The Rula Evil Spirit circled back and forth around the master and mistress of the house. Wisps of mist, blood-red intertwined with blue, rose from their bodies and were drawn into the evil spirit.
Clerics were always the best nourishment.
If ordinary people were grain in a field, then clerics' purified bodies and faith-blessed souls were steaming, fragrant staple foods served on the dining table.
But most otherworldly demons chose to gnaw on grain rather than eat ready-made meals. They knew perfectly well which to choose between eating every day and eating well just once.
In truth, the Rula Evil Spirit did not want to replenish herself this way either, especially in Vien, the Order God Church's traditional preserve. The hunt for her was already underway outside, and she risked being caught and destroyed at any moment.
But she had no choice. She could only attach herself to Mrs. Sidra, and Mrs. Sidra, seeking revenge, fed her nothing but Order clerics.
To the Rula Evil Spirit, every meal now was an exquisite pleasure, because she treated each one as her last supper.
Mrs. Sidra sat on the steps, with the two children laid flat behind her. She did not look at them or display any "motherly affection." Her gaze remained steadfast, with a steadfast emptiness.
Just then, a halo appeared in the living room.
The Rula Evil Spirit immediately abandoned her meal and lunged toward the halo, but Mrs. Sidra stood before it first. Seeing this, the evil spirit realized it was not an enemy and turned back to continue feeding.
A black-robed figure appeared within the halo, his face completely hidden inside his hood.
"You've gone mad."
Mrs. Sidra spread her hands. "As you can see."
"A pure outpouring of anger brings no meaning whatsoever. Its end can only