Chapter 24: Forbidden Prayers
Matilda's POV
The temple stood tall at the edge of the mountain valley—built from ancient gray stone, with silver vines carved into its pillars and glowing crystal lanterns casting a soft hue over its sacred walls. The scent of lavender and burnt sage lingered in the air, giving the whole place a mystical, otherworldly feel. In the center stood the grand statue of the Moon Goddess—eyes closed, arms wide, draped in flowing marble robes, forever watching.
I knelt before her, the cold marble floor biting into my knees.
My hands clasped tightly. My eyes shut. I whispered low and fast.
> "Please. Make him mine. I've waited long enough."
Just as I was finishing, I heard soft footsteps approaching from behind.
A priestess appeared—dressed in a floor-length white robe, embroidered with silver threads and tiny moonstones. Her head was covered with a lace veil, and her bare feet made no sound as she moved across the sacred floor.
> "Your Excellency…" she said quietly, bowing respectfully.
I rose with grace, brushing invisible dust off my gown.
> "I need your help."
The priestess looked uneasy. "What do you seek?"
> "Not here." I glanced around. "Let's talk in private."
Without a word, the priestess led me through the temple corridor into a modest, candle-lit office. Scrolls lined the walls, and a small altar sat near the window. She offered me a wooden chair and poured some herbal tea into a simple cup.
> "Speak, Your Excellency."
I leaned forward, my voice low but firm. "I need the Mate Bond Elixir."
She froze. The cup in her hand trembled slightly.
> "That elixir is sacred. It cannot be used without the Moon Goddess's will. If used wrongly, it's a sin—punishable by—"
> "Really?" I interrupted with a calm smile.
I slid a folded paper across the table.
She hesitated… opened it… and her face turned pale.
> "You've been embezzling temple funds," I said sweetly. "And I have every detail. A full list. Discrepancies in the records sent to the palace. Tell me, how do you think Bryant would react?"
She swallowed hard. "Your Majesty… please…"
> "Bryant is many things," I said, rising slowly, "but merciful? No. Especially not toward thieves."
I took a step closer, my voice sharper now.
> "So… I'll ask you again. Will the elixir be ready in two days?"
Tears welled in her eyes, but she nodded slowly. "Yes."
> "Good." I turned toward the door.
Just before leaving, I tossed over my shoulder, "Pray to the goddess all you want, Priestess. But if you fail… your story will be one that touches the heart… of a grave."
And I walked out of the temple with a satisfied smirk stretching across my lips.