The evening bells had just stopped. The night had fallen and everyone was sleeping. Everyone except Ophelia. She moved soundlessly through the main praying hall toward the Truth Chambers.The candlelight flickered through the stone corridors, mirroring Ophelia's tremor beneath her calm. 

Usually no one checked inside the chambers before closing the prayer hall for the night. But if someone had,  it would ruin everything. The distance felt too long, each step heavier than the last. Hopefully, Khiel was still there. The incertitude was killing her…

“Knock Knock…”

No one responded. “Is Khiel really there?” she thought. Then she slowly opened the back door and entered.

“You are as silent as a cat. I didn't hear you coming so I didn't respond at all.” whispered Khiel through the lace veil.

“I’m trying my best not to be noticed. It won't end well for either of us if we are caught now.”

“Yes I know… the risk is great, especially for you.”

“That won't happen, especially if you follow my lead,” she responded.

“So, what’s the plan? I’m hoping it’s as good as you make it sound.”

“It's easy, my mom will help us. More specifically her ring. She had a special power that allowed her to disguise herself perfectly. Without leaving any trace of magic. Her ability was sealed within the ring that I will give you. As long as you wear it, no one can recognise who you really are” she explained calmly

“That doesn't sound too bad. What should I transform to?

“A woman of course! Not even animals are allowed inside. So the only possible option is that.”

Khiel stayed silent for a bit before responding. “... I must admit, I am not really a fan of this idea. But realistically we have no other option so I must do as you say.”

“I understand. I thought long and hard about it, but it's the only possibility. All you have to do is put it on your pinky finger and just think about what you want to look like.”

Ophelia slid the ring under the veil, on Khiel’s side.  He took it and inspected it for a while. It didn't look special at all. Just a silver band. No gems. No inscriptions.Yet the air between them felt charged, waiting.”

“Before I do this, where is my mother? Won't people be suspicious if a strange woman appears in the middle of the night?”

“Dont worry, for the moment she is in a separate room. Since they don't know the cause of her sickness yet, they wanted to rule out an infection.”

“All right,” Khiel murmured. “Then… it’s time to see my mother.”