Jared met Aurelius’ eyes, voice steady as iron. “King Aurelius, I do have a question. Roaring Storm Bell of Roaring Storm Church was stolen. Might Celestia be connected to that theft?”

Aurelius’ cordial mask cracked; caution flashed like lightning behind his stare.

“How could a mere Earthly Immortal Realm Level One know of that bell?” Aurelius demanded, his tone suddenly sharp. “Only the church’s higher-ups possess that knowledge!”

Jared met Aurelius’ gaze. “To be honest, Abbot Infinides is a close friend—very close.”

Aurelius’ brow furrowed. After a beat, he said, “So be it. This plaza is no place for such words. Come—let us speak within the palace.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, he lifted into the sky. Jared followed, the two streaking toward the distant spires of the palace.

“Inside the palace, servants dismissed by a silent gesture, Aurelius turned, face grave. “Do you understand that Roaring Storm Bell is nothing less than life itself to Roaring Storm Church? Beneath Celestia—just like beneath Roaring Storm Church—countless demonic souls writhe in chains. Tomorrow’s grand ritual exists solely to strengthen the divine markings that hold them. Now that Roaring Storm Bell has vanished, Celestia is in a precarious position. I have already tripled Celestia City’s defenses.”