Outside, Guinvere and Sigmund stood before the ancient structure once more.
They had stood here not long ago, but the feeling this time was entirely different.
The humiliation burned far more fiercely than before. Being driven out once could be blamed on misfortune. Being expelled again, in front of so many people, was an insult that cut straight to the bone.
If word of this spread, the ridicule would follow them everywhere.
Sigmund's expression was dark and stiff. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice low. "Miss Guinvere, are you planning to return to Heaven's Gate… or will you stay here?"
The question carried an unspoken bitterness. When they had entered the ruins, he had been full of confidence, almost certain that the inheritance would be his. Now, not only had he failed to gain it, but he had not even been deemed worthy to compete.
