A statement of a soul | Raphael x Reader

17. The commandments

'Do not think of what you have lost, do not dwell on your debts. Set your mind on higher things - set your mind on me.'

You stare at the profusely decorated pedestal with a bronze bust depicting a two-horned devil. You aren't exactly sure if it's supposed to be Raphael himself or another devil that you haven't personally met, or just a general image of an inhabitant of Hells. The matching metal plaque underneath, however, most definitely refers to the master of the house.

You remember very little from the items and information you previously looked for inside the House of Hope, as the issues at the time - the complicated choice regarding the Crown of Karsus - took most of your attention and brain power. Now, with almost two full days left to spare, you find yourself wandering on the corridor around the main dining room, peeking inside the Archive, inspecting every corner, taking in every detail of the place. And - gods above along with the lords below - this house truly is a sight to behold. Without the lurking dread in the back of your mind, the threat of being caught by a displeased owner of the house, the tormented debtors dwelling within these walls, you find yourself able to fully appreciate everything surrounding you.

You hear someone approaching you, but you allow your eyes to travel up a green basalt column, decorated with spiraling brass ornaments, ending in a nice ionic design. A sudden air of uneasiness hits you and you have a feeling that it's not Hope but Korrilla who has joined you.

You slowly move your head to the side to look at the entrance to the Archive.

'Learning commandments?' she asks as your eyes meet. The bronze bust of a devil stares at you menacingly with unblinking eyes.

'Sort of,' you respond and point at the plaque. 'I am trying to,' you wave your right hand and look away from her for a moment, trying to look for a word. 'Figure out Raphael. I guess'

'I see,' she responds dryly.

Silence falls upon the two of you and you have a feeling that there is some kind of a tension hanging in the air. You move away from the nearest plaque and take a few steps forward before standing in front of a matching brass figure. The plaque underneath this one says:
'I am the architect of destiny, I am the purveyor of hope. I am the future.'

You pout and look up at the ceiling, watching the green basalt arch connecting with the red granite walls. Korrilla appreciates that you do not keep a direct eye contact with her, as she tries to release the discomfort from her suddenly heavy shoulders. You can almost sense the need for a conversation oozing from her, but you are insightful enough to understand that she cannot be forced into spilling what's on her mind.

As a few more moments pass, you move away from the busts towards one of the wings of the Archive, staying close to the bookshelves that you try to examine. Most of the titles of the books you cannot even read, they are probably written in Infernal. There are some, however, that catch your attention.

You approach a table beside a red leather armchair and bend down towards the floor to reach for a book which was disregarded and forgotten. A few loose pages decorate the floor around your feet and for a second you wonder how unusual it is to see such detail in an otherwise well-kept place. But then, your mind reminds you of the table full of rotting food and you find yourself thinking that maybe the son of Mephistopheles is too, a being of contradictions.

You brush off the dust from the thick cover and flip the book open before noticing that one of the corners of the pages has been folded. Your fingers slide against the paper, and you hold the tome while examining the text.

'And with the downfall of Sarevok' the page begins and you feel your brows furrow in revery at the mention of the familiar name of the infamous Bhaal cult leader.