Father Lena tried to keep the conversations light, but everyone kept mentioning the village. Nadia sat beside Viktor, her usual smile in place as the whispering continued. “What’s going to happen now, Viktor?”

“Father Lena has to investigate.” Viktor stabbed his steak and popped it into his mouth. And we will assist him. Viktor had never been known for talking much during meals, so he was confident his silence wouldn’t give them away. The only thing that worried him was when Father Lena spoke.

“These are troubling times, my friends. The good thing is that the incident hasn’t been repeated. I don’t wish to alarm everyone, but if you want to check on your families and offer them shelter here. I encourage you to do so.” He turned to Viktor and Nadia. “I want to speak with you both after dinner.”

Viktor nodded as Nadia said, “Yes, Father.”

The rest of the meal passed without incident, and Viktor helped wash some dishes before he and Nadia presented themselves at Father Lena’s office. Nadia tried to hold Viktor’s hand, but he shook his head. “Later, I promise.”

I don’t want to be distracted right now. Nadia stared at him, but the door opened before she could say anything. Father Lena’s desk was covered in maps, but the older man stood before his fireplace. “Come in, you two. Don’t mind the door. It’ll shut itself once you’re inside.”

Nadia turned around excitedly. “You use mana to close the door for you, Father?!”

“I do when I feel it is important. Step inside, please. Time may very well be something we lack.” Viktor frowned as they obeyed, hearing the door swing close as Father Lena turned around, holding a letter. “There’s something I must ask you both, and I need you to swear that it is the truth.”

“What is it, Father?” Is he going to ask where we were that night? But why would someone write about it instead of simply telling him? Father Lena sighed and walked to his desk, placing the letter down as he stared at them.

“I have just been informed that Brother Mikail has been murdered. Forgemaster Ivan is investigating as we speak and might not be able to assist us with the village incident.”

Viktor tensed, grateful that he wasn’t holding Nadia’s hand. He clenched his fists hard enough to turn his knuckles white beneath his sleeves. He didn’t need to turn to know Nadia was staring at him in concern. Viktor met Father Lena’s gaze and shrugged. “It wasn’t me.”

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Father Lena waited, but Viktor remained silent. The older man idly tapped the letter without looking away from Viktor. “No one said you did, my Son.”

“But given our recent history. I’m a suspect, yes? Even though It would take many days of hard riding to reach Vern, and I’d like to add I don’t have any spells that would travel such a distance.”

“I’m aware of your abilities, Viktor. But that wasn’t why I told you about his death.”

Viktor shrugged, staring at the fire as Nadia shifted closer to his side. “I’m not sorry to hear he’s dead.” It’s one less problem for me to think about.

“That’s… a very inappropriate thing to say, my Son. Are you telling me this is the first you’ve heard of this?”

“It is. I haven’t contacted anyone since we left the city. I’ll undertake any truth spell you like if that will clear this up…” Viktor glanced at Nadia before turning to Father Lena. “Is that everything you wanted to tell us? I fail to see why Nadia had to be here if that’s the case.”

“Nadia was present for many of those events, boy. But no, that isn’t all. I know you’ve heard about what happened at the village, and I know you two left the ranch that very night. I was hoping you’d come to me to prove your innocence, but neither of you has done so. I would like to know why.”

Nadia stepped forward. “Because we’ve done nothing wrong, Father. Viktor and I went for a walk. You never said we had to stay in the ranch all the time, and we came back. That should be enough.”

Viktor fought to keep his face blank. I can’t believe she’s lying to his face, but I suppose I should feel grateful. Nadia truly believes we did nothing wrong. She doesn’t see stealing souls as something to be ashamed of… not when her life is on the line. The question is: can I do the same?

Father Lena looked between, furrowing his brow as they continued their silent standoff. Viktor forced himself to remain still. There was nothing he wanted more than to run at that moment. But Father Lena finally shook his head and sighed. “You two… I hope you know what you’re doing. We have a murderer on the loose, two including what happened at the village. This isn’t the time to be stubborn!”

“We understand, Father. But Viktor and I aren’t being stubborn.” Nadia looked at the maps, tapping her chin thoughtfully before asking. “You said Forgemaster Ivan is busy finding who killed Brother Mikail? Does that mean there aren’t any Fire Clerics looking into what happened at the village?”

“No, we have two. But their experience leaves much to be desired. I’ve already offered our services. I’m confident the three of us can put a stop to this.”

Viktor forced himself to smile. “As am I. It’s a shame we can’t expect help anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean we should drag our feet. Are we waiting for the Fire Clerics to agree, or should Nadia and I visit some of the neighboring villages to see if they know something?”

“You two aren’t doing anything. Not yet, anyway. You are to remain on standby here while I meet with the Fire Clerics. I don’t want any more suspicions to be aimed at you. So, remain in the ranch until I return. Is that clear?”

Viktor’s smile became real as he nodded. “Yes, Father. We’ll be here when you return.”