END: Beyond Mortal Sight

“Are you alright, dear?” the Grand Priestess asked softly, her voice full of concern as she cupped Karen’s cheek with a white, elbow-length lace glove.

“Y-yes, Ma’am!” Karen blurted, her voice tight with panic.

“Fufufu… there is no need to be so tense, child.” The Grand Priestess’s soft laugh melted the air. Then she turned her veiled face toward Father. “Dear Sir, may I ask why such an innocent maiden would ever be touched by such a foul magic?”

Father’s jaw tightened. He swallowed before answering. “O Holy One, my daughter was most unfortunate. On her trip to Greystone Hollow, she was deceived; she was sold an ancient relic by a demoniac wretch. From it, she was cursed, summoning a horrendous Nachtmaw—”

“May I ask, has the Nachtmaw been defeated!?” the priest interjected, fear flashing in his eyes.

“Yes, O Holy One,” Father answered, though his shoulders sagged with lingering dread. “But I fear the curse has not been wholly dispelled. Hence—”

“Do not fear, dear Sir,” the Grand Priestess interrupted softly, raising her arm heavenward. “With the holy power of the Supreme Lord, she shall be freed from such corruption.”

"..."

“T-thank you, O Holy One!” Father cried, bowing until his forehead nearly touched the floor.

“Please, stand.” The Priestess offered her hand, and Father rose with reverence. Then she turned to Karen. “Here, take my hand, dear.”

Karen hesitated only a moment before taking it. The Grand Priestess led her to the dais before the youthful statue of the Lord. From the Lord’s feet she lifted a lotus, dipped it into the sacred fountain, and returned, droplets shimmering on its petals. She sprinkled the water over Karen’s head. Karen closed her eyes and clasped her hands in prayer as the Priestess tucked the lotus behind her ear.

“I will now begin the prayer. Please, all of you, close your eyes and lift your hearts. Pray for this child, that the Supreme Lord may grant her mercy.”

We obeyed at once. Even Grandma bowed her head.

"..."

The Grand Priestess began her chant, “O Supreme Lord, You alone are refuge, there is none beside You. Please grant us Your power and heal this helpless girl, unknowing of sin. Please, bestow Your mercy, O Supreme Lord.”

"!"

A sudden roar filled the chamber. My eyelids glowed red as if firelight pressed against them. 

I couldn't help but open my eyes.

"..."

A pillar of light had engulfed Karen and the Grand Priestess, shimmering like a golden cylinder, its force stirring their garments and hair. Awe struck me silent. Bliss washed over me, greater than any joy I had known in this life, or in the one before, both steeped in misery.

This was no mere ritual. This was the Lord’s own power. Surely Karen’s curse could not withstand such brilliance.

Gradually, the light contracted, dwindling to nothing.

"..."

“O dear maiden,” the Grand Priestess proclaimed, her voice reverent, “the Supreme Lord has bestowed His blessing. You are free of unholy stain. Please offer now your thanks at His feet.”

Karen rose, touched her forehead to the statue’s feet, and whispered her prayer. Father leapt forward, tears bright in his eyes, and embraced her. Karen clung to him, sobbing with relief. The mood shifted, lightened, until smiles adorned every face. Even the Priestess’s veil seemed to curve with the hint of one.

Father bent low once more before her. “O Holy One, we are truly blessed to be aided by the Lord’s closest devotee.”

“Please, dear Sir, I am unworthy of such admiration,” she replied. “It was the Lord Himself. I am but His humble servant. If you wish to honour anyone, please honour Him.”

Father nodded and signalled for the rest of us to follow him in offering our respect to the Lord’s youthful statue. Together we bowed and offered our prayers. Even Grandma joined us this time. Once the ritual was complete, we stepped down from the dais and approached the door where the Grand Priestess and the priest awaited.

“Thank you very much, O Holy One,” Father said, bowing deeply as we followed his lead.

“That is fine. Please, take care,” the Grand Priestess replied with serene grace.

The priest, however, rubbed his hands together like a merchant awaiting payment. “O dear Sir, if you could—”

“Yes, worry not, O Priest,” Father interrupted. “I shall make a large donation soon.”

“Excellent! May the Lord bless your generosity,” the man replied, still wringing his hands. Seeing this, Grandma clicked her tongue softly, and I could not disagree more; he felt more merchant than priest.

“Oh no, I could not trouble you,” the Grand Priestess protested.

“No, O Holy One. It is my duty to serve the Lord’s truest devotee. Please, accept it.”

The priest then eagerly offered to lead us out. My family filed ahead, but I lingered a step behind.

That was when the Grand Priestess’s voice reached me, low and unshakably certain.

“Oh, young one. In you, I sense a strange essence. You do not carry the spirit of the young, nor the original… but something different. Someone who has seen beyond mortal sight. Someone from another world.”

I froze, my heart lurching.

“Who… are you?”

finito.