Orison | Celeste Academy Series BK #3

Chapter Twelve ۞ Organizers

Tamara's smirk had already reached the back of her head at that point. The entire Twelve had expressions resembling a hungry wolf watering for the sight of their reactions that it made the revelation part somewhat daunting for both the Headmaster and Seraphina.

"This is surprising." Seraphina told them. "When Lord Aeron said you were one of us, I found it hard to believe. But this? I guess I should've expected it. Starting from your soul sensitivity . . ."

The story started with the bracelet and the attack of the demon on the ship. The now visible trinket had been momentarily forgotten by the group during their action-ridden assignments, but the reminder hit them square on the forehead.

"We have been told of this by the group that returned with the Grand Duke." Said the headmaster, referring to the brother of the king. "Which, for your information, left so suddenly without asking permission from me first."

They all gave sheepish grins at this statement, except the 'stoic' few of course.

"Even so," Lady Seraphina cut in, disregarding the headmaster's insinuation. "We received the message regarding your status. They said you were fine. Though quite odd and confused, I was relieved. However, what sort of events happened that made it turn out that way?"

"Well, it concerns something about the Blessing of the Sea." Valeriana thought back. "It started there--everything, I mean."

"The Blessing of the Sea?" The two chorused, interest and bewilderment sparkling in their eyes.

The headmaster unconsciously leaned forward as though doing so would make the next few words clearer. "I heard only the guardians of each continent are able to grant those blessings. This only means you--"

"Have met the said creatures?" Raziel cut in. "But of course."

"I vaguely remember anything that happened, but I have been able to hear animals talk since then."

"Ooh! Ooh!" Keelan exclaimed. "And she can hear the words of contracted familiars."

"Really?"

"It's hard to say anything but, after the incident in Loquin, we met with another mishap." Valeriana started, finding it hard to talk about the events that occured back then--especially Cifaro's death.

"Yes, regarding this situation." Corvan spoke. "It is quite odd. We were alerted by an alarming situation that may prove to be detrimental to Valemnia at the moment."

"What is it?"

"There is a strange demonic 'infection'." He said, narrowing his eyes at this. "So strong that even the guardians have been turned into demons."

"WHAT?!" Headmaster Kylon and Seraphina found themselves literally jumping from their seats at the news.

"It is different from the normal demonic transformation." Charles informed them, taking the baton from Corvan. "Because, compared to the normal one, it is reversible."

"About that." Valeriana cut in. "I saw something weird in their auras." She said. "It felt like their souls were not actually infected. It was more like controlling their physical bodies."

"Yes, I remember a specific rule regarding demonic transformation." Rowe shared, his face showing concentration. "It is, 'One turns into a demon when one accepts darkness in his heart', is that right? But, I doubt, as guardians, they were ever going to give in to temptation so easily."

"But you do remember the price for their thick hides?" Elfre argued. "They themselves said that they use the holy lake for purification and that their souls were especially vulnerable."