Liam's POV

Meanwhile, while what was happening with Emily and her village, Saalnia, was taking place.

In Arixalum, the capital of the Kingdom of Arixad, there stood a certain church. It wasn't the only church in town, nor was it the biggest nor the smallest. As far as churches in the capital go, it didn't really stand out. It was just another church of Arlin, one of gods who represents one of the two suns.

Its entrance, adorned with intricately carved wooden doors, beckoned the faithful and curious alike. Simple stained glass windows adorned the sides, casting a kaleidoscope of muted colors within the serene interior. White lilies, the symbol of the religion, were planted all around it, just like with most Arlin churches. The interior, with wooden pews worn smooth by the passage of countless prayers, echoed with hushed reverence.

Arlin, the god symbolizing one of the two suns, was subtly honored through a mural that adorned the altar. Bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, the mural depicted the youthful visage of Arlin, exuding a sense of benevolent warmth.

When one envisions a deity, the imagine of an elderly man might come to their mind, but that wasn't Arlin. Arlin has always been depicted as a young boy no older than 10 years of age.

The atmosphere within the church held an air of quiet devotion, offering solace to those who sought respite in its unassuming embrace. Liam was one of those.

Liam knelt in quiet reverence, his hands clasped together, eyes closed in earnest prayer within the hallowed halls of the Church of Arlin. His youthful face, though not devoid of the struggles of adolescence, now bore a sincerity that transcended his tender age. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the ornate walls, creating an atmosphere of sacred stillness.

Liam possessed short, tousled hair that framed his youthful face. His hair, a rich chestnut brown, accentuated the warmth in his hazel eyes.

Arlin above, if you can hear me...

Liam wasn't the only person at the church praying, but he has been here for a while, which caught the attention of a Sister. She observed the fervor in his supplication and, moved by curiosity, decided to check on the young worshipper. She approached him with a with a soft step.

This wasn't the first time she saw Liam praying like this, seeing him around in this church was a common occurrence if anything, so she really shouldn't be surprised, but she couldn't help it. There just wasn't many 15 years old who were as devoted as him, which made him stand out in her eyes.

"Liam," she whispered, her voice a gentle breeze in the sanctuary, " Sorry to bother you, but is everything alright?"

Startled, Liam looked up, his eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and vulnerability. "Sister Elara," he stammered, "I... I'm just praying, seeking guidance from Arlin."

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Liam was familiar with Sister Elara; he had seen her every time he visited this church. She was a young, devout member, still in her early 20s.

Elara smiled warmly, her eyes filled with understanding. "Prayer is a powerful connection, Liam. But what weighs so heavily on your heart ?"

Liam stayed silent, hesitant to share his thoughts.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't pry into your personal life," Sister Elara apologized, noticing the younger boy's guarded reaction.

"Oh no no, you did nothing wrong, Sister Elara. I do appreciate you caring enough to check up on me." Liam said, offering a genuine smile.

"Well, just remember if you ever wanted to talk about it, I'm here. I'll always be willing to listen to you." Sister Elara said as she placed a comforting hand on Liam's shoulder before walking away.

Even if I wanted to tell her, it's not like I'm allowed too.

"Hey, Liam." someone suddenly said, causing him to turn. He recognized the voice immediately.

"Oh, Jaxon! You've come too. Are you here to pray as well?" Liam greeted his younger friend, who didn't appear nearly as pleased.

Jaxon, a 12 years old with blond hair, stood there with an expression that mirrored his annoyance. Despite the scowl on his face, there was a certain innocence in the way he carried himself.

"No, I've come here to get you." Jaxon explained, sounding annoyed. "You really should stop going out on your own, do you want to get in trouble?"

"But it's such a bother to bring one of the knights with me here every time I want to pray, and it's not like I'm planning on running away or anything." Liam explained.

"Yes, yes. I'm sure the knights who watch over us also know you're only going to pray and aren't planning on running away, but that's still against the rules. You're putting both them and us in trouble when you do this!" Jaxon spoke in a louder voice than intended, so he quickly glanced around and relaxed when he saw that no one had heard him, and there weren't that many people in the church right now.

Oh Jaxon, you really never change. Serious as ever.

"And...who was that Sister talking to you a minute earlier? Did she want something?" Jaxon inquired, a tinge of curiosity coloring his voice.

"Oh, that? That was Sister Elara. She was just checking up on me. She's very kind," Liam replied, as Jaxon's gaze lingered on the sister engrossed in a conversation with a mother airing her grievances about her son.

"I see." Jaxon said, his eyes still fixed on Sister Elara.

"Don't tell me you find her cute; I thought you had a thing for Nicole," Liam teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He knew it would elicit a reaction from Jaxon, and it did.

"W-What?! It's not like that, idiot!" Jaxon exclaimed, the sudden outburst drawing the attention of nearby churchgoers this time. A blush crept onto his cheeks, and he shifted his gaze to the floor in embarrassment.

"A-Anyway, are you done? We should head back home. Only Karl and Nicole are home right now." Jaxon redirected the conversation, still recovering from the embarrassment.

"Oh? Is our teacher out?" Liam queried, curiosity piqued.

"Yes. Something came up, and he had to leave. I'm not sure what it's about," Jaxon explained.

I wonder what that's about, though that teacher of ours was never the one to explain more than he needs too.

"Sure, let's go, though...don't you want to offer a prayer to Arlin before we leave, Jaxon?" Liam suggested.

"Not really. Why would I? Why would you?" Jaxon responded, the hurt underlying his words more evident than annoyance. Liam understood the unspoken pain.

"Alright then, let's go. I assume our knight friend is waiting for us outside the church?" Liam attempted to shift the conversation.

"He is, yes." Jaxon affirmed, turning toward the exit, with Liam trailing closely.

Why do I pray, you ask?

"Old habits die hard." Liam suddenly remarked, prompting Jaxon to turn and look at him, confusion etched on his face.

"Hm?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Let's go, Jaxon."

I suppose it is silly for someone like me to pray to Arlin. I am a sinner beyond redemption, I am a witch after all