THE PRIESTESS | A KTH & OT7 FF | 18+

Chapter 6

Pneuma, once a revered land for the wolf realm, lay in ruins. The buildings that once stood tall and proud were now nothing more than dilapidated structures made of sticks and stones. Their walls and roofs shattered and collapsed. Despite its current state, one who could sense magic could still feel the lingering power that once held sway over the land.

The air was thick with an aura of mysticism, as if the very essence of the place still held onto the memories of its glorious past. Every inch of the land whispered tales of the ancient wolves who ruled the holy place, their howls echoing through the valleys and mountains, and their spirits still lingering on, guarding the land they once called home.

As Kaya walked through the ruins, she examined every detail around her with a heavy heart. The desolation of the once-thriving city was palpable, and it was as if she could feel the pain and suffering of those who had fought and died in the great war alongside the wolves. Careful not to disturb the spirits of the fallen, she spoke in hushed tones, her voice trembling with a mix of fear. "Why was there no attempt to rebuild the land?" she asked, eyes scanning the rubble and ruins. "My father had told me that Anthropos was left in ruins after the battle, and it took years to rebuild it. Even now, after all these years, some places still need to be reconstructed."

The silence was heavy, and Kaya's question hung in the air, unanswered until Jimin finally spoke up. His voice was barely above a whisper, and his words seemed to carry a weight that Kaya could feel even before he explained. "The difference between Anthropos and Pneuma is that your land still had its ruler after the war. Pneuma did not."

She could sense the sadness in Jimin's voice, but there was something else there, too - a hint of guilt, perhaps? As he spoke, she felt her heart rate increase, almost as if she could sense another heartbeat in her chest; Jimin's heartbeat. Despite her curiosity, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease growing within her as Jimin continued to speak.

"The ruthless attackers showed no mercy towards any male, regardless of their age. Even newborns were not spared from their wrath. They were determined to wipe out the entire male population to ensure that their bloodline would never have a chance to exist. Even the females who already were carrying a babe under their hearts were slaughtered." Jimin had to stop for a breather. His face darkened as if he, himself, went through the war. "As for the royal family, the Glowstones, they suffered the same fate. The attackers left no survivors of their line; even the queen and princesses were killed immediately. However, the unwed females in the realm were not immediately killed. Instead, they were taken away, and what happened to them is_"

Jimin suddenly halted his words, his ears perking up to a sound of weeping that had just emerged beside him. His heart began to beat faster, as he smelled the saltiness in the air. However, the sight that greeted him made him almost crumble to his knees with gratitude. The young priestess who had been traveling with them was shedding tears that flowed down her cheeks like a never-ending stream. The green in her silver eyes was gleaming. Her breathing was shallow and erratic, and her whole body was trembling with emotion.

Jimin watched as the young girl cried for the wolves despite her tender age and lack of experience in the world. Her selflessness and compassion struck him, awe and respect for the human woman filled him. Even though she was shedding tears, her posture was still one of a lady. She stood tall and proud. The general, Jin, shifted behind her but before he could approach the priestess, Jimin acted.

Without a second thought, he reached out and took her wrist, pulling her close to his chest. As he gently patted her head, he could feel the weight of the others' eyes on him, but he didn't care. All he could focus on was her soft, mumbled apologies. "I'm so sorry." Kaya seemed deeply affected by the plight of the wolves, and Jimin couldn't help but admire her for it.