As they approached the cathedral, the sound of hymns rose in a joyful crescendo.
Villagers filed inside, their voices blending into a harmonious chorus, celebrating their faith in Lussi, the goddess who had watched over them for generations.
Riley could feel the pulsing energy of the crowd, the palpable excitement mixed with an undercurrent of tension that made his skin prickle.
He and Eleanor took their seats in the pews, surrounded by villagers who clapped their hands and sang fervently. The priests stood at the altar, their robes flowing around them like living shadows, raising their arms as they led the congregation in worship. A flicker of unease tugged at Riley's gut, but he pushed it aside. Today was supposed to be a day of celebration, a day to forget their worries, even if just for a moment.
