The deeper they went into the temple, the more the air began to change.
They moved through corridors etched with symbols no tongue remembered how to pronounce. Every wall whispered the history of the demon realm.
But just as they reached the carved archway that marked the threshold into the temple's heart, a small figure stepped into their path.
It was the same demon child from before, her hood slightly askew now, revealing one glowing eye and the delicate, budding horns atop her head. She raised a single hand, not in threat but in solemn command.
"Only the soul-bound may pass beyond this point," she said softly, her voice like ripples over still water.
Veyce frowned, visibly confused. "What do you mean? I came with him."
The child shook her head gently, stepping between him and the priestess's path. "The path is his alone. Not yours."
