CHAPTER 58: CH 58: AM I BEING FRAMED?- PART 3

Kana followed Evaya down the familiar corridor, the tension in her shoulders refusing to melt away despite the relative quiet of the High Priestess’s wing.

Her steps felt heavier than usual, weighed down by the memories of what had almost happened. She glanced at the passing walls and sighed.

"My luggage’s still in the other wing...I didn’t get a chance to grab anything."

She muttered, almost to herself, her expression a mix of regret and fatigue.

Evaya slowed just enough to glance back at her.

"I’ll send someone for it. You shouldn’t go back there. Not for a while."

She said with a reassuring tone, though her face remained serious.

Kana nodded, but her brow furrowed.

"Still... isn’t this whole thing kind of backwards? I’m supposed to be working quietly, blending in. If I stay here and let people see me every day, won’t that ruin everything? I’m not supposed to be in the spotlight."

Evaya let out a long breath.

"You’re right. This isn’t how it was supposed to go. But things changed. The high priest saw you. That alone means we have to be careful now. If we keep you in the shadows, it’ll only make you look more suspicious in his eyes."

She said, a small frown appearing on her lips.

Kana hesitated.

"So... I’m no longer undercover?"

"Not in the traditional sense. But it’s not over. You’re still useful. We’ll just have to be smarter now—more public, more careful. If people see you being escorted by me or the High Priestess, they’ll think twice before messing with you."

Evaya said.

"I see...Still... it kind of feels like my whole mission got sabotaged before I even started."

Kana muttered, brushing her fingers against her sleeves.

Evaya gave her a faint smile, one that held a touch of understanding.

"That’s how it works sometimes. You prepare for everything, and it still goes wrong. But you adjust. We’re adjusting now."

Though reluctant, Kana gave a small nod.

"Alright."

"Good. Now come on. It’s almost breakfast, and the High Priestess is expecting you. But remember—once we’re inside, don’t speak of what happened in the outer halls. No one outside of this wing needs to know. Not until we’re sure who’s on our side."

Evaya said.

Kana turned to look at her.

"You have my word."

With that, Evaya led her deeper into the wing. The smooth stone underfoot turned into polished white marble as they passed through an arched hallway draped with golden cloth.

Each step felt quieter here, the air heavier with silence. The wing’s grandeur didn’t feel boastful—it felt sacred.

They approached a door carved with ancient script and floral patterns.

Two guards stood silently beside it, but they gave no protest as Evaya pushed it open and stepped into the garden beyond.

It was quiet.

More than that—it was peaceful.

The moment Kana stepped into the enclosed sanctuary, she felt the change. The air was fresher, touched with the scent of early-blooming flowers and damp stone.

Sunlight streamed down from an open skylight above, illuminating the neatly arranged garden at the center.

Moss-covered stones lined a tranquil pond, and a circle of cushioned seats had been arranged beneath the shade of a sprawling tree.

And seated at the far end, sipping tea with a content expression on her face, was High Priestess Jenna.

Kana’s breath caught slightly at the sight. No matter how many times she saw her, the priestess always had an ethereal presence.

Her white robes shimmered faintly with the morning light, and her smile was the type that made people let down their guard without realizing it.

Jenna looked up the moment they entered and smiled warmly.

"There you are. I was wondering when you’d join me."

She said.

Evaya gave a respectful bow.

"Apologies for the delay, High Priestess. There was some trouble this morning. We’ll brief you after."

Jenna nodded, her gaze sliding past Evaya and settling gently on Kana.

"I see. Well, let’s save the troubles for later. For now, sit. Eat. There’s no better time for important things than on a full stomach."

Evaya motioned for Kana to join her, and the pair walked across the garden toward the tree. Kana took her seat beside Evaya, glancing briefly at the prepared table.

There were small bowls of fresh fruit, steaming bread rolls, and delicate cups filled with sweet tea.

Despite everything that had happened, the warm scent of the garden and the gentle rustle of the leaves brought Kana a strange kind of comfort.

As she picked up her tea and took a small sip, she felt the eyes of the High Priestess watching her.

Not in judgment, but as though Jenna already knew everything—what had happened, what Kana had almost faced, and what decisions she would soon need to make.

And for the first time since she entered this temple, Kana felt a fragile thread of safety. Fleeting, but real.

For now, it was enough.

Evaya let out a long sigh as she finally sat back in her chair.

"Well, I suppose miracles do happen. Even the High Priestess can behave like a decent person some days."

High Priestess Jenna narrowed her eyes with an exaggerated pout.

"I am decent most of the time. It’s just that... sometimes, my urges get the better of me. And it’s not my fault that you always seem to find me in those particular moments."

She huffed, setting her teacup down with delicate precision.

Evaya gave her a flat look.

"I think you’re just too shameless to cover them up."

"That’s not true. I simply believe in being my most honest self."

Jenna protested, though her expression shifted into a mischievous smile.

Kana, seated between them, watched the exchange with wide eyes, the familiar tension in her shoulders slowly beginning to unwind.

The mood in the garden felt surprisingly light, despite everything that had happened.

Evaya didn’t even bother continuing the argument. She reached for a slice of bread instead, her tone more serious as she asked.

"You heard what happened this morning?"

Jenna gave a slow nod, her smile fading into a more solemn expression.

"I did. About Kana being framed. It seems word spreads fast when there’s blood involved."

Kana tensed again at the reminder, her hands tightening slightly around her teacup.

"But, as much as I’d love to stir up trouble and go after the fool responsible... it’s not worth it."

Jenna continued, folding her hands in her lap.

Kana looked up, frowning.

"Why not?"

"Because the one behind it is High Priest Rudy."

Jenna said calmly, her voice low but steady.

Evaya’s brow twitched at the name, her grip tightening ever so slightly around her cup.

"He’s too careful to make a move directly. This little incident was just a test. And we passed—for now. So long as you’re here, Kana, we’ll need to tread carefully."

Jenna added.

Jenna’s voice took on a quieter tone as she leaned forward slightly, her gaze meeting Kana’s.

"This temple may look peaceful on the outside, but within these walls... it’s a different world. Alliances shift with the wind, and power is always looking for the weakest link. You, Kana, are new. You’re unclaimed, unaffiliated—and that makes you a target."

Kana swallowed hard but nodded.

"Then what should I do?"

Evaya answered for her.

"Stay close to me or the High Priestess at all times. Don’t go anywhere alone. And no matter who calls for you, don’t answer unless one of us confirms it."

"Until we know more, we’ll play this game carefully."

Jenna said, voice cool and composed.