Inside the Moon Goddess Temple Sanctuary.
The Moon Goddess Temple sanctuary stood in serene, timeless richness, its ancient walls having witnessed countless generations of devotion. The tall, spacious interior, large enough to accommodate a hundred worshippers, echoed with a deep stillness.
Five people in pristine white robes knelt in prayer, their heads bowed in reverence. These were the moon disciples, the devoted followers of the Moon Goddess, whose lives were dedicated to the upkeep and sanctity of the sacred place. The temple itself, meticulously maintained, shone with an ethereal purity amidst the moss-covered greenery of the surroundings.
No gates or walls enclosed this sacred ground. Standing on the mountain's peak, the temple's holy white structure stood out against the lush, green landscape, pulling the attention of travelers and lost souls stumbling near it, the soft whispers of the wind seemingly carrying a divine invitation to all who passed by.
A moon disciple entered the temple and approached their leader, a small woven tray containing different small bottles in his hands.
"Rana Amella, they have arrived," he announced softly.
Rana Amella, the head disciple known by her title, 'Rana,' knelt before the grand statue of the Moon Goddess.
Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows behind the statue, casting vibrant beams that illuminated the altar.
Slowly, she opened her eyes and rose to her feet. She had already expected them – been doing so for the past days.
Turning to the disciple, her eyes, deep and wise, met his own as she asked, "Where are they?"
"They are currently at the pavilion," the disciple replied with utmost respect, head bent down slightly.
Rana Amella nodded. "I shall see them. Prepare the praying hall."
"Yes, Rana Amella," he responded, bowing slightly before leaving to carry out her instructions.
***
In the pavilion.
Naya stood in the pavilion, her heart a turbulent mix of anticipation and anxiety. The dreams that had disturbed her sleep for the past week weighed heavily on her mind. The prophecy, her destined role as Kael’s mate, and the confusing words of Sana Azalea before her death swirled in her thoughts. She hoped, desperately, that the answers lay within these sacred grounds.
Kael, standing beside her, remained silent, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a wary expression.
"What is it?" Naya asked, noticing his unease. Had she been so preoccupied that she missed something important?
Kael let out a huff, “It’s nothing.”
Just then, they saw about three people in white heading their way to the pavilion.
Upon seeing them, Kael’s expression visibly changed. But it was gone faster than it came. Hiding it behind a small chuckle, he teased Naya, “It seems your palm reading will finally happen.”
Naya was silent. In reality, she had noticed this part of Kael, especially towards the moon disciples. Even so, despite his aversion to this place and the moon disciples, he had not left her side. He had always made himself clear about his disdain for them and his refusal to acknowledge anything related to Sana Azalea’s prophecy or the Alpha King’s descendant. It puzzled Naya but she also knew somehow, there was a deeper reason behind them.
Perhaps, she began to think – Kael was simply unwilling to accept the truth.
He didn’t want to accept his fate.
Rana Amella approached the pavilion with two other disciples each by her side. She first looked at Naya, then at Kael. For a moment, she seemed taken aback by Kael’s presence, but quickly regained her composure.
With an air of authority and calm that was neither welcoming nor hostile, she spoke.
"I am Rana Amella, the head disciple of the Moon Goddess Sanctuary. As you already know, Sana Diana is not here. As the head disciple, it is my responsibility to help any traveler.”
She faced them straightly, her words carrying a sense of sacred duty that hung heavily in the air, “You have come here seeking answers. I shall guide you to find them."
"Follow me," she instructed, turning gracefully as she led the way into the temple, her presence commanding and serene.