The sunlight filtered through the stained glass of the Imperial Cathedral, casting vibrant patterns of ruby and sapphire across the cold marble floor. Eliosa approached High Priest Valerius near the altar, her hands clasped and her eyes wide with a carefully practiced innocence.
"Your Excellency," she began, her voice a soft, melodic hum. "I wish to conduct the next spiritual session for the children of the nobility here, in the main church. I believe that being surrounded by the ancient echoes of the Light will help them connect more deeply to their own divinity."
Valerius paused, his brow furrowing as he looked around the grand hall. "It is a noble goal, Saintess. However, the Sovereign's shadows are currently guarding every sensitive asset of this Empire, including the sacred relics kept within these walls. I fear it may not be entirely safe for the children to roam so freely while those... entities... are present."
Eliosa tilted her head, feigning a look of confused concern. "I was unaware they were stationed so close to the children's path. Where exactly are they positioned? If I knew their locations, I could ensure the children stay far away from those zones and avoid any unpleasantness."
Valerius hesitated. The positions of the shadow-guards were a state secret, known only to the highest officials and the Crown. But as he looked into Eliosa's serene, "divine" face, his guard crumbled. He saw no reason to distrust the Saintess of the Light.
"They are stationed behind the tapestries of the East Wing and at the entrance to the Vault of the Golden Chalice," Valerius whispered, pointing toward the heavy iron doors at the end of the long corridor. "Keep the children to the central nave, and they shall be safe."
Eliosa offered a radiant, grateful smile. "I understand perfectly, Your Excellency. I give you my word: I will keep the children far from those areas."
An hour later, the cathedral was filled with the high-pitched chatter and shuffling feet of the nobility's sons and daughters. Eliosa greeted them at the entrance, her smile sweet enough to hide the venom beneath.
"Follow me, little ones," she said, leading them through the echoing halls. As they approached the corridor leading to the East Wing, she stopped and turned to the group, her expression turning unnervingly grave.
"Listen to me carefully," she whispered, her voice carrying an artificial edge of fear. "You must absolutely stay away from the East Wing and the Vault doors. Do not go near them, and whatever you do, do not try to look behind the tapestries."
"Why, Lady Eliosa?" asked young Lord Julian, the adventurous son of Duke Hektor, his eyes widening with interest.
"I cannot tell you," Eliosa replied, her eyes darting toward the forbidden hall as if she were terrified. "Just know that there are things there that do not belong in the house of the Light. Stay close to me."
She continued walking, leading them further into the main nave, but she didn't need to look back to know she had succeeded. She had not given them a warning; she had given them a dare. By forbidding the area without explanation, she had piqued the reckless curiosity of children who were told they owned the world.
Somewhere in the darkness behind the silk tapestries, the shadows stirred, sensing the approach of several racing heartbeats.