A heavy silence settled over the room following High Priestess Jenna's proclamation. Her calm, smiling face stood in contrast to the tension rippling through everyone else.
Irielle was rigid beside Kana, and Lysera's hand twitched, hovering as if she wasn't sure whether to pull Kana away or draw a weapon.
Then, with a dramatic flourish, Jenna gently pushed Evaya off her lap. The priestess-in-training stumbled to her feet with a practiced sigh, clearly used to being treated like a pillow.
Jenna leaned forward, crossing the table between them in a single smooth movement, and reached out to grasp Kana's chin.
Kana flinched. Her back pressed into Irielle's arm, but the high priestess didn't let go.
"Look at me, little chosen one. The goddess has spoken. Submit to the supreme will. Come with me to the temple."
Jenna said softly, her fingers cool but firm.
Kana's heart beat louder than her thoughts. The air thinned. Her system pulsed to life with a soft chime only she could hear.
