I shifted my feet against the gold floor. The walls were draped with lavish fabric, deep in color and threaded with silver. The display existed only to flaunt wealth, and standing here felt like an honor. Across the galaxies it was common to find reflective and metallic things to be the truest form of prosperity.

           I saw figures with skin that caught the light like smooth marble...

          It was nothing more than a Chapel long since forgotten in the hills. Stained glass lay shattered, its remnants concealed behind rough logs. The saints left years ago, leaving new leaders of the area. All around stood human weapons. Ready to fight and strike whenever the time came. Kade stood in the middle of what used to be the nave, feeling the eyes of his elders bore into him. 
       ...

Her knuckles turned white as she clenched the knife tighter. Her breathing was ragged and her eyes were sharp. There was no need for running anymore. There was nowhere else to go. Thea breathed in and smiled as the pleading began. Their voice was laced with fear and desperation that sent a delightful chill down her spine. There was no going back now, her face had been seen and no one could stop he...