The evening air was cool, the village streets cast in the soft glow of lanterns as Elara made her way toward the temple.
Despite the lingering anxiety that gnawed at her from Mr. Grett's warning, she forced herself to act as though nothing was amiss. If she faltered even slightly, it could draw attention. She could not afford any mistakes.
The temple loomed ahead, its towering spires casting long shadows across the stone pathways. Elara took a deep breath as she approached, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.
She had returned to the sermons each evening since her training with Lucian, blending into the crowd of faithful worshippers as though she had never been gone. But even now, a part of her felt the watchful eyes of the temple on her back, unseen but ever-present.
Inside the temple, the dim light of flickering candles illuminated the grand hall, where rows of villagers knelt in reverent silence. Elara moved to her usual spot near the middle, sinking to her knees and folding her hands together as though in prayer.
Around her, the chanting of the faithful began, a slow, rhythmic hum that filled the space with an eerie sense of devotion.
"By the grace of the Divine Order, we are blessed..." the voices echoed in unison, their words laced with a fervor that sent chills down Elara's spine.
"In faith, we are bound..."
She kept her head bowed, her lips moving silently along with the chant, though her heart remained distant. Each word tasted like ash on her tongue, a hollow echo of something she no longer believed.
Yet she forced herself to appear immersed in the ritual, her movements practiced and deliberate. To anyone watching, she was just another devoted follower.
When the sermon finally ended, Elara exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. She rose to her feet, eager to slip away into the night and put as much distance as possible between herself and the temple. But as she moved toward the exit, a hand caught her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks.
"Elara."
Her pulse quickened as she turned to face the young priest standing behind her. His face was calm, expression unreadable as he looked down at her. "The High Priestess has requested to see you."
A wave of unease washed over her, but she quickly masked it with a cheerful smile. "Of course. Lead the way."
The priest nodded, gesturing for her to follow him. Elara's heart raced as they walked through the temple, down the long stone corridors and toward the back garden.
Each step felt heavier than the last. The High Priestess, Mother Aveline, rarely summoned anyone personally. For Elara to be called… something was wrong.
They stepped outside into the garden, the moon casting a silvery glow over the neatly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers. In the center of the garden stood Mother Aveline, her figure bathed in the soft light of evening.
She was a striking woman, with long, flowing silver hair and pale, flawless skin that gave her an ethereal appearance. Draped in elegant white robes embroidered with gold, she radiated an air of serene authority.
"Elara," Aveline greeted, her voice gentle and melodic. She turned toward her with a kind smile that belied the cold intelligence in her pale blue eyes. "I'm so glad you could join me."
Elara's throat tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm, her smile unwavering as she stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Mother Aveline, it's an honor to be summoned."
"Please," Aveline waved a hand dismissively, her tone soft, as though she were speaking to a cherished child. "There's no need for formality between us. I merely wished to speak with you."
Despite the warmth in her voice, Elara could feel the weight of the High Priestess's gaze, sharp and calculating beneath the surface. She couldn't let her guard down. Not even for a moment.
"I've heard you were absent for some time," Aveline continued, her voice carrying a note of concern. "Several of us noticed your absence from the sermons last week. I was worried something may have happened to you."
Elara's heart pounded in her chest, but she kept her smile bright, her tone light. "I apologize, Mother Aveline. I had to attend to some private matters. I didn't mean to cause any concern."
Aveline tilted her head slightly, her smile never faltering. "I see. I'm glad to hear you're well. Private matters can be... unpredictable, I understand. I just wanted to be sure you were alright."
Elara nodded, forcing herself to maintain her composure. The High Priestess's demeanor was gentle, almost affectionate, but there was something beneath her words, something that made Elara's skin prickle with unease.
"I'm perfectly fine now," Elara replied, keeping her voice steady despite the tension coiling in her gut. "Thank you for your concern, Mother."
Aveline stepped closer, her presence unnervingly calm. "It's good to see you back among the faithful," she said, her tone sweet, but her eyes seemed to linger on Elara, as though searching for something beneath the surface.
"You've always been such a devoted follower. I know how much the temple and the Divine Order means to you."
The words stung more than they should have. Elara swallowed the lump forming in her throat, nodding quickly. "Of course. The temple and the Order means everything to me."
She hated how easily the lie slipped from her lips, but she had no choice. If Aveline even suspected that her faith had faltered, or worse, that she had discovered the truth about the temple's dark practices, Elara knew she wouldn't leave this garden alive.
Aveline studied her for a moment longer before her smile widened, her expression almost motherly. "Good," she said softly. "I'm glad to hear that. You are important to us, Elara. Never forget that."
Elara forced herself to hold Aveline's gaze, even as her insides twisted with dread. "I won't, Mother Aveline."
The High Priestess reached out, placing a delicate hand on Elara's shoulder, her touch light but firm. "If you ever need anything, my dear, do not hesitate to come to me. You are always welcome in my presence."
Elara nodded again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Mother."
After a moment, Aveline finally released her, stepping back with a graceful motion. "You may go now. I won't keep you any longer."
Elara bowed her head respectfully before turning to leave, her legs trembling beneath her as she walked back toward the temple. The young priest followed at a distance, watching her in silence as she exited the garden and made her way into the night.
As soon as she was out of sight, Elara let out a shaky breath, her heart hammering in her chest. Her cheerful facade crumbled, replaced by the cold fear that had gnawed at her throughout the entire conversation.
The High Priestess may have appeared kind, but Elara knew better. Behind that gentle smile lurked something far more sinister.
The Order really watches her closely. Too closely.
And if she wasn't careful, they would find out everything.