The chamber's air was heavy with incense and murmurs as the trial began in full force.
The judge—a stern figure in layered robes of deep crimson—read from a scroll, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceiling.
"Kana, you stand accused of numerous crimes against the temple, including theft of sacred property, obstruction of justice, and the unlawful killing of Priest Veyren."
The words hit Kana like stones, each charge sounding more absurd than the last.
She barely even recognized some of the accusations—she hadn't heard a whisper of them before this moment.
Her stomach tightened, but she forced herself to meet the judge's gaze, refusing to shrink under the weight of the court's attention.
Gasps and mutters rippled through the audience, their voices a low tide of speculation and contempt.
High Priest Rudy sat forward on his seat, his hands folded neatly in front of him, eyes locked on her with that same composed, faintly benevolent expression he always wore.
