The walk back to the temple was quiet. Too quiet.
Kana kept her eyes on the smooth stone path beneath her feet, the rhythmic sound of their steps occasionally broken by distant murmurs from the city.
The air felt heavier the closer they drew to the main gates, as if the temple itself was holding its breath.
When the gates finally came into view, so did the chaos. People were darting in and out of the entrance, voices overlapping in frantic tones.
Messengers rushed past carrying papers, and temple workers gathered in tight circles, whispering in shock.
Kana slowed instinctively, confusion tightening her brow.
'What… happened?'
It only took one snatch of hurried conversation from a passing priestess to understand.
"They said she's dead—"
"Impossible! How could—"
"No, I heard it from the guard himself, she was attacked and didn't make it—"
Kana's eyes widened, and she glanced toward High Priestess Jenna.
