The temple gardenn was quiet, shielded from the central plaza by high stone walls. The oak trees overhead kept most of the courtyard shaded, with bits of light scattered across the gravel.
Marielle walked slowly, her hands folded over the front of her cloak, staring down at the smooth pebbles as her boots kicked up tiny puffs of dust with every step. Zarius walked beside her, his long strides shortened to match her pace, his tall frame cutting a broad, protective shadow beside her.
For a long while, neither of them said a word. The only sounds around them were the faint splashing of a stone fountain nearby and the distant, muffled hum of the capital streets beyond the walls.
"So," Zarius began, his low voice breaking the silence effortlessly. He kept his eyes fixed on the winding path ahead, his hands hanging loosely at his sides. "Have you made up your mind, or are you still hopelessly confused?"
