The high priest's words flowed like honeyed nectar, speaking of donations and support. However, his tongue nearly betrayed the temple's secrecy as he seemed on the verge of mentioning Sylvette. The Duchess shot him a piercing glare, and in the depths of her thoughts, Andromeda allowed herself a sly mental snort, imagining that the high priest's loose lips might be his own undoing.
They proceeded through the initial hall, and Andromeda's eyes absentmindedly stared at the vast, open space before her. A resplendent garden unfolded, its beauty a testament to the devotion of those who tended to it. It was a tranquil haven, a stark contrast to the bustling life outside the temple's walls. But to Andromeda it felt like a confine. She could hear the whispers and it frustrated her.