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He warns with a dark promise. “Do it, and I can promise you that your precious priestesses will never know purity nor peace. I advise you to yield unless you want them cursed for eternity.”
They stare at one another, Karona’s hand shaking before clenching it. Ishiraya remains firm, glaring.
“Do it, Karona. I’m waiting.”
In a grudging act of concession, she finally relents. She shuts her eyes, and when she opens them again, she looks over at us.
“Leave. Both of you. And never come back again.”
26
CARUS
“Leave. Both of you. And never come back.”
Those are the only words Karona left us with before disappearing from the temple. I’m somewhat surprised she didn’t outright cast us out of here. I’m assuming since Ishiraya’s here, she’s giving us the grace of a couple of minutes to leave.
I stand still, Shana still in my hold. My body feels the toll of the injuries, but at least the worst part is finally over. I stagger on my feet, aided with Shana’s help.
Ishiraya turns over to look at me, expression still smug. I bow as I approach him, trying not to let the injuries interfere with showing my respect for him. He raises his hand, telling me to stand up straight.
“I can’t thank you enough. I really believed it was the end,” I say.
He shakes his head. “There’s nothing to be thankful for. This has been the best entertainment I’ve had in a while. What more can I give to see Karona in such a disgraceful state?”
He chuckles, still full of delight. He doesn’t usually make appearances, but when he does, he puts on quite a show. Ifanyone's the harbinger of chaos, it’s him. I take after him, but I hardly do him justice.
“How did you know, though? Did Eras have something to do with it?” I ask.
“I know everything under my domain. Especially regarding my own bloodline. I might also add that I’m especially aware of your antics,” he says, sparing a glance at Shana.
She blushes and lowers her head. “Either way, I’m eternally grateful to you for helping us.”
“As I said, you gave me such great entertainment.” He chuckles and just disappears, leaving both of us in the near-destroyed temple.
She has a shocked look on her face.
“What’s wrong?” I immediately ask.
“No, it’s nothing. I’m just surprised at how different he is from Karona.”
I step over the debris, reaching out for Shana. Her clothes are a mess, and I can’t tell if the blood on them is mine or hers. I’ll want to check for bruises later on.
Of course, I have some wounds of my own, I think as I hold my side, limping.
“Are you okay?” Shana asks as she leans into me.
She puts my arm around her shoulders, even though I’m a foot taller than her. We walk outside and notice that Karona’s wrath didn’t damage the rest of her temple. She’ll need some maintenance and groundskeeping, but everything’s pristine nonetheless.
Seeing the rest of the priestesses and handmaidens reminds me of Karona’s decree. They’ll have one priestess missing from now on. I don’t know if Shana will want to grab her things from her room or keep some canvases as keepsakes.
“Shana,” I call to her cautiously.
“Yes?”
“Are you allowed to bring anything with you?” I ask, trying to tiptoe around the fact that she’s been exiled.
She’s quiet for a moment, looking at the other women she once considered sisters. Her eyes glaze over and an expression I can’t read riddles her face.
