As the carriage moved deeper into the city, the noise began to fade.
Street by street, the crowds grew thinner. The wide main road narrowed, the lively stalls and shouting vendors slowly giving way to quieter homes and empty corners. Another turn—and the cheers disappeared completely.
Only the steady rhythm of hooves remained. And the soft whisper of leaves overhead. Then they saw it.
A massive gate, towering, built from pure white stone that seemed to glow faintly under the light. It stood even taller than the city walls behind them, its surface carved with intricate patterns of intertwining vines and delicate runes that pulsed gently in pale gold.
On either side, two enormous statues watched over the entrance. Winged figures in flowing robes. One held a staff crowned with a blooming flower, petals carved so finely they looked ready to fall. The other carried a sword wrapped in soft, glowing light, its blade raised but calm.
Without a sound, the gates opened inward. The knights escorting them stopped right at the threshold. In perfect sync, they bowed once more, then stepped aside, forming a silent line outside. None of them followed.
The commander straightened and spoke firmly, though his voice carried a respectful edge.
"We will stop here. Please, enjoy your time."
The carriage passed through. Inside—the church stood waiting. It rose like something unreal, too vast to belong to the same world as the city behind them.
Three enormous spires climbed into the sky, the central one crowned with a massive crystal dome. Sunlight struck it and shattered into a thousand colors, scattering rainbows across the grounds below.
The walls were flawless white marble, smooth and gleaming, threaded with thin veins of silver that shimmered faintly. Tall arched windows stretched from near the ground all the way up, filled with stained glass that glowed with life—gardens in full bloom, radiant figures bathed in light, endless skies filled with stars.
All around the church, the gardens spread wide and perfect. Soft green lawns trimmed with careful precision. White marble fountains stood between them—some carved into blooming roses, others into kneeling angels with wings curved protectively around flowing water. The streams ran clear and endless, catching the light as they moved.
Pale quartz paths curved through the grounds, guiding the way between flower beds overflowing with lilies, orchids, and roses. Every bloom seemed untouched, flawless in shades of white, gold, and soft blue.
The air felt different here. It was clean and light. It carried the scent of fresh grass, faint incense drifting from the open doors ahead, and something sweet underneath… almost like honey.
The carriage slowed, then came to a stop near the wide stone steps leading up to the entrance.
Azrean leaned forward slightly, staring up.
"It's… so big," he said quietly.
Sumi turned her head slowly, taking everything in—the fountains, the glowing windows, the endless stretch of white stone.
"Yeah…" she murmured. "And it's so clean… so beautiful."
At the top of the steps, the great doors stood open. Warm golden light poured out from within, spilling down the stairs.
Sumi slipped away the moment her feet touched the grass.
She ran straight into the garden, white hair streaming behind her, catching the light like threads of silver. She spun once, then again—arms stretched wide, her lavender dress flaring out in soft circles. Petals stirred around her feet, lifting gently as she moved.
Azrean stopped where he was and he just watched. Sunlight clung to her hair, turning the edges gold. Her laughter rang out, bright and clear, echoing softly against the sound of flowing fountains. Something settled in his chest something quiet, warm—and he didn't move.
"I love this place!" Sumi called out.
She dropped to her knees beside a patch of white lilies, leaning in close. Her nose brushed the petals as she breathed in deeply, eyes slipping half-shut.
A few steps behind, Invanne stood still, her gray eyes moving slowly across the garden.
"This place is as beautiful as always…"
Azrea and Memei were already halfway up the wide marble stairs. Azrea paused and glanced back over her shoulder.
"Come along, you two."
Azrean nodded. His gaze lingered on Sumi for one more second before he turned toward her.
"Sumi."
She looked up at him. Her cheeks were pink from spinning, her smile wide and unguarded. Azrean raised his hand, palm open.
"Let's go."
Her expression softened. She stood, brushing a stray petal from her dress, then stepped forward and placed her hand in his without hesitation. Her fingers curled around his gently, warm and light, and she gave a small tug—pulling him along as she headed toward the stairs with eager steps.
From above, Azrea watched them, a quiet smile forming.
"My son is becoming quite the gentleman."
Memei nodded beside her, eyes soft.
"Yes… I'm sure he'll take good care of her."
Invanne followed behind them in silence. Then—she stopped. Her head turned sharply to the right. Her gaze locked onto an empty space between two tall rose bushes. Nothing moved. But her eyes narrowed.
"Someone's here…" she murmured, voice low.
Sumi glanced back, just a little, her steps slowing.
"Big sis Invanne…" she whispered.
Invanne lifted her gaze toward the church doors ahead. After a brief pause, she gave a small nod—more to herself than anyone else—then started walking again, her expression returning to its usual calm stillness. Together, they continued up the stairs.