Chapter: The Voice in the Mask
Eclipse walked in silence.
His footsteps echoed softly through the Mind Eye Church's long corridor—arched stone hallways flanked by pale statues with blindfolded faces. Flickering lights from mana lamps lined the ceiling like watchful stars, throwing his shadow ahead of him. He didn't rush. Every step was measured, each movement deliberate.
He wore his mask now.
A plain, polished white. Unmarked. Unreadable.
But the people here knew who he was.
Or rather, what he'd paid to become.
The final sum had been transferred this morning. With the full payment, Eclipse had bought something far more valuable than just their silence: legitimacy.
A full patron. A blessing from the inner council. A name carved into their inner ranks.
It was all part of the plan.
He'd told them about the contact. That he'd spoken with the Sisters underground. That he'd used a relic. That he was forthright about it now because there was no longer any need to hide.
