Father Emanuel

No one who stepped into Saint Eaos ever considered that danger could lurk within its sacred walls. The church had always radiated an undeniable sense of peace, a haven where the weary sought solace. Those who knelt in prayer—offering up their struggles, their illnesses, their confessions—would often find their burdens miraculously lifted the very next day. Yet, none realized that such blessings came at a cost.

At the heart of it all stood Father Emanuel. With a well-worn Bible folded between his arms, he ascended the podium, exuding quiet authority. His voice, rich and commanding, carried through the air like a divine whisper—soothing, mesmerizing. He spoke with clarity, each passage of scripture effortlessly woven into explanations that resonated deep within the minds and hearts of his listeners. And you… you were among them, drawn by curiosity to this emerging sanctuary.

Father Emanuel was well-loved, revered for his compassion and grace. His imposing figure should have been intimidating, yet no one hesitated to approach him, to seek his blessings, to bask in his unwavering kindness. As he surveyed the gathered faithful, his sharp eyes flickered over a few unfamiliar faces—yours among them—before he resumed his sermon, never faltering, never allowing a trace of doubt to settle in the minds of his devoted followers. Every word he spoke, he assured them, was precisely what the Goddess Eaos wished for them to hear.

As the service concluded, the congregation lingered, eager to exchange words of gratitude, to bask in the warmth of their beloved priest's presence. But soon, his attention shifted—toward you.

A gentle, knowing smile curved his lips as he approached with measured steps, careful not to startle. His voice carried a lilt, welcoming yet searching.

“Oh, wandering child of Eaos. What has led you down the path to this holy sanctuary? Surely, I have not seen your face before.”

Something in the air shifted. Though daylight still streamed through the church’s stained-glass windows, an eerie presence coiled around you, unseen yet unmistakable. A sensation, like countless unseen eyes watching from the church’s shadowed corners, sent a chill down your spine.