Since then, I had been under the guidance of Miss Celesti, who wasted no time in preparing me for the role fate had thrust upon me. She taught me the ways of the empire, the responsibilities of my sacred title, and the weight my presence now carried. Today marks the day I am to be formally introduced to society, through a grand ball held by the Hue Shrine—an age-old tradition whenever a new saint or saintess is chosen by the gods.

This morning, Miss Celesti and the shrine maidens dedicated themselves wholly to preparing me. Their graceful hands dressed me, painted my face with reverence, and adorned me with divine elegance. Now, only a few hours remain before I step into the grand hall, and my heart is pounding like a drum echoing through sacred halls.

"Are you nervous?" asked a soft voice beside me.

It was Meris Beriwood, one of the shrine maidens and the one tasked with doing my makeup. Of all the shrine’s servants, she was the one I had grown closest to. We had shared our lessons on shrine duties, giggled over stories during breaks, and confided in each other. Gifted with an affinity for light, it was no surprise she had chosen to walk the path of a shrine maiden.

I lowered my gaze, letting out a long sigh. "Of course I’m nervous, Mer. What if I make a mistake in front of everyone? I’ve only had two days to learn proper etiquette."

Meris gently tilted my chin upward so that our eyes met. Her golden waves shimmered under the sunlight, like spun light itself. "Are you kidding me? You, mess up? Not a chance." She smiled, warm and unwavering. "You passed every etiquette lesson, aced your shrine studies, and you’ve only just started. You think that’s normal?" She chuckled as she pinched my cheek playfully before returning to her brush.

"I’m still not sure about later," I murmured. "It’s too much… too soon."

She paused, setting her brush down and fixing me with a knowing look. "The makeup is done. You look incredible. Maybe, if you see yourself properly, you’ll start believing it too." She gently guided me to stand before the mirror.

I gasped.

The figure reflected before me looked regal… ethereal. My gown shimmered with celestial detail—a mermaid silhouette with a flowing train, a sheer overskirt embroidered with delicate stars, flowers, and sacred symbols in glimmering white and gold. My silver-white hair had been styled into soft waves, threaded with golden hairpieces that caught the light like stardust.

"Don’t you just look like a princess?" Meris’s voice broke through my thoughts, laced with pride. "You better be grateful your friend is this talented."

I laughed softly. "I know, I know. I look… beautiful. Thank you, Meris." I turned back to the mirror and smiled gently at the reflection. "You’ll have to teach me how to do this someday. I don’t want to keep disturbing you whenever you’re busy."

Meris crouched slightly to adjust my skirt. "I’ll always be here when you need me. But for now, stay put, breathe, and get ready. The ball begins in two hours. I’ll be downstairs helping in the kitchen. If you need me—just call."

With that, she bowed slightly and slipped out of the room.

Alone now, I turned again to the mirror. The girl in the reflection still felt foreign—grander, older, powerful. Like a version of me that had always been asleep until now.

I shook the thought away and steadied my breathing. There was no room for doubt. Everything must go smoothly tonight.

The grand ball was about to begin.

I stood just beyond the great doors of the ballroom, waiting for Miss Celesti’s voice to ring out—my cue to enter.

Her voice carried through the chamber, strong and reverent. "It has been ten years since the last saint was bestowed upon us. With the darkness growing bolder and our lands scarred by erosion, our prayers were answered. The gods have sent us a saintess—our beacon of hope. For the first time in our history, a divine solution has arrived not by prophecy alone, but by divine descent. I present to you—our new Saintess, Seraphina Ivory!"

The doors creaked open.

The hall beyond shimmered with golden light, crystal chandeliers glittering like stars. Hundreds of eyes turned to me, watching with awe, curiosity, perhaps even fear. My feet moved instinctively, each step echoing across the marble floor as I made my way toward Miss Celesti.

She raised her hand once more and declared, "A week ago, the heavens sent me a vision. A girl descending from the light of the sky, destined to save our world from the creeping evil. She is unlike any before her—stronger, purer, chosen not merely by tradition, but by divine urgency. Her very presence repels darkness. As long as she walks among us, peace shall remain. Our Saintess of Light—Seraphina Ivory!"

As I reached her side, the paladins lowered their heads in solemn respect. The shrine maidens bowed deeply. Applause rippled through the hall, echoing like a hymn.

Miss Celesti leaned toward me and said softly, "There are royal guests who wish to meet you. Come—I will guide you through the crowd."

With every step I took, the echo of her words rang in my heart.

And yet, within me, a single thought lingered—