The night’s events weighed on my shoulders, my body aching from the hours of waiting, searching, fighting, and running, but the need for answers pushed me forward.
I made my way back to the temple in silence, the early morning stillness a quiet balm to the tension that lingered in my bones.
The path leading up to the Sun Temple was familiar, lined with the white stones and vibrant golden flowers that marked it as sacred ground.
I took a moment, pausing to let the cool, early morning air fill my lungs, and glanced up at the temple’s familiar walls, high and grand, etched with symbols of the Sun God, every archway and column bathed in the first warm light of dawn.
I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing the soft light to warm my face, feeling the comforting presence of the temple wash over me. This place had been my sanctuary for so long, a reminder ofpurpose and duty, but now…
Now, it felt like a gilded cage, a place with shadows lurking within its walls, questions that even my faith couldn’t chase away.
The weight of last night’s events pressed down on me, lingering even as I made my way inside, down the silent corridors where the other priests and acolytes still slept.
My steps echoed softly against the marble floor, and as I entered my quarters, the familiar sight of my chambers brought a faint sense of relief. The room was warm, the rich fabrics draped over the windows catching the light in deep gold and crimson, like a woven sunrise. My bed was simple, dressed in linens the color of sunlight, a sanctuary within a sanctuary.
I slipped out of my cloak, letting it fall across the armchair near the window, and moved to sit at the edge of the bed. My fingers traced over the fabric, my thoughts a tangled mess of exhaustion and unease.
Dario’s face, strained with barely-contained rage, flickered through my mind, his shadows lashing out in response to Meryn’s injuries, his fury unleashed like a force of nature. I had stopped him, but only barely.
A part of me wondered how close I’d come to seeing the Shadow King in all his deadly power—and if I would ever see that side of him again.
I leaned back against the pillows, letting the soft fabric cool my skin, and closed my eyes. The ache of fatigue pulled at me, a heavy, inescapable weight, and within minutes, sleep claimed me, dragging me down into a world of uneasy dreams filled with shadows and unanswered questions.
When I awoke, the sun had climbed high in the sky, casting a warm glow over my quarters. I lay there for a moment, allowing the daylight to settle over me, pushing back the remnants of the night’s exhaustion.
With a quiet breath, I rose, brushing the creases from my gown, and walked over to the small basin beside the window.
The water was cool against my skin as I splashed it over my face, a quick, bracing ritual to shake off the last traces of fatigue. I focused, summoning the familiar warmth of my power, feeling it settle within me, healing my tiredness and filling the lingering hollowness with a renewed sense of purpose.
I couldn’t afford to let exhaustion slow me down; there was too much at stake.
With a final splash of water, I straightened, meeting my reflection in the mirror, and let the warmth of my magic press through my skin, smoothing away the shadows beneath my eyes, and rejuvenating my body and my spirit.
Today, there were duties to attend to. Solaris’s needs would not wait for my rest, and with the drought-stricken villages at the outskirts in such desperate need, I knew my first task would be to secure aid, regardless of the Elders’ reluctance.
My robes for the day was a gown of light ivory embroidered with golden thread, elegant but simple, a statement of purpose rather than of luxury.
I fastened the belt around my waist, the thin cords woven with charms and sigils of the Sun God, symbols of light and protection that I wore with a new sense of guilt.
They were meant to remind me that my duty was to the people, to protect them, to ensure their safety—and I would honor that duty, no matter the resistance I faced. I had failed before.
I wouldn’t fail them again.
My first meeting of the day was with Aeldrin and the Guardian Priests. My heart told me none of them were involved with the mage, but I had to be sure.
The best way was to rattle a few cages and see what happened.
As I entered the meeting room, Aeldrin rose to greet me, hisexpression calm but watchful, his gaze steady as he took me in.
“High Priestess,” he said, bowing his head in respect as I took my seat across from him. “You called this meeting early. Is something troubling you?”
I nodded. “I won’t keep you long, Aeldrin, but I wanted to speak with you about the aid efforts for the villages on Solaris’s outskirts. The drought has taken a heavy toll, and I fear that the relief efforts have been… insufficient.”
He met my gaze, his brows furrowing in concern. “We have sent what supplies we can spare, but the Elders have been cautious. They believe our resources must be protected, particularly in times of uncertainty.”
“Times of uncertainty, yes,” I echoed, a faint bitterness threading through my words as I thought of the Elders’ evasiveness, their unwillingness to address the suffering that lay beyond Solaris’s borders. “But these are our people, Aeldrin. They rely on us, and if we don’t act now, their suffering will only worsen.”
Aeldrin nodded, his expression somber. “You are right, High Priestess. If there is anything the Guardian Priests can do to assist, we are at your service.”
