After Jerry left the office with Tom in his arms, Kevin Fawley could not help sighing.
"Grandfather, you noticed it too!" Catherine hurried over and sat where Jerry had just been. Her reserved manner vanished, replaced by the bearing of someone in authority. She glanced at Kevin Fawley's furrowed brow.
"Your Eminence, he doesn't seem to trust us. Is that why you asked me here today?" Kevin Fawley nodded, looking worried.
"A thousand years have passed, and His Eminence has only just awakened in a weakened state. It's natural for him not to trust the Apostles," Catherine said with a nod. "But that isn't his fault. It's ours! From now on, His Eminence must take part in the Apostles' leadership decisions. We need to prove our sincerity and resolve through our actions and earn back his trust."
"I understand. I'll notify the other bishops. But I must remind you of one thing: whatever your identity may become in the future, please don't forget that you are a member of the Fawley family. Its blood runs through your veins!"
Kevin Fawley gave Catherine a long look.
"Of course, Grandfather! The Fawley family will always be His Eminence's most loyal servants!" Catherine waved impatiently, dismissing him.
If Jerry had still been in the office, he would have been stunned to see Kevin Fawley, the elder of the two, bow to Catherine before taking his leave.
Night's curtain fell. Moonlight washed over the deserted street, lending it a quiet beauty.
A cool breeze stirred the leaves, setting them whispering.
Inside his room, Jerry sat on the floor, shrouded in a thin gray mist. Blue flames flickered around him from time to time.
On the table by the window, Tom paid no attention to Jerry's transformation. He had buried his head in a