The worst political hurdle was cleared. "That is wise, Sir. The public execution will send a message that the Temple tolerates no deviation from the path of light, reinforcing the image of the Delta Squad."
Guram ignored Osbon and addressed Ray directly, his voice barely a whisper. "And what of you? What will be your story when I present my report to the central authorities?"
Ray stood up from the sofa, finally acknowledging the necessity of clarity, even if it was a calculated half-truth.
"I'm just a passerby who didn't like the way an innocent died in the name of her being a witch. When I decided to investigate out of curiosity, I found out about this whole incident."
His words felt like an impossible puzzle. Guram finally allowed the crucial question to surface. Is he not from the Temple's higher-ups?
Just then, as if Ray could read his mind, Ray offered a slight smile. "Sorry for lying earlier, but I'm not part of the Temple."
