The castle was filled with a tense excitent. The grand hall had been decorated lavishly for the ball, the chandeliers sparkled with divine light, and the air carried the soft lody of harps and flutes.
Every noble, servant, and guard stood in anticipation.
At the castle gates, a grand procession arrived. Temple knights in gleaming armor led the way, escorting the divine carriage that bore the Goddess Auriel.
Priestess Lilith and Carol walked at her sides, their expressions unreadable, their presence a silent warning to any who might have bad intentions.
When the carriage stopped, a hush fell over the gathered nobles and castle staff. The doors opened, and Auriel stepped out.
Her presence was overwhelming. Dressed in flowing white and gold robes that shimred with divine energy, her very aura demanded reverence.
Her golden eyes surveyed the scene before her, sharp yet composed. Even without speaking, her existence alone commanded absolute authority.
As one, the gathered crowd bent the knee, heads bowed in submission.
Princess Evelyn stepped forward, taking a deep breath to steady herself. This was a crucial mont. She had to make a good impression.
"Welco to the imperial palace, Goddess Auriel. It is an honor to receive you."
She said, her voice steady but respectful.
Auriel regarded her for a mont before extending her hand. Evelyn quickly stepped forward, taking the offered hand gently. The divine energy that radiated from the touch sent a shiver up her spine, but she did not waver.
"Guide ."
Auriel said simply.
Evelyn nodded and, with asured grace, began leading the Goddess inside.
The mont Auriel entered the halls of the palace, she felt it again—the dark magic. It was faint, carefully concealed, but undeniably there.
As she walked alongside Evelyn, she discreetly observed her surroundings. The palace was grand, and everything appeared pristine on the surface, but Auriel knew better.
She was certain that sothing was being hidden from her.
Priestess Lilith and Carol followed closely behind, their eyes also scanning the area, searching for anything out of place.
Princess Evelyn, oblivious to the silent tension, led Auriel toward the grand hall where the ball was to be held. She cast a quick glance at Countess Lola, who stood among the nobles, watching everything with a calm smile.
As they passed through the corridors, Auriel’s divine senses picked up sothing—whispers. A hushed voice from the shadows.
"It’s her. The Goddess is finally here."
The voice was faint, almost lost in the noise of the palace. Auriel kept her expression neutral, pretending not to have noticed, but inwardly, she sharpened her awareness.
Evelyn finally brought them to the entrance of the grand hall, where the ball was set to take place. The mont they entered, the orchestra began playing a welcoming tune, and the nobles applauded in greeting.
Auriel took in the sight before her—graceful dancers, glittering chandeliers, and tables filled with the finest food and wine. It was an extravagant display of wealth and power.
Countess Lola stepped forward then, a pleased smile on her face.
"Goddess Auriel. We are deeply honored to have you here tonight. Please, allow us to celebrate your presence"
She said smoothly, bowing.
Auriel gave a slow nod, still wary.
"I will observe."
Evelyn felt a flicker of relief. At least for now, the Goddess had accepted their hospitality.
But deep within her, Auriel remained on high alert. The dark magic she had sensed earlier had not faded. It was still here, lurking beneath the surface, waiting.
______
With the goddess’s arrival, the party finally started, but everyone was too busy paying attention to Auriel to enjoy anything else.
She could feel their eyes on her—nobles, officials, and high-ranking figures from across the empire, all eager to approach her, to speak with her, to win her favor.
Their hushed whispers and subtle glances made it clear: Auriel was the true centerpiece of the evening, far more important than the lavish decorations or the carefully orchestrated festivities.
Princess Evelyn, standing by her side, noticed the weight of their gazes and leaned in slightly.
"If you wish, I can drive them away."
She offered, her voice low enough that only Auriel could hear.
Auriel shook her head.
"That won’t be necessary. I just need so fresh air"
She said, though she had no interest in engaging with the nobles.
Evelyn hesitated for a mont but then nodded.
"Understood. Please allow to have soone accompany you—"
"There’s no need. Carol will keep watch."
Auriel interjected gently, offering a small smile.
Carol, who had been standing attentively nearby, straightened and gave a firm nod.
With that settled, Auriel turned away from the ballroom and stepped out onto the grand balcony. The cool night air was a welco contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside.
The scent of blooming nightflowers drifted through the air, and the faint rustling of leaves in the imperial gardens below filled the silence.
Auriel took a slow breath, allowing herself a brief mont of reprieve. She leaned against the stone railing, gazing at the stars above.
Even in a place so filled with corruption and hidden agendas, the night sky remained untouched—pure, eternal, unwavering.
Behind her, Carol took position at the balcony entrance, standing guard.
"I won’t let anyone disturb you, Goddess."
She assured.
Auriel gave a slight nod.
"Thank you."
For a few monts, she allowed herself to relax. But then, just as she was beginning to settle into the stillness of the night, sothing changed.
A strange sensation prickled at the edge of her awareness. A shift in the air. A faint, almost imperceptible wisp of dark energy.
Auriel imdiately sharpened her senses, her divine power flickering to life as she sought the source of the disturbance.
It was faint. Carefully masked. But it was there.
Her golden eyes narrowed.
’So I was right. Sothing is lurking in this palace.’
She cast a glance back toward the ballroom, where nobles laughed and danced, blissfully unaware of the corruption creeping beneath their feet. Even Evelyn, despite her position, did not seem to realize the extent of the danger.
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