**Chapter 5: "Echoes of Divinity"**

The air in that hidden chamber hung thick with secrets, older than the city itself, probably older than the *kingdom* itself. I swear, dust motes were practically vibrating with forgotten lore. The woman leading the society, she called herself Elara, gestured towards a collection of cracked tablets and brittle scrolls laid out on a table that looked suspiciously like it had been salvaged from a shipwreck. "The God of Souls…Solas," she began, her voice a low murmur, "was not always so…obscure."

I raised an eyebrow. "Obscure? He's practically non-existent. I hadn't even heard of him before a few days ago." It was true. I wasn’t the most devout person out there, but I did know stuff like this and even then… nothing rang a bell.

Elara gave me a look that suggested my ignorance was both expected and mildly disappointing. "His worship predates the current pantheon. Before the Sun God, before the Storm Lord, there was Solas. He held dominion over what is most essential: the very essence of souls."

She picked up a clay tablet, tracing a finger over the familiar symbol etched into its surface. "He was the shepherd of souls, guiding them through the afterlife, ensuring their peace."

I leaned forward, trying to picture it. A god dedicated solely to… souls? It seemed almost… quaint, compared to the fire and brimstone I associated with Azazel and his ilk. Did that quaintness made it weaker? Useless?

"What happened to him?" I asked. "Why did everyone forget?"

Her expression darkened. "The other gods grew jealous. They feared his power over life and death. A plot was hatched and Solas was betrayed. His followers were persecuted, his temples destroyed, his name erased from history." She set the tablet down, the sound echoing in the stillness. "Or so they thought," she added with a knowing glance.

The whole thing felt a bit theatrical, but the passion in her voice, the conviction in her eyes… It was hard to dismiss. "So, this God of Souls… what’s so special about managing where we go when we die?"

Elara began reaching for another, a scroll this time, and stared into nothingness as she said "He was not just the guide and protector, but the creator of souls. The one who wove them into our beings."

Okay, that was important. “So he can…unweave them too?” I needed clarity about this before things got messy. She couldn't tell I asked, but she probably knew what I thought of. “Can that help me get out of that whole deal?”

She stopped staring and focused once again. It was nice from her to stop, to care. “Maybe.” I didn't like how she stopped at that, but okay. “That depends on you and the weave. She pointed at the symbol I was wearing. “That’s a Soul-Mark, given to people that are touched by Solas. You need to find his power.”

Elara moved to another table, this one covered with what looked like letters tied with faded ribbons, and bound journals I hadn't noticed before as she begun to ask more questions. "Kael," she said, his name hanging in the air like a ghost. "He sought us out, some months ago."

A knot formed in my stomach. Of course he did. The bastard was always one step ahead. "What do you mean?"

She gestured towards the letters. "He came to us, seeking information about the God of Souls. He said he had uncovered something… a conspiracy that threatened the balance. He thought that the demons were taking over and that the God of Souls would be the necessary counter-attack. He didn't fully trusted this god, but was what he believed. He told us what the royals wanted, the demon-brand, the Soul-Weaving… It all adds up, he wanted to avoid the future." She pointed at me. "He thought this was the only way to stop you."

My head was spinning. And the worst part? He was doing it all because he was worried of my future and I killed him for it. I was too full of myself to even consider it, instead opting to the best gift of all: vengeance.

“What… what kind of conspiracy?” My voice sounded rough, like I had swallowed sand.

“He wasn’t clear on all the details. He was worried about his sister. She got caught on cross-fire because of your silly games. He asked us what could he do. We told him that the best was to find someone with a similar blessing. He never contacted us again.” She gave me a hard look. “We suspect he was silenced before he could act.”

Guilt washed over me in a nauseating wave followed by a wave of anger. Not at Kael, but at whoever killed him. At the people who orchestrated the damned conspiracy that was now sucking me in.

“Do you know who killed him?” I asked, my hand instinctively going to the hilt of my dagger.

Elara shook her head. “No. He was very careful not to reveal too much, even to us. He feared being overheard. But he did mention… growing darkness within the kingdom. He said the Royals were siding with the deities. He wanted us to work against it if ever the event came to be.”

She pushed a journal towards me. "This is his research. What he managed to gather about this conspiracy. It's… extensive. He was smart and the most talented out of my group. Also the most foolish, thinking he can change a Kingdom just like that. Hopefully, you will make better use of it."

I picked up the journal, my fingers tracing the worn leather cover. It felt…warm, almost alive. Like a piece of Kael was still clinging to it.

"We warned him to be careful," she continued, her voice softening slightly. "Those who seek forbidden knowledge often find themselves consumed by it." It was like she was speaking right through me. "We also told him that he had the touch of the Soul-God. Maybe some day he could even see it and join it."

"And you think these…Killers, are still out there?"

"I believe so," she replied, her eyes locking onto mine. "They silenced Kael, and they won’t hesitate to silence you, either. Tread carefully, Elias. You're walking a dangerous path."

Elara led me to another section of the chamber. It was more like a laboratory than I initially thought it was. The air was thicker, buzzing with magical energy in the atmosphere. Shelves lined the walls, filled with strange concoctions simmering in glass vials, arcane instruments glinting in the candlelight, and various artifacts.

