She stood in the center of the grand hall, the dim lights filtering through the high windows casting an air of awe and reverence. All eyes were on her—from the high-ranking priests in their ornate robes to the whispering trainees at the back. Her breath quickened, but the voice of High Priest Rilua pulled her back to reality.
"Seraphina, step forward."
She did as he asked without hesitation, though her heart pounded like war drums. Rilua raised his hand, signaling the priests behind him to begin the ritual. Low murmurs filled the air, like echoes from the heavens themselves.
"Before this blessed assembly, we shall witness today the sacred light bestowed upon you, Seraphina. Fear nothing. Let us see the light that your heart conceals."
She swallowed hard and tried to steady her nerves. Sacred powers? Can I really do this?
Rilua lifted his hand toward the sky, and the temple hall glowed with a golden light emanating from a sacred symbol suspended above the throne. She felt the energy flow through her body, warmth coursing through her veins as if it longed to be released.
"Kneel before the sacred symbol, and let the light guide you."
Slowly, she knelt and closed her eyes. Suddenly, an overwhelming energy surged within her. It felt like a current pouring from her heart, rushing through her arms and legs, then bursting outward into the space around her.
She opened her eyes slowly to find the entire hall bathed in a golden aura emanating from her body. The ground beneath her feet blazed with intricate patterns resembling magical runes. She raised her hands to see beams of light emerging from them, stretching up to the ceiling, as if reaching for the heavens.
Everyone was stunned, and a profound silence filled the hall. Even the high priests, accustomed to witnessing divine wonders, looked amazed.
"This light... it's different," one elder priest whispered, glancing toward Rilua.
The high priest smiled, though his eyes held an unreadable mystery. He stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We have seen what I always believed. Your power is no ordinary gift, Seraphina. It is a sacred blessing—and a great responsibility."
The trainees behind him bowed in awe, while the novice priestess, Carmilla, shot her a clear look of envy.
"Seraphina, this is only the beginning. Your powers will lead us to new horizons—but that will depend on your strength and faith."
The energy she felt slowly faded, and the golden glow dimmed, but Rilua's words remained etched in her mind.
Am I truly ready for this burden? she silently wondered, while everyone stared at her as if she had become the center of their world.
Once the ritual ended, calm returned to the grand hall. High Priest Rilua gestured with his hand, signaling the meeting's conclusion. Everyone rose slowly, murmuring among themselves, while Seraphina felt exhaustion sweep over her. Her limbs trembled with a sudden weakness, as though the power she displayed had drained her completely.
Rilua approached with his usual calm smile, though this time he came closer, standing directly before her. He extended his hand and helped her up.
"You've impressed everyone, Seraphina. But now, you must rest. Your power is great—but it still needs to harmonize with you."
She couldn't speak, only looked at him with tired eyes. But at that moment, she felt another weight—Carmilla's burning gaze from behind. She looked up to find the novice priestess glaring at her, though when caught, Carmilla quickly smiled and politely bowed to Rilua.
"My lady Seraphina, your power is quite... remarkable," she said with a calm tone that masked hidden mockery.
Seraphina gave her a faint smile, but before she could reply, Countess Adeline interrupted, approaching Rilua with graceful steps.
"High Priest, I see you'll be quite occupied with this candidate. But I trust she'll remain under your ever-watchful eyes."
Her words carried a veiled meaning—as if speaking more to Seraphina than to Rilua.
Rilua answered with a faint smile, his tone gentle yet firm. "Of course. Seraphina is under my direct protection, and I won't allow any harm to come to her."
His voice was calm, yet it held a strange authority that silenced everyone for a moment.
Then, Ilara stepped forward and spoke warmly, "Young lady, you must rest now. I'll escort you to your room."
Seraphina glanced at Rilua, who nodded in approval. She then left with Ilara and Emilia, still feeling all eyes trailing her until she exited the hall.
On the way back to her room
As they walked through the quiet temple corridors, Ilara gently took Seraphina's hand and spoke in a low voice.
"My lady, you must be careful. What happened today sparked a lot of curiosity... and perhaps jealousy."
Seraphina looked at her in surprise, so Ilara continued.
"Not all priests and trainees here are pure in their intentions. Some may not take kindly to seeing your power surpass what they've grown used to."
Her words sent a chill down Seraphina's spine, but Emilia tried to lighten the mood with a smile.
"Don't worry, my lady. You have the High Priest on your side. No one would dare come near you."
Seraphina smiled faintly, though deep inside, she felt this was only the beginning of a world full of challenges.
After Seraphina left the hall with Ilara and Emilia
A quiet stillness lingered. Everyone remained affected by the display of her sacred power. The trainee priests and high-ranking clergy gradually dispersed, but Countess Adeline stayed rooted in place.
She walked gracefully toward High Priest Rilua, who still stood in the center of the hall, observing everyone with calculated calm.
"High Priest, there's a matter I wish to discuss with you," she said in her usual icy voice.
Rilua turned to her with his composed, mysterious face and gestured gently for her to continue.
"Now that Seraphina is under the Golden Temple's care, I believe my role is over. I'm no longer her mentor or guardian. She's now one of your sacred candidates."
Rilua slightly raised his brow, then responded in a calm voice laced with subtle mockery.
