His expression tightened before I had even finished speaking. His guard rose instantly—it was clear he was not willing to listen.
It didn't matter.
I was not there to convince him.
I was there to warn him.
"You cling to outdated traditions," I said evenly. "We no longer live in that time. I have told you this countless times before, yet you insist on burying your head in the sand. I did not wish to force my decisions upon you… but you have left me no choice."
His expression hardened immediately.
He did not agree.
Nevertheless, his feelings no longer mattered.
I rose to my feet, taking my leave and leaving him seated in silence. Alice was already waiting outside the garden and fell into step behind me.
***
I had not wanted to make an enemy of the temple.
But it had to be done.
They were overstepping.
And they needed to be reminded of their place.
As I walked down the hall, my gaze caught a familiar figure in the distance. He paced slowly, his head lowered, charcoal hair falling over his face.
I couldn't see him clearly.
He ran a hand through his hair.
The gloves.
I stopped abruptly, Alice halting beside me.
"Harry," I called.
He turned.
For a brief moment, our eyes met—then he cursed under his breath and turned away, as if trying to hide himself.
My brows furrowed.
Why was he here?
And why was he hiding?
I moved after him, quickening my pace, but by the time I reached the corner—
He was gone.
"My lady, are you alright?" Alice asked, catching up to me, concern evident in her voice.
"That man… earlier," I said slowly. "He resembled Harry. Do you think it was him?"
"I'm sorry, my lady, I did not see him. But if you wish, I can search for him."
"No need."
I exhaled quietly.
"I may be seeing things."
If Harry was here, then father might be as well. Perhaps they had come on business.
Still… it was unlike father to leave his jurisdiction.
"Let's go."
Since there was still time before the initiation ceremony, I decided to visit Unda's shrine and pay my respects.
***
It took some time to find it, tucked away beyond a quiet pond. Smaller than the others, the shrine stood supported by pale marble pillars, its presence modest yet firm.
We removed our shoes before entering.
At the center stood Unda's idol—carved from deep blue marble. Her tongue protruded slightly, her eyes wide with fury. A trident rested in her grasp, and beneath her feet, a kraken lay subdued.
The Mother of the Seas.
The air carried the heavy scent of burnt incense.
Yet something was missing.
No offerings.
No fruit laid upon the altar.
Even the divine were being neglected.
How disrespectful.
I lowered myself until my forehead touched the cold floor.
All I asked for was strength.
Strength to endure what lay ahead.
Like the unyielding tides of the sea, may every obstacle be worn down in time. May all that stands against me be washed away.
And if nothing else—
May she grant me rest.
I opened my eyes and rose to my feet.
"Let's go, Alice," I said quietly. "The ceremony will not wait… and neither will I."