[Temple of Eternal Flame —Ceremonial Hall—Lavinia's POV]
With so many unwanted questions swirling in my mind—and Papa's tense reaction when he glanced toward the library door still burning in my memory—my legs twitched restlessly, aching to burst through those ancient doors and uncover the truths they held. But with a heavy heart, I forced myself to follow Papa and High Priest Calvein down the stone corridor toward the Ceremonial Hall.
The guards bowed low and pushed open the doors for us. The doors groaned, heavy and ancient, as if they had been waiting centuries for this single moment.
A hush fell over the hall.
The Ceremonial Hall stretched vast and awe-inspiring before me. Arched ceilings were painted with golden flames, walls etched with sacred vows, and the floor of polished obsidian reflected every flicker of torchlight like dark, liquid mirrors. The thick, curling scent of incense wrapped around me like unseen fingers, filling my lungs with both reverence and unease.
