High Priestess Jenna finally rose from her seat, brushing the faint wrinkles from her robes before turning to the group.

Her voice carried the same gentle warmth as before, though there was a quiet firmness beneath it.

"Kana, you're free to use the same room you stayed in before. It's already been prepared for you."

She said softly.

Kana blinked, surprised, her gaze flicking instinctively toward Lysera and Irielle.

"What about them?"

"They'll be shown to different rooms for tonight."

Jenna replied, her tone calm but resolute.

Kana's brows knit together as unease tightened her chest.

"Different rooms? But… why? Wouldn't it be safer if we stayed together?"

The thought of being separated — especially after what Jenna had revealed about someone laying claim on her — made her stomach twist.

Having Lysera and Irielle close felt like the only thing anchoring her right now.

Jenna's gaze softened, but she shook her head gently.

"It wouldn't be appropriate for them to stay in the same quarters as you. This wing is reserved for those under direct spiritual observation. And if your worry is about being left unguarded…"

She explained, her voice even She smiled faintly, her expression reassuring.

"Then rest easy, Kana. I'll personally keep watch over you tonight."

Kana hesitated, chewing lightly on her lower lip. She wanted to believe that, but the unease inside her didn't disappear.

Before she could respond, a quiet voice broke the moment.

"High Priestess, you have prayers tonight."

Evaya said, stepping forward from where she'd been standing silently near the doorway,

Jenna turned her head slightly, a hint of amusement touching her lips.

"I do. But I can miss them for one evening. Kana's safety is more important."

Evaya frowned, her expression flat and unyielding as she crossed her arms.

"With all due respect, High Priestess… no, you cannot."

Jenna raised an elegant brow, clearly caught off guard by the bluntness in Evaya's tone.

"Oh?"

"Your absence will be noticed. It isn't something you can simply excuse. Go to the prayers. I'll watch over Kana instead."

Evaya replied firmly.

Jenna's lips parted slightly, as if to protest, but Evaya's stare remained steady — the kind that didn't leave room for argument.

The High Priestess sighed, then placed a hand over her chest with an almost theatrical grace, lowering her gaze toward Evaya with mock solemnity.

"I… I didn't realize how much you cared for me, Evaya. To insist on this so passionately…"

Her smile was soft, tinged with deliberate playfulness.

"Very well, just for you, I'll attend the prayers this evening."

Kana blinked at the shift in tone, unsure if Jenna was being sincere or teasing her assistant.

Evaya, however, didn't even flinch. Her expression remained perfectly flat.

"You can drop the bluff, High Priestess. I'm walking you to the prayers myself. And once we're done, I'll come back to check on Kana through the night."

She said dryly.

Jenna froze for half a second before letting out a quiet laugh — the kind that admitted defeat without actually saying the words.

"Very well. You win, as always."

She said warmly, shaking her head with mild amusement.

Lysera and Irielle, who had been silently watching the exchange, finally seemed convinced. Lysera's shoulders eased, though her tone still carried traces of reluctance.

"Fine. You'll be the one watching over Kana tonight. But keep us informed. If anything happens, we need to know immediately."

She said at last, turning toward Evaya.

Irielle nodded in agreement, her voice calm but firm.

"Exactly. If there's even the smallest sign of trouble, wake us. No hesitation."

Evaya inclined her head slightly, her expression composed and confident.

"I'll keep an eye on her. You have my word."

She promised.

Jenna gave a final nod of approval before turning toward the door, gesturing for Evaya to follow.

"Come along then. Let's not keep the prayers waiting."

As the two of them moved to leave, Evaya paused briefly beside Kana, leaning down just slightly so only she could hear. Her voice softened, carrying an unfamiliar warmth.

"You're lucky, you know. You have incredible people in your life… all of them ready to fight for you without hesitation. It's… something I'm a little jealous of."

She said quietly, her gaze settling gently on Kana's face. Kana blinked, caught off guard by the sudden honesty in Evaya's tone.

Her lips parted before a small, genuine smile tugged at her mouth.

"I know. I really am blessed to have them… and to have you, too."

She said softly, her voice tinged with gratitude.

Evaya's eyes widened slightly, her composure faltering for the first time that evening.

"Me?"

Kana nodded, her expression earnest as she met Evaya's gaze.

"You've been protecting me since the moment I got here. You've stood up for me, defended me… even now, you're volunteering to stay up just to make sure I'm safe. You're amazing, Evaya."

A faint blush crept across Evaya's cheeks, and she quickly averted her gaze, clicking her tongue softly.

"I… I'm not nearly as amazing as you seem to think I am. But…"

She muttered, her voice lower than before. She hesitated for half a beat before finally allowing the smallest smile to form.

"I'll take the compliment anyway."

Kana's smile widened faintly, warmth blooming quietly in her chest.

And for the first time since the High Priestess had revealed the mark within her soul, she felt a little lighter — not safe, not entirely — but… less alone.

Evaya straightened up, clearing her throat as if trying to recover her usual composure.

"Anyway, get some rest, Kana. I'll come by later to check on you."

She said lightly.

Kana nodded, her fingers curling gently around the fabric of her robes.

"Thank you… for everything."

Evaya hesitated at the doorway, glancing back once more.

"Don't thank me yet. Just… stay safe tonight."

She said softly, a faint edge of concern slipping through her calm facade.

With that, she followed Jenna down the hall, leaving Kana standing there quietly, her chest warm but her thoughts heavier than ever.

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