The atmosphere in the study suddenly felt more oppressive than before. The air seemed to freeze for a moment as Sylvia took the report from Aurelia's hand. Her slender fingers slowly unrolled the parchment sealed with red wax, the emblem of the human territories. Her sharp eyes narrowed as they traced every line of neatly written ink, now nearly dried.
The further she read, the deeper the frown on her forehead became. She could hardly believe the information now laid bare before her. This report was no ordinary document; it was irrefutable proof of the corruption hidden behind the radiant facade of the church and the revered gods.
The once-silent study grew even heavier with the suppressed fury radiating from Sylvia.
She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. Her eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "So this is how it is," she murmured under her breath, barely audible.
