CHAPTER 85: CH 85: BLAME - PART 4

The faint metallic clang of approaching footsteps pulled Kana’s gaze to the narrow window in her cell door.

She had been sitting quietly, legs drawn up, mind caught in a fog of unanswered questions, when Sergeant Delran’s shadow appeared.

The woman stepped inside, her usual composed expression noticeably strained, lips pressed into a thin line.

"Kana, someone has come to meet you."

Delran began, tone unusually cautious.

She hesitated, shifting her weight slightly.

"You have every right to refuse this visit."

That alone was enough to pique Kana’s curiosity.

Delran’s eyes flickered, as though debating whether to elaborate, but before Kana could press for an answer, the choice was made for them both.

From the far end of the corridor, a man in immaculate white-and-gold robes strode forward with measured confidence.

The air around him carried a faint shimmer, like sunlight rippling over water. His face bore a smile that seemed warm, yet too polished, too deliberate.

"Well now, you must be Kana."

He said, stopping just outside her cell,

Kana rose to her feet instinctively, studying him.

"High Priest Rudy? What is someone as esteemed as you doing here?"

She asked, unable to hide her surprise.

The man’s smile deepened, and as he spoke, she felt something invisible brush against her mind—a soft, persuasive warmth that wasn’t her own.

Her system’s crisp, impersonal voice interrupted instantly:

[Mental Manipulation Detected: Nullified. Max Resistance Engaged.]

The magic was harmless to her, but the sensation still sent a shiver crawling down her spine.

"I heard troubling things about your situation. I came to assure you that you are not alone."

Rudy said, his voice rich with false concern.

He stepped closer, the gentle glint in his eyes belying the intent behind them. His hand settled on her shoulder, the pressure light but deliberate.

"Even if others have abandoned you, you can count on me. I will see to it that any injustice done to you—especially by High Priestess Jenna—is undone."

He murmured.

Kana kept her expression controlled, tilting her head slightly.

"High Priestess Jenna? Why would you bring her up?"

She echoed softly.

His eyes sharpened almost imperceptibly before his smile returned. Another wave of magic pressed against her mind, subtler this time, but just as ineffective.

[Mental Manipulation Detected: Nullified.]

"Because, she is the reason you are here. It was her order that led to your detainment."

He said smoothly.

Kana feigned a hesitant frown, letting her gaze drop to the floor as if the words were sinking in. Inside, she felt the steady thrum of certainty—the man before her was dangerous.

Every word was a carefully placed hook, every gesture part of a net he was trying to weave around her.

If she reacted with open defiance, she would gain nothing. But if she played along... perhaps she could learn more.

Her shoulders trembled just enough to seem believable when she looked back up at him.

"If... if what you say is true, what can I do to save myself?"

The high priest’s smile widened, his voice dipping into a coaxing tone.

"It’s simple. You only need to testify against High Priestess Jenna in the next trial. Do that, and I will see to it that you walk free."

He spoke the words like a promise, but to Kana, they rang like a bargain with something poisonous, wrapped in silk. Inside, her system remained silent now, but she could almost feel it bracing for more attempts.

Kana forced herself to nod slowly, her mind already spinning—not about agreeing, but about how to turn his own game against him.

Kana let the silence stretch for a heartbeat, letting the weight of his words settle between them.

She didn’t want to respond too quickly—predators could sense eagerness, and High Priest Rudy struck her as exactly the sort of man who fed on it.

Her fingers tightened around the hem of her sleeve, drawing his attention to the subtle tremor in her hands. She wasn’t trembling out of fear, but he didn’t need to know that.

"You’d... really help me?"

She asked, voice pitched low, a little shaky.

"Of course. No one deserves to be treated like this, least of all someone with your... potential."

Rudy replied instantly, as if the idea of refusal was unthinkable. He leaned a fraction closer, his tone rich with fabricated warmth.

Another faint brush of magic rolled toward her mind, this one colder, like a whisper of shadow curling around her thoughts.

[Mental Manipulation Detected: Nullified.]

Kana hid the involuntary tightening of her jaw. He still didn’t know his magic wasn’t working, and she intended to keep it that way.

"What... would I have to say?"

She murmured, looking as though she feared the answer.

Rudy’s smile carried just enough gravity to suggest sympathy.

"The truth, of course. That Jenna acted without cause. That she sought to silence you for reasons only she could benefit from. Your testimony will open the council’s eyes to her abuse of power."

Kana tilted her head, feigning doubt.

"And if I say no?"

The high priest’s expression didn’t falter, but there was the faintest flicker in his eyes—something sharp, assessing.

"Then you will remain here until the trial concludes," he said smoothly, "and I cannot guarantee the verdict will be in your favor. Jenna’s influence runs deep. You would be... vulnerable."

He let the word hang, heavy and deliberate.

Kana forced herself to look uneasy, glancing toward the door as though calculating her chances of escape.

"I don’t know if I can stand against her..."

She whispered.

"That’s why I’m offering you my hand. Take it, and I will shield you. Together, we can ensure justice is served."

Rudy said, his voice dipping into that persuasive cadence again.

Kana met his gaze for a fraction longer than was wise, letting the faintest trace of hesitation curl her lips.

Inside, she was cataloging every detail—his manner, his tactics, his choice of words.

She had her answer now. High Priest Rudy wasn’t here to help her. He was here to recruit her as a weapon against Jenna.

And if he thought she was going to be an obedient pawn, then he had underestimated her badly.