The temple was quiet, sunlight spilling softly through the tall stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the polished marble floor.

The air smelled faintly of incense and blooming lilies, calming and serene—but Kana still felt strangely restless.

She walked between Lysera and Irielle, her steps light and hesitant, listening to the soft echo of their boots on the floor.

Honestly, she didn't think there was any reason for the two of them to be this worried about her.

Sure, she'd woken up outside on a bench without remembering how she got there, but it wasn't like she'd been hurt.

Still… their concern warmed her chest in a way she couldn't describe.

So, she decided to go along with them without complaint.

When they entered the High Priestess's wing, Kana barely had time to take in the luxurious chamber before a familiar voice called out warmly.

"Kana, dear!"

High Priestess Jenna stood from her seat with open arms and crossed the room with graceful steps, her robes flowing elegantly behind her.

Without hesitation, she pulled Kana into a soft, warm embrace.

Kana stiffened slightly, caught off guard, but after a moment, she allowed herself to relax in the hug.

Jenna's perfume was subtle but sweet, a mixture of sandalwood and something floral.

However, the moment lasted only seconds before Kana felt it—someone's gaze on her.

Sharp. Piercing.

Her eyes darted instinctively toward the source, and her gaze locked with Evaya's.

The woman stood by the tea table, brewing a pot with steady hands, but her dark eyes were locked on Kana with an intensity that made her chest tighten.

And then, the instant Evaya realized she'd been caught staring, she looked away sharply, her jaw tightening.

Kana hesitated, debating whether to greet her, but before she could even open her mouth, Jenna's voice broke her focus.

"Kana. I'm so grateful you found the time to come here. There's so much I want to show you… so much I want to share with you."

The High Priestess said with a bright smile,

Before Kana could even answer, Jenna reached for her wrist, as though ready to guide her deeper into the room.

But another hand stopped her.

Irielle.

With a perfectly polite smile on her face, Irielle gently tugged Kana's hand back toward her, interposing herself between the two women with a subtle possessiveness that made the air grow tense.

"High Priestess, please refrain from being too handsy with our people."

Irielle said sweetly, though her voice carried an unmistakable edge,

For a brief moment, silence settled over the room.

Then Jenna chuckled softly, completely unfazed, and raised her hands in mock surrender.

"Of course, of course. I'm only concerned about Kana's well-being, nothing more."

Lysera scoffed audibly at that, crossing her arms with a cool expression, but neither she nor Irielle pressed the matter further.

Kana, however, blinked between them, feeling the unspoken friction ripple beneath the surface.

They followed Jenna into her private quarters, the rich gold and ivory décor warm and inviting, though the atmosphere between the group remained charged.

Jenna gestured toward the seating area, and the three of them settled on a cushioned sofa while Evaya remained near the tea table, pouring steaming amber liquid into small porcelain cups.

With a soft smile, Jenna folded her hands elegantly on her lap and tilted her head slightly.

"So then, what brings you all here today?"

She began,

Kana hesitated for a moment, glancing at Lysera and Irielle before speaking.

"…I think something might be wrong with me."

She admitted softly, her fingers tightening on the fabric of her skirt.

Jenna's brows arched delicately.

"Oh? What makes you think that?"

Kana lowered her gaze, her voice quiet but steady as she recounted what happened the previous night.

"I went to bed like usual… but when I woke up, I was outside. On a park bench. I don't remember leaving the house at all."

She clenched her fists slightly, the memory making her throat feel tight.

"I… don't know what's happening to me. So… I was hoping you might be able to help."

Before Jenna could answer, a quiet scoff echoed from the other side of the room.

Kana's head turned, and her eyes met Evaya's.

"Trusting the High Priestess this much, huh? You really believe she's the right person to 'help' you?"

Evaya said flatly, not bothering to hide the edge in her tone as she placed the teapot down with a muted clink.

Kana blinked at her, unsure how to respond, but before she could say anything, Jenna laughed softly and waved a graceful hand dismissively.

"Evaya, must you always sound so suspicious? I assure you, my only concern is Kana's well-being."

She said lightly.

Evaya didn't reply, but her lips pressed into a thin line, and she turned her attention back to the tea instead.

Jenna shifted her gaze back to Kana, her expression soft and reassuring.

"Don't worry, dear. You came to the right place. I'll help you."

She said gently, leaning forward slightly.

Her words were soothing, her voice like honey—sweet, warm, and calming.

Kana let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding and gave a small nod, though a faint uneasiness still lingered deep within her chest.

Irielle, however, didn't look convinced. She rested her chin on her hand, her golden eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Jenna with a mix of caution and distrust.

"You're certain you can help?"

She asked, her voice sharper than usual.

Jenna only smiled wider, unfazed by the suspicion.

"I've handled matters far stranger than this before. Kana is in safe hands."

She said lightly.

Lysera remained silent, but her gaze never left Jenna's face, watching her every subtle movement like a predator sizing up another.

Kana, caught in the middle of the silent battle between them, fidgeted slightly in her seat and murmured.

"…Can we just… try to figure out what's wrong with me first?"

At that, Jenna nodded graciously, placing a hand over her heart.

"Of course. I'll prepare what we need."

She said softly.

She rose from her seat with practiced elegance, her robes whispering softly against the polished floor as she moved toward the inner chamber.

Kana exhaled slowly, leaning back against the sofa, though her shoulders remained tense.

She could feel Irielle's hand resting lightly on her own—a quiet reassurance—and Lysera's steady presence at her side.

Even so, the strange sensation in her chest wouldn't go away.

As Jenna disappeared behind the curtain, Kana's gaze drifted unconsciously toward Evaya, who was now quietly setting the teacups on the table.

For a brief moment, Evaya's sharp, piercing eyes met hers again.

And this time, Kana was certain of it—

That glare wasn't simple suspicion.

It was warning.

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