'Concentrate on the flow of magic and follow it. Good, looks like I was able to connect to the gods' realm without any problem. Now, I just need to get their attention.'
Auriel took a deep breath before bracing herself for what she was about to do.
"IS ANYONE THERE? I HAVE SOME URGENT NEWS TO CONVEY TO YOU."
Even Auriel felt how loudly she had spoken, and she felt sorry for whoever had to deal with her at the moment. But she didn't feel like she had a choice; she had to be this loud if she wanted to be heard immediately.
She didn't have the… best… reputation in the gods' realm, and because of her scandal, many people would likely avoid her. Unless Auriel did something dramatic that they couldn't ignore, she wasn't likely to be heard.
"Ugh, quiet down. Do you know what time it is and how busy we are? Why are you yelling?"
One of the officials in the office decided to check on the person yelling loudly, and Auriel quickly noticed that the man was an official.
Since she didn't have much time (or power) to maintain this connection, she knew she needed to hurry and convey her message.
"I need you to bring the chief god to me. I have something urgent to tell her regarding my mission and this world. So hurry up and get her."
Auriel spoke loudly, and everyone looked stunned to hear her. They shared a look before letting out a loud laugh at her expense.
"D-Do you really think that you're on a mission? Are you hoping to come back after you're done? Come on! Even you know the truth—you were banished by the chief god for good. And as for your mission, is it even a mission? Or is it just a distraction?"
The official teased Auriel, taking advantage of her low standing at the moment.
Usually, an official wouldn't dare disrespect a god or goddess like that, as it could get them killed. But these officials knew there was no way for Auriel to punish them right now.
So they decided to take their frustration out on her, talking to her as if she were a lesser being.
Usually, Auriel wouldn't have minded this teasing and might have even played along, but not today. After what happened with the dark magic, Auriel wasn't in the mood to play around.
"This is no laughing matter. Forget about the mission and sense this. Doesn't it remind you of something?"
Auriel recreated the feeling of magic she had felt, and at once, everyone in the office stopped laughing. They all had pale faces as they looked at her.
"W-What is that? Is that… dark magic? Where did you find it? Ugh, this is an emergency!"
The same official who had been making fun of Auriel before now looked shaken. He recoiled as soon as he noticed the dark magic pulsing in front of her.
"Someone used this dark magic here, and it caused quite a lot of damage. I was able to purify it, but I'm afraid this is no ordinary problem. Now, will someone go and get the chief god or not?"
Auriel asked in a tense voice, and the official flinched before heading out. Before he could make it very far, a wizened voice entered the hall, and everyone fell silent.
"I am already here. I heard what you said, Auriel. And I have to agree that it's a big deal. I guess it's a good thing I sent you down there to keep an eye on things."
The chief god spoke in a calm voice, but even she looked a little tense at the resurgence of dark magic.
"So, what are we going to do now? Are you going to call me back and send other forces down here to clean this place up? We need to uproot these demons before they gain a foothold."
Auriel asked, feeling excited at the prospect of returning home. She was ready to pick up everything she had left behind.
But the chief god dashed all of Auriel's hopes and dreams with her next words.
"For now, you stay there as you have been, Goddess Auriel. You need to be our eyes and ears until we can assemble a league of experts to send down to help you. Remember, you are still serving your sentence."
The chief god was one salty bitch, and she wasn't going to let Auriel back into her good graces so easily. Auriel had no choice but to back down and accept her fate.
"Fine! I get it. I'll keep you updated on what's happening."
Auriel's bitterness was evident in her voice, and she could tell that others around her felt sorry for her. But they didn't say anything once the chief god had given her order.
"Good. Keep us informed about what is happening out there. I'll send help as soon as I can."
For some reason, it sounded like the chief god was making a false promise, but Auriel had no choice but to trust her.
Finally, the dream ended, and the connection Auriel had set up with the gods' realm was cut off. She woke up with a glaring headache and a concerned Carol leaning over her face.
"Goddess Auriel, are you fine? You weren't responding to anything I was saying, and you wouldn't wake up—"
"I'm fine. I just have a headache and the urge to murder someone…. Don't look so concerned. I promise I won't act on my impulses. Anyway, what's on the agenda for today?"
