Hadizah stood tall, meeting the woman in the plain white robe with unwavering eyes. "Yes, I accept your test," she said firmly. "But I have a condition for the Temple of the Holy Ones."
The woman's face hardened in offense. "Who are you to place conditions on us?"
Mrs. Spencer quickly stepped forward. "It's not about defying your authority. She is risking her life for this. It's only fair she makes a request—one that will benefit us all."
The woman's sharp gaze flicked between them. Silence lingered before she finally asked, "What is your condition?"
Hadizah's voice remained steady. "If I fail, let my blood be used as a cleansing for this temple. But if I pass, the temple and everyone in it must grant us the help we seek."
The woman fell silent, her face unreadable as she weighed the request. After a long pause, she finally lowered her staff slightly. "We accept."