The cool hand on Kana's eyes shifted gently, gliding down the side of her face and brushing over her waist.
A soft voice followed, calm and commanding, yet unmistakably familiar.
"Don't open your eyes just yet."
The voice murmured.
Kana obeyed. She didn't want to see anything. Not the broken bodies. Not the beast's blood-covered claws. Not the horror she had survived by pure luck—or maybe divine protection.
She felt herself being lifted, strong arms cradling her close, a bridal carry that rocked her gently as her surroundings moved.
The warmth of another body and the scent of delicate incense filled her senses. It was comforting, almost too comforting. Her nerves were beginning to settle.
She knew that voice now.
High Priestess Jenna.
In the distance, muffled by smoke and silence, she could hear another voice—Evaya's, calm but clipped, as she received orders.
"Take care of the rest. Remove any trace. Make sure nothing is left behind."
Jenna commanded.
