While I was still staring at him in disbelief, Jasper stood up from his seat—his expression a perfect imitation of shock.
But I could see it. The glint of triumph in his eyes.
He raised his arms wide, facing the sea of believers below. His voice echoed powerfully against the marble pillars, each syllable bouncing off the sacred stone walls like a sermon etched into time.
"The goddess has manifested.
She weeps… for a lost soul that has chosen the path of light."
My fingers clenched the stone armrest. My breath caught in my throat as the atmosphere in the room shifted so suddenly, so completely.
The faithful below began to murmur after hearing Jasper speak of a "lost soul." They glanced at one another, uncertain and wary. Who among them had sinned?
But I knew exactly who he was referring to.
As expected, Jasper turned to me, his eyes gleaming like a hunter who had successfully lured his prey into a golden cage.
