Tall and handsome with soft black hair neatly handing over his round eyes was not how Liv imagined Fabian. He even had a small birthmark on his right cheek as did Liv.

His father on the other hand was pretty normal-looking. He wore white clothes like his son, but his were more regal. His head was bald and his face seemed to have a tenseness to it. That was just speculation, though. Liv couldn't really know how he normally looked as the man was scared shitless.

"In the name of the gods, Inu. What have you done?" the priest asked with a finger pointed at Liv.

"You have no need for fear," Inu said as he stood up like everyone else. "We are all friends here."

"She— she's the Red King's reincarnation," Fabian said under his breath.

Liv pointed at him with a hard glare. "Watch it, comparing me to that man."

Fabian flinched so hard he almost fell over.

Inu walked in between them, holding his hands out. "Let's all sit down and talk this out."

"Inu, you're a dear friend, but you're in over your head this time," the priest said, shaking his head. "You need to leave."

"Why? You don't believe the myths. This girl is innocent. Allow us sanctuary. We will not stay too long."

The priest's expression turned troubled. "Inu..."

"Inu, I think we should go. We aren't wanted here."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Inu put up a hand without taking his gaze off the priest. "Lost souls seek this temple. You don't turn them away. No matter what. Isn't that the principle you live by, Karn?"

'Karn? A priest named Karn? Isn't that a name hinting at a violent character? How odd. Unless... he is carrying his past sins with him in his name,' Liv thought.

Karn's expression fell, his eyes going to the ground. His mouth opened a few times without any words coming out. Then he mumbled, "...do harm."

"What?" Inu asked.

"It is unless the person means to do the community harm."

"We don't." Inu and Karn's eyes turned to Liv. "Do we?"

Liv still trusted Inu and she wanted to stay. Experience life among humans once again. Talk to someone other than Inu. Even if just for a while. "No," Liv said with a firm shake of her head. "I won't hurt anyone here."

"How can I trust you?" Karn asked.

"Do you trust me?" Inu replied with a question. The same one he had asked Liv.

"I do, but—"

"I trust Liv. Should you not then trust her as well?"

Karn gave a defeated sigh before giving his last effort. "What of the Shadow of Quinheart?"

"It can't sense my regular abilities from a long distance."

"And you won't use the Empt, right, Liv?" Inu asked.

"I promise not to. I will not put your people in harm's way, given that they show no ill will towards me."

"No matter what?"

Liv nodded. "I won't use it. No matter what."

Liv and Inu along with an unnevred Fabian looked to Karn.

Karn sighed. "I allow you sanctuary. But I assume you will assure that nothing goes wrong, Inu?" Inu nodded. "All right. I will have quarters assigned to both of you in the main building. You can do as you please as long as you abide by the temple's rules and Liv hides her eyes when with others than the ones in this room." Lastly, he looked to Fabian. "You are to tell absolutely nobody about this. Understand?"

"Of course," Fabian said, straightening himself at the command. Then he turned to Liv and bowed. "I apologize if my earlier comment offended you. I... wasn't sure what to do... or say. I didn't think."

Liv waved a hand in response. Maybe he wasn't such a pain after all.

"Let all enjoy days of peace," Inu said with his eyes closed like he was praying.

Karn touched a hand to his chest with a nod. Fabian mimicked him. After a while, Liv did so as well. Weirdly, she believed it.