The side door of the temple opened with a soft creak. Unlike the main entrance, where the faithful and their offerings usually passed, this one was narrow, framed by a stone arch covered in ivy.
Korveth walked in first, his steps firm, while Erian followed, attentive to the echo of his own footsteps along the corridor.
The air inside the temple felt different, colder, yet purer. There was a faint scent of dried herbs and extinguished incense.
Lenna was waiting a few meters ahead. When she saw them, she raised a hand in a friendly greeting and smiled with a touch of sadness.
"I'm glad you arrived safely, Erian," she said as she approached. "I'm so sorry about what happened."
Erian lowered his gaze, a little uncomfortable. Lenna's voice sounded sincere, but part of him couldn't help thinking that she, too, could have warned him earlier. Still, he didn't feel strong enough to confront her.
"I'm fine," he murmured at last.
Korveth cleared his throat.
