CHAPTER 86: CH 86: BLAME - PART 5

Kana’s gaze lingered on Rudy’s hand for a moment longer than necessary.

His fingers were steady, his palm open, the faintest smile pulling at the corner of his lips as though he already knew she would accept.

She let her shoulders sag, as though her resistance had finally given way under the weight of his persuasion, and then she placed her hand in his.

The high priest’s grip was warm, steady—possessive.

"I knew you were wise. Trust me, Kana. With my influence, we can ensure this farce ends in your favor."

He said, his voice almost paternal.

Kana allowed a faint, grateful nod.

"I’ll see to it that your trial is held tomorrow. The sooner you’re out of here, the better. This place doesn’t suit you."

Rudy continued smoothly.

She forced a small, almost hesitant smile.

"Thank you... High Priest."

He seemed satisfied, releasing her hand only after a final, deliberate squeeze.

"Rest easy tonight. Tomorrow, your troubles will be over."

Without another word, he turned and left the cell, his robes brushing softly against the cold stone floor. The sound of the heavy door locking behind him was almost a relief—at least for now.

Kana didn’t move. She kept her posture calm, her breathing even, until the faint echo of his footsteps disappeared entirely. Only then did she exhale slowly.

She had what she needed—confirmation that Rudy was actively interfering with the trial. Now it was just a matter of making sure Lysera and Irielle knew.

The sound of approaching boots broke her thoughts. Sergeant Delran appeared in the doorway, arms folded, expression unreadable.

"Well, you’ve had quite the visitor."

The sergeant said, stepping inside.

Kana didn’t answer right away. She simply looked up at the sergeant, letting her silence speak for her.

Delran’s gaze sharpened.

"You should make a choice you won’t regret, girl. The wrong step here could cost you more than you’re prepared to lose."

Kana tilted her head.

"Then... I’d like a pen and paper."

Delran’s brows rose.

"To write a confession?"

"To send a message. To Lysera and Irielle."

Kana replied evenly.

The sergeant considered her for a moment before shrugging.

"Fine. But you’d better hope this is worth my time."

A short while later, Kana sat cross-legged on the narrow bed, the paper balanced on her knee.

She wrote with quick, deliberate strokes, detailing only the meeting with High Priest Rudy and the fact that her trial had been moved to tomorrow. Not a single word more.

She folded the paper neatly and handed it to Delran.

The sergeant accepted it but didn’t leave right away. Instead, she studied Kana closely, her voice low and edged.

"You’re awfully confident for someone locked up in here. What if I take this message straight to the high priest? Tell him everything?"

Kana’s answer came without hesitation.

"You’re free to do that."

That seemed to catch the sergeant off guard.

"Why?"

Delran asked.

"Because the only thing in that letter is the date of my trial."

Kana said, her tone quiet but firm.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then the sergeant’s lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

"You’re a brave one, putting your trust in someone who locked you up."

She said at last.

Kana didn’t answer. She simply lowered her gaze, letting the silence swallow the conversation.

Delran left without another word.

Once she was outside the prison wing, however, the sergeant slowed her steps. She glanced around, then broke the seal on Kana’s letter.

Her eyes flicked over the lines, her expression unreadable.

"...Trial date’s been moved up. That’s all?"

She muttered.

She folded the letter again, a faint frown settling on her face.

"What are you playing at, girl..."

Ultimately, she decided it wasn’t her problem. Orders were orders—and the letter was going to its intended place.

Lysera was already back at her post when Delran arrived. The sergeant approached without ceremony, handing over the folded paper.

"This is from Kana."

Delran said.

Lysera unfolded it immediately, her eyes scanning the brief message. Her jaw tightened.

"Tomorrow. They’ve moved it up."

She murmured.

She looked sharply at Delran.

"I want to see her. Now."

"Not possible. You’ll have to wait a day."

The sergeant replied, her tone firm.

Lysera’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"A day might be too late."

"That’s the schedule. Complain to the council if you like. I follow orders."

Delran said with a shrug.

Frustration flared in Lysera’s eyes, but she knew pressing the sergeant now wouldn’t get her anywhere. Instead, she folded the letter carefully and slid it into her pocket.

"I’m taking the rest of the day off."

She said curtly.

Delran didn’t move to stop her.

"Do as you wish."

Lysera turned and walked away, her steps brisk, her mind already working through what needed to be done before tomorrow.

Behind her, Delran watched for a moment, then turned back toward her duties. Whatever game Kana was playing, it wasn’t her concern—at least, not yet.

______

Lysera left the defense office with a heavy expression, her fingers tightening around the letter as she walked.

Irielle was already waiting outside, pacing anxiously, and when she saw Lysera, she immediately hurried over.

"What happened?"

Irielle asked.

Lysera handed her the letter.

"Kana’s trial... it’s tomorrow."

Irielle’s eyes widened.

"Tomorrow? That’s too soon. They’re trying to rush this."

Lysera nodded, her jaw tight.

"Which means someone’s pulling strings."

She glanced toward the distant spire of the high court.

"I don’t know who’s behind it yet, but we can’t let them corner her."

Irielle frowned, already thinking ahead.

"Then we’ll have to prepare tonight. If they want a trial, we’ll give them one—but on our terms."

Lysera didn’t answer right away. Her gaze drifted toward the bustling streets, as if searching for the invisible threads binding this whole scheme together.

The weight in her chest was undeniable—Kana was walking into a trap, and they had less than a day to tear it apart.

Finally, she turned back to Irielle.

"Get ready. We’re going to see High Priestess Jenna. If anyone can turn this around, it’s her."

Without another word, the two set off, urgency quickening their steps.