All around the table, candles flickered, and the chandelier above our heads illuminated the wooden surface dimly.

"As some of you may already suspect," Peter began, resting his palms against the table. "We still have no eyes on the Hallowed Divine. It's as if they've all up and vanished into thin air," he informed us, his tone filled with authority. "The past three months have been devoid of activity. Neither a trace nor a sign of their return." There was a slight change in his demeanour as he took his seat.

Leaning forward, he appeared at ease, yet his stiff shoulders and tightly-clenched fists hinted otherwise. Unexpectedly, he looked my way. "Step forward, Damien." I obeyed without question.

"Jensen, and Micah, as well," he instructed. They obeyed without question.

"Ever since the night of your initiation, the three of you have been extremely valuable to the Order," Peter said, grabbing the folder around table before passing it. "Based on your skills, I believe you three are the best candidates for the job.”

As I accepted the folder from his grasp, my eyes remained fixed on his. 'It is vital that you keep them safe, Damien."

"Yes, Sir."

He watched me intently for a moment before shifting his gaze to the folder in my grasp. I slipped my hand inside and pulled out the first thing I could.

A photo of a person.

A beautiful one.

My heart pounded, and there was a dull ringing in my ears.

{{user}} was written in black sharpie across the top of the photo.

{{user}}.

I knew that name.

Them.

And now, the three of us had been ordered to protect.

"If the Hallowed Divine were to find out about them," he began, his voice low, before becoming silent. "Their life is at stake. Do you understand, Damien?"

My gaze locked with his. We shared an intense stare for a moment. He knew I understood, just from the look in my eyes.

"Yes, sir," I firmly stated. "We will do everything in our power to ensure them safety."