"Oh? Is that what you believe, Countess Adeline?"
Adeline took a small step back but quickly composed herself.
"Seraphina has become part of a higher institution. She is now under your guardianship, High Priest. I see no further need for me to continue as her mentor."
Rilua approached slowly until he was close enough to speak softly, though his words rang with authority.
"Countess Adeline, let me remind you—your responsibility does not end so easily. The temple will decide when your role is over."
Adeline's eyes narrowed slightly, but she quickly wore her usual smile and said, "Of course, High Priest. I shall only do what you deem necessary. But allow me to say one thing."
She paused for a moment, then continued in a low voice.
"Seraphina is not an ordinary girl, and you know that better than anyone. Just make sure you know how to handle her... The temple holds secrets, and the winds of change are merciless to those unprepared."
Rilua gave a calm smile and replied with one that masked his intent.
"Thank you for your advice, Countess. Now, please go on with your day. I'm sure you have many matters to attend to."
Adeline gave a slight bow, then turned to leave the hall. Yet her steps, though graceful, carried a sense of weight and unease.
As Rilua stood watching the door through which she had exited, he smirked to himself and muttered softly:
"Your duty is over? Countess Adeline... Things haven't even begun yet."
The Crown Prince's Office
Crown Prince Charles Evermore sat in his luxurious office, surrounded by official papers and royal seals. None of it held his attention. His mind was elsewhere... occupied entirely by Seraphina. He remembered her delicate features, those emerald eyes hiding so many mysteries, and the way she stood so confidently before everyone at the temple.
He whispered to himself, clasping his hands together on the desk:
"Seraphina... how can I make her mine? Is she more than just a girl? Or is it that power she holds that truly matters?"
As he sank deeper into his thoughts, the door suddenly opened and one of the royal guards entered, bowing deeply with respect.
"Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence immediately in the throne hall."
Charles lifted his gaze to the guard, then slowly stood up, adjusting his royal jacket. He nodded and said,
"Very well. I'll go at once."
---
Charles entered the royal hall with steady steps. Emperor Leonard Evermore sat on his golden throne, radiating his usual majesty and dignity, but his eyes held a serious look that surpassed formality.
Charles bowed respectfully to his father and said,
"Father Emperor, did you summon me?"
The Emperor motioned for him to approach, then spoke in a calm tone laced with veiled commands:
"Charles, we have a problem… and you know very well what the key to solving it is, don't you?"
Charles raised an eyebrow slightly but remained silent, prompting the Emperor to continue:
"Seraphina is no ordinary girl. Her sacred power could change the future of the entire Empire. Her existence threatens the balance between the temple, the crown, and the noble houses."
Charles nodded in understanding, but his father's tone sharpened with firm seriousness as he said:
"You must win her, Charles. Seraphina must become part of our family. Seduce her, make her trust you, and do whatever it takes to have her by your side as Crown Prince. If we allow the temple or the other families to take her, it would be a disaster for all of us."
Charles stood firm, though he felt the weight of his father's words. He tried to appear confident as he replied:
"Seraphina is a complex girl, but not impossible. I will do as you command, Father. I will make sure she belongs to no one else."
The Emperor nodded in approval but added a final warning:
"Remember, my son, Seraphina is not a game. Her sacred power could be the key to domination—or a cause of destruction. Be cautious with every step you take with her."
Charles turned calmly after bowing once again, but inside he felt a mix of challenge and worry. His father's words made the mission seem more dangerous, but he knew one thing for sure:
"Seraphina will be mine... no matter the cost."
The Emperor added after a moment of silence, his eyes full of confidence and determination:
"There's one more thing, Charles. Soon, we will hold the annual royal banquet at the imperial palace. It will be the perfect opportunity."
Charles looked at his father, curious:
"A royal banquet? And how will that help me get closer to Seraphina?"
The Emperor smiled faintly, as if everything had been meticulously planned:
"The royal banquet is not just a festive occasion. It gathers the most influential noble and clerical figures of the Empire. You'll invite the Golden Temple and everyone connected to Seraphina. You must use this opportunity to approach her publicly and show that you are the only one who can protect her and offer a life no one else can."
Charles absorbed his father's words, realizing the significance of the event, then said with determination:
"So, the banquet will be my battlefield. I'll make sure Seraphina is the center of my attention. And I won't let anyone get closer to her than I do."
The Emperor nodded in agreement, then added seriously:
"But remember, my son, this banquet is not just a place to show your intentions. It is also a political battleground. The noble families, the priests, even the court will be watching you. You must be flawless in every step you take. Every word you speak, every look you give will be interpreted. Be clever, Charles."
Charles replied with a calm smile, hiding his resolve beneath it:
"Don't worry, Father. I understand the gravity of the situation. Seraphina will be with me at that banquet... and I'll make sure everyone knows she belongs to me."
The Emperor smiled proudly at his growing confidence, and finally said:
"That's what I want to hear, my son. Now go and begin your preparations. Time waits for no one."
Charles bowed once more and left the royal hall. As he walked through the ornate corridors of the palace, his father's words echoed in his mind—the significance of the upcoming banquet.
It was not just an event... it was the beginning of a conspiracy that everyone was weaving