An hour had passed.
The tea had long gone cold, but neither of them had minded. Charlotte left the cup neatly on the desk, offering a quiet nod to Orthran as she stood up.
He was already preparing for the next wave of duties.
"Take your time," he told her as she reached the door.
"I will," she said softly.
The hallway outside was cooler, dimmer—lit only by slits of sunlight cutting through narrow stained glass. She walked slowly, her fingers brushing over the polished edge of her new pendant.
Sancta Veil.
A gift from Orthran.
Silver chain.
Opalescent white gem, pulsing softly with warmth.
Charlotte kept turning it between her fingers, still getting used to its weight. Its presence. Its promise.
By the time she reached the main corridor leading toward the cathedral entrance, the voices grew louder. She paused for a moment beside one of the inner pillars and peered into the gathering ahead.
