Gracefall Chapter 13: Crowns

Read chapter 13 of Gracefall by arsy on NovelPedia.

Stepping into the hut, they saw the two beds in opposite corners of the room. They had straw mattresses, thick woolen blankets, and simple white pillows. Lucia and Mercy both sat on one of the beds before letting out a sigh. Ishkiel simply leaned on the wall next to the entrance as he gazed at them. “So, are you two going to tell me about the crowns atop your heads when you used your abilities?” Lucia shifted her gaze, a perplexed expression on her face. “I saw Mercy’s, but I had one too?” “Yes, yours was a crown of thorns made of light.” Ishkiel replied. Mercy nodded as she turned to Lucia. “Both of our blessings are Crowns, I assume. Which Crown are you?” She turned to her, eyes wide. “I-I’m the Crown of Light… you?” Mercy lingered for a moment, a stern expression on her face. “Time,” she answered. Lucia nodded as Ishkiel spoke, “That must be how you stopped that Treant’s attacks.” “Yes. Light, Time, our shared trait tells us that there are five other Crowns. It’s about time I met one,” Mercy replied. Ishkiel opened his mouth, but before he could speak, a knock came from behind him. He turned as Lucia shifted her gaze to the entrance of the hut. It was the cloaked individual who was seated at the table opposite of them. Ishkiel stumbled before gripping the hilt of his sword, ready to attack the stranger. “Stop, Ishkiel. This one is trusted.” Mercy retorted. He nodded as he let go of his sword. The stranger stepped inside as they took off their hood. He had long white hair, a face both soft and gentle, and blue eyes like the sky. Beneath his dark cloak, he was clad in silver armor. “My name is Mykael. I am pleased to meet the two of you, Lucia and Ishkiel,” he said with deep and resonant voice as he leaned on the wall next to the golden-haired boy. ‘Was he eavesdropping on our conversation?!’ Lucia thought as she tilted her head. Soon after, Ishkiel asked, “Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?” A slight smirk made its way onto Lucia’s face. Mykael lingered for a moment. “Yes, I did. As a Crown, she must be protected.” Turning to Lucia, he continued, “Speaking of which, you’re another Crown, huh?” “Yes, I am.” She nodded. Ishkiel shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I’m quite confused. What’s so special about these “Crown” blessings?” “The Crowns are fragments of God,” Mykael said. Mercy opened her mouth to reply before closing it again, slapping her forehead. “Huh?!” Lucia and Ishkiel said together. Lucia glanced around for a moment before asking, “So, if we’re fragments… what happened to God?” The blue-eyed man narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the ground without replying. Lucia and Ishkiel’s expressions darkened. Was the “Old King” her trait spoke of truly God? Lucia turned to him and asked, “Wait, how do you know this?” His face became grim. “Because I witnessed it all—the rebellion in Heaven.” Lucia’s eyes widened as he put his hand on his chest before continuing, “I, Mykael, fought on God’s side, and I forever shall. His infinite blood may flow out of the heavens, but he lives on in you, Crowns.” Lucia was left speechless. ‘Grace?!’ Ishkiel lingered for a moment and asked, “So, I assume the winged one that’s currently attacking Starfall is one of the angels that rebelled in Heaven?” “Yes, they’re after the Crowns. The one that’s here is Lucifer. He’s the one that led the rebellion, do be wary of his pale flames,” Mykael replied. Lucia clenched her fist. ‘Pale... flames?’ “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Lucia?” Ishkiel said as he turned to Lucia. “He definitely has to be the one who burned down the orphanage...” she replied, a slight frown warping her face. Mercy spoke with an arm up, “Don’t get any funny ideas. Mykael will deal with him when we go back at first light. The three of us don’t stand a chance against him.” Lucia nodded as she unclenched her fist. Dropping her arm, Mercy continued, “Now, let’s get to bed. You too, Ishkiel. Mykael can stand watch—he doesn’t sleep.” Ishkiel got off the wall and sat on the