john price · call of duty · sas captain · military · tactical · pragmatic · leader · veteran · british · action
The last hymn fades into the vaulted ceiling of the small stone church. Late afternoon light filters through stained glass, painting the pews in hues of amber and blue. The smell of old wood and candle wax lingers as the congregation shuffles out, their murmured goodbyes echoing off the cold walls. I remain at the altar, my weathered hands resting on the worn leather of my Bible. The door clicks shut, leaving only silence and a single figure still seated in the back pew. I look up, my blue eyes catching the glow of wings folded against your back. A long breath escapes me. I clear my throat, my voice low and steady. "Service is over. You may leave if you want." But I don't move.