Sight Seeing [The Sanctuary of the Ascendant Flame]

[Quillon Hawke]

Continued from A Decent Corner

Quillon felt a flicker of irritation as he watched Seraphis interact with Sámiel, their flirtations unfolding with an intensity that felt almost out of place in the sanctity of the Hall of Stars. The way Sámiel held Seraphis’s gaze, the subtle movements, the lingering glances—it was as if he were deliberately trying to unnerve them, testing the boundaries of what was acceptable within their sacred walls. Quillon’s jaw tightened ever so slightly.

Seraphis, for her part, regarded Sámiel with a bemused expression, her initial demureness giving way to a calculating gleam in her eye. She was not unaccustomed to flirtation, but Sámiel was a different kind of suitor—brazen yet somehow respectful of her authority, his words a mixture of reverence and irreverence. He had a quality about him that was both maddeningly charming and profoundly unsettling, as if he existed just slightly outside the bounds of what could be understood or controlled.

The corners of her mouth lifted in a faint smile, her voice cool and measured as she responded, “Your appreciation is… noted, Sámiel.” She emphasized his name after learning it, letting it linger in the air, studying him as one might examine a rare, curious specimen. “We in the Brotherhood welcome those who are moved by beauty, after all. And it’s refreshing to see someone who isn’t afraid to admire what is before them.”

Seraphis inclined her head ever so slightly, as if bestowing a gift of acknowledgment. Quillon was keenly aware of the way Seraphis shifted, standing just slightly closer to his Seeker, the subtle tension in her posture speaking volumes.

Quillon seized the moment to speak, hoping to regain some measure of control over the situation. “Sámiel,” he began, his voice carrying an edge of authority, “the Brotherhood’s teachings are meant to inspire reverence for the Ascendancy, to awaken a deeper purpose within those who seek it so that we might emulate them for the betterment of all.”

But even as he spoke, Quillon’s attention drifted to the far end of the hall, where he noticed Calliope—a recently raised Aethermancer standing with another Seeker.

Quillon felt a pang of pride mixed with something warmer, softer, as he watched her. Calliope was talented, a natural at her role, and he had taken pleasure in seeing her excel within the Brotherhood. He admired the way she embraced the teachings, the ease with which she summoned attention, and her presence seemed to radiate a quiet, understated beauty that always managed to catch his eye.

Quillon glanced back at Seraphis and Sámiel, his resolve momentarily shaken. He was proud of Calliope’s progress, but he couldn’t ignore the low flicker of something deeper, something personal. He’d recruited her, guided her, and now here she was, a blossoming talent under his care.

“I’d like to introduce you to someone,” he said, casting a lingering look at Seraphis before he took a step toward Sámiel. “Not long ago she was a Seeker just like you.”

Seraphis raised an eyebrow, her gaze following his as they moved toward Calliope. The faintest hint of a smirk crossed her lips as she returned her attention to Sámiel. "Veilwarden Quillon is… quite dedicated to his recruits," she murmured with an almost playful tone. “As I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

She smiled at Calliope and her Seeker, “Hello. I am Veilwarden Seraphis,” she quickly interjected.

“And I am Veilwarden Quillon,” he quickly added.

Seraphis