A sharp cry pierced the air, startling Zafron from his thoughts. He whirled around to see Calista rushing toward them, her usual composed demeanor shattered by panic.
"Something's wrong with Lady Aphrodite!" She grabbed Zafron's arm, pulling him toward the temple's inner chambers. "She just... awakened and collapsed!"
Thera and Aurelia were already moving, their steps quick and purposeful. As they hurried through the marble halls, Zafron couldn't help but notice how the very walls seemed to pulse with an unsettling energy. The temple's usual warm, rose-tinted light had dimmed to a sickly gray.
They found Aphrodite sprawled across her chaise lounge, one arm dangling limply over the side. Her skin, normally radiant with divine light, had taken on an ashen pallor. The sight of the goddess of love and beauty in such a state sent a chill down Zafron's spine.
