Kana's tense shoulders finally relaxed a little when she heard High Priestess Jenna's calm assurance.

For the first time since waking up on that bench, she felt like someone might actually be able to explain what was happening to her.

Taking a quiet breath, she nodded and asked softly.

"What… what do I need to do to make things easier for you?"

Jenna smiled gently, her voice warm but steady.

"You don't need to do much, Kana. Just place your hand on mine and allow me to guide the flow. I'll handle the rest."

Kana hesitated for a brief second, glancing at Lysera and Irielle.

Both were watching her closely — Lysera's jaw tight, Irielle's gaze sharp — but neither stopped her. With a deep inhale, Kana reached out and placed her hand over Jenna's.

The moment their skin touched, Kana felt it. A strange, flowing current — like warm liquid sunlight — spiraled around her, weaving into her body, her thoughts, her soul.

It was delicate yet invasive, soft yet overwhelming. The sensation crept along her skin, and for a moment, Kana shuddered.

Something about it felt far too personal, almost inappropriate, as if her mind was being peeled open layer by layer.

She tensed instinctively, trying to pull back, but Jenna's voice came like a soft hum against her ears.

"Don't resist, Kana. There's no need to fear. Let go… just focus on my voice. Breathe… and let me inside."

The High Priestess whispered, her words like a lullaby.

Kana clenched her jaw but forced herself to listen. If this was the only way to understand what was happening to her, then she had to trust Jenna — at least for now.

Slowly, she exhaled and allowed her resistance to melt away.

The magic's flow deepened, sinking beneath her skin and slipping into the edges of her consciousness.

Jenna's power extended like a soft hand, carefully searching through Kana's spiritual pathways, brushing against places no human eyes were meant to see.

And then—

Something stirred.

A sharp, invisible pressure surged from deep within Kana, and for the briefest instant, Jenna's magic revealed a flash — silver and gold intertwining, coiled like living threads that pulsed with power.

Before she could comprehend what it was, something lashed out violently from within Kana's very soul.

A wave of raw force burst outward like a whip, severing the connection instantly.

Jenna stumbled backward, her chair scraping against the floor. Her breathing was ragged, beads of sweat forming along her temple as she stared wide-eyed at Kana.

Lysera's expression darkened instantly, her voice sharp and demanding.

"What happened? What's wrong with Kana?"

The High Priestess steadied herself, one hand pressed against her chest as she tried to compose her breathing.

She looked between the three of them, her tone grave when she finally spoke.

"…This is more serious than I imagined."

Kana stiffened, her hands curling into the fabric of her robes.

"What do you mean…?"

She asked quietly, though her voice trembled despite her efforts.

Jenna's gaze softened for just a moment before hardening again.

"Someone… has staked a claim on your soul and body, Kana."

Silence blanketed the room.

Lysera froze, her sharp inhale loud in the stillness. Irielle's face, usually so composed, faltered slightly as she exchanged a worried glance with Lysera.

Kana's lips parted, but no words came. Her chest felt tight, as if the room had shrunk around her.

Jenna continued, her voice low but unyielding.

"Whoever — or whatever — did this isn't ordinary. The power behind that mark is ancient, far older than anything I've encountered in this temple before."

She hesitated briefly, eyes narrowing as she recalled the silver-and-gold flash.

"This isn't the work of simple magic. This… feels primal."

Lysera's hands clenched into fists at her sides.

"Then we remove it. Whatever it is — we cut it off her, burn it away, exorcise it if we have to."

Jenna shook her head firmly.

"It's not that simple. If I forcefully interfere, I risk damaging Kana's spirit itself. And besides…"

Her gaze flicked back to Kana, hesitation lingering in her tone.

"…the one who placed this claim isn't finished yet."

Irielle's frown deepened.

"Meaning?"

Jenna exhaled slowly.

"Meaning they will come. In person. They'll want to take her eventually — that much is certain. But until then, as long as she stays within strong magical barriers, the influence over her will remain dormant. She'll be safe… for now."

The words did little to soothe anyone in the room.

Lysera looked as though she wanted to argue again, but Kana raised her hand weakly, cutting her off.

"…So what do we do?"

She asked softly, her voice small but steady despite the whirl of emotions inside her.

Jenna thought for a moment, then finally said.

"Stay here tonight. The temple is layered with protective wards that even the strongest spiritual invaders can't easily penetrate. Whatever — or whoever — is tied to you won't be able to reach you while you're inside."

Irielle crossed her arms, clearly displeased.

"You're suggesting we sit around and wait for something powerful enough to lay claim to her soul to just… knock on the door?"

"Waiting and preparing. There's a difference."

Jenna corrected gently,

Lysera's jaw tightened, but she didn't argue further.

Kana, meanwhile, sat there quietly, her hands resting limply in her lap.

Everything felt distant — Jenna's words, Lysera's frustration, Irielle's tension — all blending together in a blur.

She hated how powerless she felt. First Seraphine. Now this. Always being protected, always being shielded. She clenched her fists, steadying her voice when she finally spoke.

"…If staying here keeps me from causing more trouble, then… we'll stay."

Lysera turned sharply to her, brows furrowing.

"Kana—"

"I'm fine," Kana interrupted softly, forcing a small smile she didn't quite feel.

"Really. It's better this way."

Lysera clearly didn't believe her, but she said nothing more. Irielle let out a soft sigh, placing a hand on Kana's shoulder and squeezing gently, silent reassurance passing between them.

Jenna's gaze softened, though her expression remained troubled.

"Then it's settled. You'll all stay within the temple's inner wing tonight. The wards there are strongest, and Evaya will ensure no one disturbs you."

Kana nodded faintly, though her mind was still elsewhere — on the flash of silver and gold, on the voice from her dream, on the promise of belonging that whispered beneath her skin.

She didn't know if staying here would truly keep her safe.

But for tonight, at least, she wanted to believe it would.

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