he unleashed his aura and swung his sword. Trees nearby splintered and collapsed under his blade.
"You are a Goddess," he said, kneeling. "My name is Duke Clive Bellanor of the Northern Province. My Goddess. My everything. I devote myself and my estate to you."
Sinephilim blinked. "…Uh. In that case, I'm looking for a man. He goes by the name Rhenvar."
"I will help you find this man," Clive said, standing. "And I will kill him."
"No no no, he is my partner. He's here to help."
Clive's jaw tightened. "You need no man but me. With me at your side, none will harm you."
This guy's totally different from a minute ago… Better play along. I could use any help to find Rhenvar.
"Very well, Duke Clive," she said with a commanding tone. "I will accompany you. I hope you will be able to help me."
"I will. My Goddess. You have my sword!"
****
They walked the forest path together. Sinephilim felt uneasy under Clive's aura. He stayed close, too close; his hand always hovering near his sword as if invisible assassins lurked behind every shadow.
Sinephilim walked calmly. Quietly.
Clive did not.
"You know, your hair, silver like moonlight, radiates divinity. If the stars could weep, they would weep for not being you."
"Mm." Sinephilim's tone was exhausted.
It's not my real hair color, but ok.
"And your eyes, when they glow with violet light? I saw the truth. Pure, divine truth. I've read of miracles, but now I walk beside one."
"Sure."
Not my real eyes either…
Clive continued. "Oh, and when you healed me, when your hand touched my forehead, I felt my soul ascend to a realm beyond mortal comprehension. I believe I saw a swan made of light. Would you like me to buy you a swan?"
"I do not."
Father take me…
He paused. "…You don't want a swan?"
Sinephilim blinked once. "Please stop talking."
"I apologize," he said immediately. "Forgive me. I shall enter a vow of silence if that is your divine will."
Sinephilim sighed through her nose.
Okay. This world is weird. That's fine. I've handled worse. I was a demon queen. I fought the five heroes. I survived the end of the world.
She looked at Clive.
I can survive… this.
Clive pointed dramatically to the horizon. "Fear not, my Goddess! That ridge marks the start of my estate. There, we shall rest and begin our glorious search for this 'Rhenvar' who may or may not be worthy of your divine presence."
"…You really don't have to keep calling me that."
"But you are a Goddess. I saw it with my own eyes. Your light purified the unbreakable curse of my bloodline."
Sinephilim stared ahead, deadpan.
If Rhenvar doesn't show up soon, I might kill someone out of pure exhaustion.