"To combat that darkness, Elias," she said, gesturing towards a velvet-lined box, "you will need the means to do so."

She opened the box, revealing a shimmering amulet crafted from what looked like polished obsidian. The symbol of the God of Souls was etched into its surface, glowing with a faint, ethereal light.

"This is the Amulet of Whispers," Elara explained and handed it over to me. The amulet was suprisingly hot. "It is said to contain a fragment of the God's power. It can enhance your connection to him, allowing you to tap into his divine energy."

I stared at the amulet, feeling a strange pull towards it. It was like a beacon, calling to something deep within me. I looked for Lyra; I wanted to know what she thought. I wondered what she thinks of all of this. Of Solas.

"Where do I find all of this power?" I asked.

"It is attuned to the abandoned Temple of Whispers. Once a celebrated place, now forgotten. It is where the God of Souls first touched this world. The amulet will guide you there."

"Where is the temple?" I asked.

Elara gestured towards a map spread out on a nearby table. She pointed to a location on the outskirts of the city, nestled amongst a range of mountains. "It is hidden within those jagged peaks," she said. "A place of great power, but also great danger. Expect trials along the way."

"What kind of dangers?" I asked, already steeling myself for the worst.

"Magical traps, guardians… Who knows what else lurks within those ruins. The temple has been abandoned for centuries. The road won't be easy." She made a pause to look as directly as possible to me, making sure I understood everything. "Retrieve that amulet, Elias. It is the first step on your path. It may be the only thing that can sever your bond with Azazel."

As I was examining the amulet, a presence shifted behind me. Lyra, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her expression unreadable in the dim light.

"I'm coming with you," she said, her voice firm, leaving no room for argument.

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't trust me?"

"I don't," she replied, her gaze unwavering. "But Elara believes in this… God of Souls. And I trust her judgment. Besides," she added with a hint of defiance, "I'm not about to let you run off on your own and get yourself killed. Or worse," she paused "drag the rest of the kingdom down with you."

I couldn't help but smirk. "Worried about me after all?"

"Don't flatter yourself," she retorted, though I caught a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I'm just looking out for the kingdom. Someone has to keep you in line."

"So, what can I do here?" she asked Elara.

The older woman gave Lyra a knowing look. "She's a priest, she'll know about this temple," I didn't understood how she knew that, but didn't care, at the moment.

"I can't." I turned to see the warrior. "I can sense magic on him. Evil magic. Soul-binding is terrible, and there is more…" I couldn't see her more than with disgust.

"Why do you act like that?" I intervened. "I did a wrong thing but does that gives you permission to look at me like that?" Elara immediately interrupted the talk.

"Lyra is going with you," she asserted, breaking the tension (or trying to) "She knows the region, this temple, and is competent. Besides," she looked me in the eyes. "You need all help you can get."

"Fine," I said annoyed "but don't expect me to give to you any kind of apologies." I turned back towards Lyra. "Besides, are you coming or not?" I started walkin.

Even if I was annoyed, I think this would be benefitial.

She didn't said anything, just started followed me with a stern glace.

I was wrong, probably. We were to different and I doubt we can work with each other. Unless she really wanted to.

I could sense that maybe we both needed to apologize with each other.

Elara, sense of our annoyance (mostly mine), led us back to the table with the map, pointing out treacherous terrain, hidden paths, and potential dangers. She also gave us some last words. "There is no path. You'll have to make one."

"Take these," Elara was handing us potions and various trinkets. "Potions, enchanted trinkets, basic protection. They won't save you, but should help."

Lyra nodded, strapping a sword onto her back and examining a set of throwing knives with practiced ease throwing some to random spots around here. She grabbed a small pouch filled with what smelled like dried herbs, tucking it into her belt. "These are blessing herbs," Lyra mentioned "they will help keep demons away. Can be useful."

I inventoried my own meager arsenal. Dagger, check. Spellbook, check. Now amulet, check. Flask of questionable wine, always check. We did everything we had to and started packing what we'd need. This adventure wouldn't be bad after all.

"Elias," Elara turned to me, her expression serious. "The soul-mark on your wrist…it will draw attention. Both good and bad. Be cautious who you trust." She paused and gave me a nod of the head. "There won't be more help from our side. Once you leave the town, that's all. Whether you succeed or die, it's up to you."

I glanced at the brand, throbbing faintly under my sleeve and nodded grimly, and gave her the amulet back "The god of Souls wouldn't reject me, I did nothing wrong to harm him."

We thanked them and started walking away. I looked once more to the symbol to make a test when I came back.

As we stepped out of the hidden sanctuary, back into the darkened streets of the city, I took a deep breath. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and distant rain. The sky was cloudless, the stars shining with a cold, indifferent light.

I glanced at Lyra, her face partially obscured by the shadows but could sense the anxiety there. "Ready for this?" I asked and continued to walk away, into direction of the hidden mountains.

She sighed. "As I'll ever be."

We turned and started to walk away to the door. But before leaving, Elara whispered "You'll bring us more than ever if you come out alive"

And with it, our journey began. The old door was finally and permanently closed. I don't think this was the wisest choice I ever did.