บท 83: Caught in the Sanctum

The heavy temple doors groaned softly as Aeric pushed them open, the sound reverberating through the sacred hall like a reluctant invitation.

'Fuck,' he swore internally. 'Hope that wasn't so loud.'

Stepping inside, he of course recognized the familiar grandeur of the High Priest's temple. The air carried the scent of aged wood and incense, mingling with a faint metallic tang that always seemed to linger.

Golden statues, silver ropes dangling at all corners with those glowing beads connected to them, the shiny vines and the celestial symbols engraved in stone. All their serene expressions illuminated by flickering light from enchanted sconces that poured a magical light across the smooth marble floor.

He saw the central shrine adorned with fresh offerings: baskets of fruit, vials of glowing essence, and intricately folded prayer papers.

But what he didn't see was the Headmistress.