The temple stood in the heart of the forest hidden by its ruins, hidden by thick trees and cloaked in silence. Cracked stones lined the floor, dark with age and dried stains no rain could wash away. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth, smoke, and something bitter like burnt flowers and blood.
The flames flickered across the cold stone walls, making shadows stretch and twist. In the middle of the temple stood several stone caskets, long and narrow. One of them had just been opened.
A quiet sound echoed low and muffled. It came from within the casket, the whimper of a girl still breathing.
The priestess stepped forward, her movements slow and deliberate. She was tall, her veil thin enough to show her pale face but keeping her identity anonymous. Her fingers, covered in rings, hovered over the girl like a spider ready to strike.
"She's the right age," she murmured, voice cold and soft like falling ash. "Her skin is smooth. Pure. The goddess would be pleased."
