ZARIYA The only truth that matters is the one you shape with your own hands. The rest is just noise. |
As they neared the church, Zariya took in the sight of the imposing brittle looking structure before her. It was small, unimpressive, like an abandoned shack used to hide the bodies of "missing" victims. And yet, it was the home of twisted authority and faith, both of which she had little use for. Still, she had to respect the immense power they held over the city. When they arrived, she noticed a group of zealots flanking the entrance, each one of them adorned in the unmistakable garb of Illumin worshipper; that stupid ass cross. Cold eyes stared back at her as she inched deeper into the church.
Inside the the building, the air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the atmosphere seemed to close in around her, oppressive and suffocating. It wasn’t the type of place she felt at ease, but of course, she wasn’t here to feel comfortable. Zariya was here to assess, to gauge the strength of those who would oppose her, and to see just how far she could push.
As they entered the main hall, Zariya’s eyes landed on Bishop Loughlin. He was young, perhaps around her own age, but he carried himself with an air of superiority that set her on edge. His presence was cold, calculating, and there was something in his eyes that spoke of an inner madness, a quiet, simmering instability. He was accompanies by his zealots, each of them standing as though ready to defend him at a moment’s notice.
“Bishop Loughlin, I assume,” Zariya said nonchalantly, stepping forward, her voice carrying easily in the vast space. “You requested this meeting?”
Loughlin’s eyes narrowed slightly as they swept over her. There was no mistaking the look of disgust that crossed his face when he realized she was a vampire. His lip curled ever so slightly, and he straightened, his voice clipped as he responded. “Yes, I did. I needed to see who you were with my own eyes. I’ve heard much about you, Zariya. Though I’m surprised someone of your… kind, would have the audacity to walk in here so boldly.”
Zariya’s smile didn’t falter, though the insult wasn’t lost on her. She had dealt with worse than Loughlin in her time. Instead of reacting, she played her cards close to the chest, letting her amusement show just enough to needle him. "I’ve always had a knack for audacity," she replied, her voice light, teasing. "Plus, I was under the impression that everyone was accepted into the house of the lord."
Last edited by Zariya on Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:57 am; edited 1 time in total