Auriel asked, and Carol still looked worried. But she decided to answer Auriel truthfully.
"Priestess Lilith will be giving her speech in a few minutes to the masses regarding what happened with Lady Shelly. If you'd like, we can head out to attend it?"
Carol asked, and Auriel agreed. She wanted a distraction, and it felt like the best option for now.
______
The temple courtyard was filled with a murmuring crowd, their expressions a mixture of curiosity, concern, and judgment. A podium had been set up at the center, and standing upon it was Priestess Lilith, her regal figure commanding attention. Her sharp eyes scanned the gathered citizens, her aura of authority silencing the crowd even before she began to speak.
"Citizens of the empire. Yesterday's events have shaken us all, and I stand before you to ensure clarity and transparency regarding what transpired-"
Lilith began, her voice clear and steady.
The crowd hushed, leaning in to catch her every word. Even the birds seemed to pause their songs, as though nature itself waited for her explanation.
"-Lady Shelly Munero, once a noblewoman of high regard, engaged in actions that endangered not only her opponent but also the spectators and the sanctity of this temple. She resorted to the use of dark magic, a power forbidden by both divine and mortal law. As protectors of balance and justice, we could not allow such actions to go unchecked-"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The mention of dark magic was always met with fear and revulsion, its connotations bringing to mind tales of corruption and destruction.
Lilith continued, her tone measured but firm.
"-Dark magic is not just a personal corruption; it is a blight upon the very fabric of our world. It disrupts harmony and puts lives at risk. Lady Shelly's actions, though influenced by desperation, cannot excuse the danger she posed to us all."
Auriel, standing with Carol at the edge of the crowd, watched as Lilith spoke. The priestess's words were carefully chosen, her delivery flawless. The goddess leaned slightly toward her companion and whispered,
"She's a good speaker. She knows how to calm a storm with words."
Carol nodded, her gaze fixed on Lilith.
"That's one way to put it. She knows how to turn a mess into an opportunity."
Auriel shot her a glance, catching the faintest hint of skepticism in Carol's tone. But before she could say anything, Lilith continued her speech.
"As guardians of this temple and the ideals it represents, we acted swiftly to neutralize the threat. I assure you all, measures are being taken to ensure such an incident never occurs again. Your safety and the sanctity of this temple remain our highest priority."
The crowd, initially restless, now appeared reassured. There were nods of agreement, a few murmurs of approval, and even some claps of support. Lilith bowed her head slightly, signaling the end of her address. "Thank you for your trust, and may the goddess bless you all."
As the crowd began to disperse, their tensions visibly eased, Lilith descended from the podium and made her way toward Auriel. Her demeanor shifted subtly as she approached, her expression softening to convey deference.
"Goddess Auriel. I wanted to personally assure you that this temple will not allow another situation like this to arise. I will personally oversee background checks and evaluations of anyone in close proximity to you."
Auriel blinked at Lilith's sincerity and the weight of her insistence. The priestess's determination was commendable, but it felt slightly overbearing.
"I... appreciate your dedication, Priestess Lilith. But I trust that you know how best to handle this."
Lilith nodded firmly.
"I do, Goddess. Rest assured, your safety is my utmost priority. The trust our people have in you must remain unshaken, and I will see to it that those who stand beside you are loyal and true."
Auriel offered a small smile, though the nervous flutter in her chest remained. Lilith's unwavering resolve was both comforting and unsettling.
"Do whatever you feel is necessary."
Lilith inclined her head.
Thank you, my goddess. You will not regret entrusting this to me."
As the priestess walked away, her purpose clear in every step, Carol leaned closer to Auriel and muttered.
"She's intense."
Auriel sighed softly, her golden eyes following Lilith's retreating figure.
"She's thorough. Maybe a little too thorough."
Carol smirked but said nothing, leaving Auriel alone with her thoughts. The goddess's gaze turned toward the dispersing crowd, her heart heavy with the weight of the events and the responsibilities that came with her role.
For now, the danger had passed. But Auriel couldn't shake the feeling that the temple, and her life, was becoming a web of complexities she was not yet prepared to navigate.