"I am accepting you as my new apprentice. Congratulations. The position starts in two weeks from now with an orientation led by my adjunct. You will have until then to say goodbye to your old life before you take your vow."

"Just like...that?" Wyn asks. "But you said everyone would have a fair chance and⁠—"

The priestess's gaze snaps to her.

"Ultimately, I decide who will join the temple, and my followers trust that decision. There is raw power in you, young girl. So much you probably have no idea what to do with it, and I doubt the teachers at the academy would know either, since you likely outpower them all. You need a teacher worthy of your abilities. You need me."

"I..." Wyn stammers. "I would love to accept your offer, but I would not feel right depriving everyone else of a chance..."

"Nonsense," the high priestess scoffs. "You will join me two weeks from now at the temple. This is nonnegotiable. Is that clear?"

Wyn blinks, sneaking a glance at me as she fidgets with her fingers. I give her a comforting smile.

"Yes." She nods, though she doesn't seem very sure of her answer despite having been so determined to become a priestess just a few hours ago.

"Good. You are excused now," the high priestess intones as the boulder slides out of place to reveal the exit. We both turn to leave. "Not you." She points to me. "You are staying."

"But—"

"Arwyn, you are dismissed," she repeats, giving a harsh look at Wyn.

"It's okay," I whisper to her. "I'll be fine."

"Will you..." She bites her lip.

I'm not sure, but for her sake, I muster a smile.

"Of course. I'll see you later."

Wyn hovers around the exit for a few moments, reluctant to leave me alone. But one more warning from the high priestess and she eventually departs. When she's out of sight, the boulder slides back into place, camouflaging with the environment and sealing shut the room.

The entire room falls silent as the priestess stares at me in puzzlement.

"Who are you?" she asks as she slowly comes closer to me.

"Uhm, no one?"

She narrows her eyes at me.

"Your tattoos," she mentions as she circles me. "Who sent you?"

"W-what? I don't know what you're talking about."

"I have ways to make you talk. Do not test me."

"I really have no idea what you want from me. If it's about that sphere, I'm sorry. It was just an accident. I didn't mean to break it. I would offer to pay, but I see you have more of the same, so..." I mumble awkwardly.

"An accident?" She laughs. "That sphere is unbreakable. Not even I can break it."

My lashes flutter as I take a step back.

"Maybe that was a poor quality one?" I supply. "Oh, maybe it was a fake one!"