She had everything to fear.
The examination would expose her. The Church would know she'd given herself to Damien. The scandal would be catastrophic.
But backing down now would show weakness. And after last night, after choosing Damien completely, she refused to cower.
"As you wish, High Priest." She stood again. "Will that be all?"
Aldous waved dismissal, and Elara left with carefully maintained composure.
The moment she was alone in a corridor, panic set in.
She needed to contact Damien. Needed to warn him. Needed –
"Saintess Elara."
She spun to find Captain Seria Thornwood blocking her path. The warrior woman looked grimly satisfied.
"Captain Thornwood. I wasn't aware you had business in the Church compound."
"I'm coordinating security for tomorrow's charity dinner." Seria's green eyes were sharp. "But I'm glad I ran into you. I have questions."
"I'm quite busy – "
