Paladin Connor's footsteps echoed through the empty corridor.
He stopped outside Fabian's door and reported in a low voice.
"My lord, I investigated with Holy Word."
"The girl named Lina has a soul purer than fresh snow."
"There is no trace of evil corruption."
Silence filled the room beyond the door.
Only after a long while did Fabian's voice emerge, tinged with satisfaction.
"Very good. You may go."
Connor bowed and left.
Inside, Fabian leaned against the rough wooden door and let out a long breath.
Fabian stood, walked to the window, and pushed open the wooden shutters.
Night air swept inside, and moonlight spilled across his gentle face.
He gazed at the moon overhead, the corners of his mouth rising uncontrollably until they formed a silent smile.
Purity.
What a beautiful word.
He had found an unpolished soul, a perfect blank slate.
The child's gaze, her timidity, the innocence she unwittingly revealed-all of it replayed in his mind.
Every detail filled him with heartfelt delight.
He could guide her.
No, teach her himself, raise her into the most devout believer, the perfect Saintess.
The thought sent a thrill through him.
At last, he had found someone into whom he could pour his heart and soul, an opportunity to prove to the Holy City that his path was right.
Yet just then, another thought slipped into his mind without warning.
Fabian's smile froze.
He slammed his fist into his own chest. The sharp pain doubled him over, leaving him gasping.
"Get out..."
He forced the words through clenched teeth.
He loathed this feeling, loathed this self he could not control.
Usually, he would cleanse himself of this desire that sullied the Holy Lord's glory through ever more devout prayer.
It worked most of the time, but occasionally, the beast still