Chapter 457: The Rite of Veneration - Part 9

GAR

"It's a human!"

"She's worn clothing into the Rite—she comes to lie to the Creator!"

"This is exactly what we were talking about—"

"How could a human defend an Anima?"

The voices climbed and became more agitated, the crowd closing in. Gar's heart began to thrum in his ears and his body, already tense, began to quiver. His instincts to protect her, to step between her and the others—but they were coming from all sides!—and to defend her, beginning to overwhelm his thoughts. His body twitched, and his lip curled back from his teeth.

But then a large hand landed on his shoulder, and he looked over Rika's head to see his father, reaching across, gripping his shoulder, his eyes piercing.

"Breathe, son," he said quietly. "Be calm. She's family. We won't let anything happen to her."