Chapter Eight: Naked the Dark[edit | edit source]

Meliu awakens in a dank, locked room in a Hidreng brothel, her head throbbing from an assault and her prayers weakened by Cloud Water. Realizing she was sold by unknown men, possibly betrayed by the baker’s husband, she meets Teveru, a young prostitute who confirms Meliu’s purchase by Mistress Margo. Refusing tainted water to restore her powers, Meliu experiments with prayers to Erginle (Light) and Kibole (Dark), discovering an unprecedented ability to wield both simultaneously, blending Light’s calm with Dark’s terror. When a guard investigates her screams from an overwhelming Dark prayer, Meliu unleashes a torrent that breaks his mind, leaving him catatonic. Emboldened, she manipulates Teveru with threats to ensure silence and navigates the brothel’s basement, using Light to see and Dark to intimidate. Confronted by another guard, she incapacitates him with Dark, reveling in the intoxicating power despite its toll. As chaos erupts, Meliu strides through the brothel, terrifying occupants until the final guard flees, allowing her escape into Inster’s streets. Exhausted and aware the gates are closed, she hides under a refuse-laden cart, her body and soul strained by overusing prayers. Tormented by guilt over potential harm to innocents and fearing madness from Dark’s influence, Meliu succumbs to sleep, her survival uncertain in a hostile city.

ToP Chapter 07 — Peaceless Gods
ToP Chapter 09 — Seasoned Mummy
Trail of Pyres - Main Chapter Listing