Broken Souls (Book 1 of Seasons of the Cycle)

Chapter 37 - Lura Syllana

The next day brings my first day of training. Chalia doesn't explain much and pushes me off on one of the other strays named Biremeril. A dark amber-skinned boy, who's short and skinny. I can tell he's a little over half my age. He's shy and doesn't say much. We walk the halls in silence as he takes the lead up the stairs past several floors until we're on a floor with white stone walls and flooring with a golden silver trimmed rug, much like other floors in the church. The walls have gold and silver banners with paintings here and there. One is of an angel clothed in Light, descending down upon the people.

We finally reach a room where a bunch of others in brown robes all cluster in little groups, chatting amongst themselves. We get a few looks and nods, but I don't recognize a single person. I follow Biremeril to the back row, where there are several empty seats.

My heart leaps up into my throat as Ralodan enters. He sees us and waves with a smile before rushing over to sit by us. He's so tall and handsome, but despite that, I can't let my heart go to another man. Especially with what happened with Orym. I'm so afraid I'll run into him here. What if he sees me and regrets what he did? What if he tells people what I used to do before I came here?

I can't let that happen. I need to avoid him and any other attachments at all costs. Maybe the church is right about that. Attachments only lead to pain.

"Hey, I was hoping to see you here Lura. You too, Biremeril. How are you both doing?" he asks, taking a seat next to us.

Biremeril shrugs, But I can't help but smile. There is just something about him that makes me feel like everything is going to be alright. A girl with blonde hair that is nearly white and pale skin wearing a yellow robe walks in. She has a smile that seems to be permanently plastered but doesn't quite reach her bright blue eyes that seem to judge everything they lay upon. "Welcome back zeroes. Time to get back to work."

Her eyes scan the room before they land on me. "Looks like we have a new zero on her first day here. What is your name, child?"

I clear my throat. "I'm Lura."

"No last name?" she asks, her piercing blue gaze seems to already form its judgment.

I shake my head no. She sighs. "Pity... I almost assumed from your golden hair that you might be a noble. It's a shame, but the church has grown desperate for new recruits, especially with how few Novices actually become Accepted. Now, since it is your first day, I hope you've already learned the basics, so I don't have to waste time explaining things to you. You're a zero. That means you are nothing. Of course, you already knew that being a low-born. The only way to become something of any value and find salvation is to accept the Light's grace into your heart. Once you learn that salvation comes from embracing and living in the Divine Light, you can fully begin your journey as a servant of the Light. To fully learn this, you must read The Light's Embrace by Terel Glarespell, the first prophet of the Light. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. You'll find a copy of the book in the back cupboard." She looks down her nose at me before waving her hand at the cupboard. "I suggest you read it several times and know it from cover to back. Put every last word to memory. You will be tested on your understanding of it and you must pass with complete certainty before you can move on to level one. Now get to it. If you have any questions at all, you may ask me, but don't waste my time with things that are already in the book, and everything you need to know is in that book. You do know how to read, don't you?"

I nod, and that earns me a relieved sigh. "Good, too few low-borns know how to read or are incapable of learning."

I ignore the insult and head over to the cupboard and grab a rather thick book before heading back to my seat. I blow the dust off it before opening it to find little notes and scribbles written all over it. I don't want to risk being insulted by her noble arseness, so I just keep the book. On the inside of the cover, there's a little message written. I can't help but read it.

To whoever picks this book up, I must tell you what I have discovered on my journey to find the Light. Within my book, I have made more notes on the visions shown to me by the Angel Akrasiel and what he has taught me. The things I have learned and have kept secret must be remembered. It is too important for it to be forgotten. Read on with the utmost caution and urgency. The truth must be known. But whatever you do, do not trust those who call themselves pure or who demand others to follow their own Light. There is darkness and corruption within the halls of the Light. Be wary and be cautious.

Below, at the bottom of the page, there's another note and this one makes my heart flutter and feels familiar.

A hidden secret lies in a list at the back of this book.

I've seen that note before, but I can't remember where. What are they talking about? I don't quite understand. It sounds like the person who wrote all these notes is the same person who wrote this book. I close the book and look at the cover to read the name Terel Glarespell. Who are you?

I flip to the back of the book to see the Appendix and at the bottom there's another note.

I've also hidden other books that detail everything I have learned and what I believe it means. I ask that you read them, and please put them back where you found them for the next person.

He's written more books? 

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