Gracefall Chapter 7: Heavenrest

Read chapter 7 of Gracefall by arsy on NovelPedia.

As lightning stormed through the night, Lucia and Ishkiel marched toward the orphanage. Walking through the broken city of Luminara, they made their way back to Cloudhearth while staying cautious to avoid any monsters that may roam the city. As their healing Ascendant wasn’t available, Ishkiel simply bandaged his hurt ankle for now and headed to bed. Lucia however, went to the dining hall, eating a few apples before heading to bed herself. She forgot to change, as she was exhausted. She lay there in her bed, staring at the ceiling in the silence of her room. A moment passing, then another, and then yet another. ‘Can’t sleep…’ Turned to her side, she let her arm fall onto the mattress. Her hair gently descending upon her white pillow, a few strands sliding down her face. Suddenly, a loud bang could be heard in the distance, accompanied by tremors that shook her bed. ‘What was that?!’ Pushing herself up, she heard another explosion, this one closer than the previous one. Jumping out of bed, she threw her clothes on. A yell echoed throughout the hall before being silenced by yet another blast. ‘Is everyone… okay?’ Grabbing her sword, she rushed to the door, putting her hand on the knob. Turning it, she pulled it toward her, opening the door. Stepping into the hall, she saw… white flames filling it, smoke spread throughout the space. More screams echoed as fresh explosions spread the pale flames. Lucia began running toward the exit. ‘I need to get out of here! I need to see what’s going on—‘ Suddenly, everything went white, her ears ringing deafeningly. As her eyes began closing, her consciousness faded into darkness. *** Jumping up, she frantically reached out her arms. Breathing heavily, she gazed around for a moment. ‘W-what the…’ Gracing her eyes was the interior of a grandeur cathedral. Its colossal hall made of a white material resembling that of the orphanage, several grand windows spread across them, their tops arched. The stained glass was dressed in exquisite, colorful designs. The floor was clad in a long red carpet, mirrored by the chandeliers aligned above. She was laid down on one of the pews in the front row. Turning her head, she saw Ishkiel sitting up next to her. He looked at her with a warm smile. “Wakey, wakey, sleepyhead.” Furrowing her eyebrows, she replied, “Where are we?” As she sat upright, he raised his arm and pointed forward. “Why don’t you let him tell us?” Turning her head forward, she saw a man dressed in a black vestment, a dark blue cross pendant around his neck. His black hair nearly covered his lightless eyes. He sat upon the stairs of the sanctuary in front of them. Hung on the wall behind him was a large lapis cross, its edges sharp. The man looked at the two of them as the corners of his mouth curled up. “Ah, you’re both awake now.” Lucia tilted her head. “Where are we? And how did we get here?” The priest dropped their smile. “The Cloudhearth orphanage was attacked by what seemed like a powerful Pale. With the help of a revelation, we were able to get there in time to save what could be saved. Besides you two, we were able to save a few others who have woken up before you. Most notably, two Ascendants with blue and red hair.” ‘Cinder and Neris? They’re alive!’ Then, the man slowly spread his arms. “Anyway, my name is Lamprecht Veritas. I am a priest of the Heavenrest Cathedral, which has served as the headquarters of the Holy Church since Gracefall twenty years ago.” Lucia nodded. “My name is Lucia—” She then briefly pointed at the person seated beside her. “—and this is Ishkiel.” Ishkiel lingered for a moment. “I have one question—what do you mean by 'revelation’?” Lamprecht glanced up, his gaze soft. “Her Eminence, Lapis Veritas. Due to her ability, she has revelations of doom at times. When she receives one, we travel to that place using a portal ability one of us has to prevent the impending disaster.” Lucia’s eyes lit up. “That’s… amazing!” She then paused for a moment. “Could we join th