It was the next morning. The dark circles in Ophelia's eyes were more pronounced than ever. It was clear that she hadn't slept a wink. Yet the temple was a busy place. The halls were already bustling with footsteps, chatters, and the clatter of trays. Sleep was not an option.

During breakfast, a sudden quiet befell the chamber when one of the priestesses walked in.

“There has been an addition to the family of the gods. May I present to you: Kaia. From this day forward, she will live and serve within our temple.” she said in a cold, authoritative tone.

Besides her stood Kaia, who had now put on the official uniform of the temple, and with it a terrible frown. Ophelia could guess what was going on in his head. After all, it's not an easy task to deceive a whole temple. 

“Kaia will take on the tasks and room of Katalya” she announced before calling Ophelia over,

“You will be her guide from now on, Ophelia, make sure she feels comfortable and settles in her new tasks as soon as possible.”

“Of course, I will do my best,” she said in an obedient tone, while stealing a glance at Kaia.

Kaia learned her assigned tasks and met the other girls living in the temple. Contrary to Ophelia’s worries, everything went smoothly.Kaia kept to herself, speaking little and completing her chores quietly, which drew little attention.

The evening descended quietly. It was now time to retire to the sleeping chambers. In the west wing, at the end of a long corridor, stood the small room now shared by Ophelia and Kaia. For Ophelia, the thought of living together filled her with unease. She wasn’t sure how this cohabitation would work, or how long the calm would last...