The two men flew with the unconscious bodies of Forte and Deniz. Moving at a fast pace, they eventually reached a sanctuary. The sanctuary was massive and filled with people everywhere. It looked more like a vast city than a place of worship. Above the sanctuary floated an illusory sign. It read: Sanctuary of Devotion.

  Normal people wouldn’t be able to see the sign. Only those who could utilize synergy could perceive it.

  Soon, the two men arrived at a large building in the center of the sanctuary. It was enormous and clearly served as the capital of the sanctuary. They landed at the entrance and approached the guards. The guards seemed to recognize them and allowed them through without hesitation. Though they noticed the unconscious bodies of Deniz and Forte, they didn’t react or express concern. It seemed they didn’t know who they were.

  As the two men entered the building, they were greeted by multiple people. The interior was even more extravagant than expected. It resembled a place fit for royalty, like that of a king or queen. The men continued walking until they reached a room guarded by two individuals.

  Upon seeing the unconscious woman, the guards’ expressions changed to shock. Although not many knew her identity, these two clearly did. While they didn’t recognize the boy, they assumed he must be important if he was with her.

  The guards immediately allowed them inside. The room they entered was large but mostly empty. At the far end of the room sat a person on a throne atop a series of steps. On either side of the throne were two burning braziers, with two sword-bearing guards standing beside them.

  The two men approached the base of the steps and knelt, bowing their heads. For two people who had reached the Second Awakening to kneel meant the person before them was ranked higher. Very few in the sanctuary outranked them, which could only mean one thing.

  This figure was one of the Seven Suns. One of the most powerful beings in the world. One of the few known to have reached the Fourth Awakening.

  “We managed to bring her back alive, though unconscious,” said the blonde man who had fought Forte. “The young boy is her son. Before we captured her, he used an ability. The aura he released and the power he displayed showed potential. If needed, he can be used as a weapon—or a tool, if we brainwash him. If you disagree, we’ll dispose of him immediately.”

  “We’ll keep him and see how useful he becomes,” replied the shadowy figure on the throne. His voice was deep and commanding, echoing through the room. “Thank you for bringing her back alive. Leave the bodies here. I have great use for them.”

  The two men placed Forte and Deniz gently on the floor, then turned and left the room.

  Meanwhile, in another sanctuary…

  Rhosa and Rhitta’s vision slowly returned to normal after passing through the portal. As everything came into focus, they saw that a woman was holding their arms.

  “Rhitta, Rhosa. Welcome,” said the woman with a warm smile.

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  “My name is Aniya. Your mother entrusted me with your protection. There’s much I need to tell you—things your mother may or may not have already shared. But first, you both need to eat and rest. You’ve had a long day,” she said gently.

  Aniya was a stunning woman who appeared to be in her late twenties. She had long, soft turquoise hair that reached her lower back, and bright blue eyes that matched her hair perfectly. She was tall and fit, with fair skin. She wore a long black dress, almost as if she had come from a wedding or formal event.

  She stood the girls up and led them into a room. In the center was a large bed pressed against the wall. There were also chairs and a table in one corner, with a couch in the opposite corner near the bed. Aniya sat the girls in the chairs, preparing to bring them something to eat.

  “I’ve made soup for you both, and I also have tea if you’d like,” Aniya offered. Rhitta and Rhosa nodded quietly. Aniya stepped out to retrieve the soup and tea.

  The two girls sat in silence, their faces heavy with sadness. They had witnessed something deeply traumatic—something that would likely haunt them for the rest of their lives. They had seen things they didn’t fully understand, and possibly the death of their mother.

  “D-Did we lose our mom and our brother?” Rhitta asked in a trembling voice. Her eyes filled with tears that streamed down her cheeks. Images of what had happened replayed in her mind—the moment her mother lost her hand, the blood on her face, her maniacal expression. It was the first time Rhitta had seen her mother like that. She was terrified.

  Rhosa gently pulled Rhitta’s head to her chest. In truth, Rhitta hated what she had seen. The violence, the look on her mother’s face. She had never liked violence—whether doing it or witnessing it. She believed that problems should be solved logically, through words. Violence was only ever a last resort for her.

  Tears soaked into Rhosa’s clothes as she held her sister, gently stroking her head to calm her.

  Rhosa, on the other hand, wasn’t as pacifistic. While she wouldn’t resort to violence immediately, she understood that sometimes it was necessary. Words couldn’t fix everything. Still, she respected Rhitta’s views and her peaceful nature. Not everyone was the same, and Rhosa could honor that. All she could do now was offer comfort.

  “Everything will be okay, Rhitta. I’m sure they’re alive. They wouldn’t hurt a child, and they probably wouldn’t kill a mother in front of her own child. I don’t know when, but someday… someday we’ll find them,” Rhosa said with a determined and steady voice. No matter what, she would find them.

  Aniya stood silently by the doorway, holding the soup. She had overheard everything. Tears streamed down her face.

  “Did you really die, Forte?” she whispered to herself. “After everything you’ve done for your children… did it all end here?”

  Aniya shared a deep connection with Forte. They weren’t blood-related, but their bond was like that of sisters.

  She wiped her tears with her sleeve and stepped into the room. Both girls looked up. Rhitta’s eyes were red and puffy, her face streaked with tears. Rhosa’s expression was a mix of sorrow and numbness.

  Aniya placed the bowls and spoons in front of the girls and walked out again. Moments later, she returned with two cups of tea and set them beside the bowls. She smiled softly and sat on the bed, staring down at her dress.

  Though her bond with Forte wasn’t as close as that of a daughter, she still grieved deeply. If there was a way to bring Forte back—any way—Aniya would do it. Even if it cost her life.

  Silence hung in the room, interrupted only by the quiet sounds of soup being eaten and tea being sipped. Occasionally, Rhitta sniffled, but the stillness remained. The weight of sorrow filled the air. Aniya had always known this day might come. Sanctuaries were ruthless. That was the way of the world.

  In the end, power ruled all.

  Once the girls had finished eating, Aniya took the bowls and left. She returned shortly after to gather the cups. The sound of running water echoed faintly as she washed them. Then she returned, standing calmly by the door and watching the two girls.

  “You both need rest. Let your minds recover from everything you’ve been through. A rested mind is important for your well-being,” Aniya said gently.

  The girls got up from their seats and climbed into the large bed. It was big enough for three or even four people to sleep in comfortably. Aniya smiled warmly at the sight.

  She turned off the light, and just before stepping out, she spoke:

  “Tomorrow, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. Everything.”

  Then, she closed the door and left.

  The loving family has been separated. What will happen to Forte and Deniz in the Sanctuary of Devotion? And in the other sanctuary, who truly is Aniya—and what is “everything” she plans to tell Rhitta and Rhosa?