And certainly, nothing escaped the eyes of the Temple. Word soon reached the High Priests about the secret meetings between the two young men. Naturally, they were far from pleased to hear of any of it.
Before long, both Raniel and Ilyan were summoned before the elderly men and women.
Raniel didn't utter a single word. He stood perfectly still with his head lowered, while Ilyan met High Priest I's gaze without looking away.
Among those seated, his eyes also landed on High Priestess II—Vincent's mother.
Not a trace of a smile rested upon the woman's lips. Her eyebrows remained relaxed, almost gentle, yet somehow that expression made her appear even more displeased with the situation. It was impossible to tell what she was thinking.
"And who gave you the right to go against my orders?" High Priest I asked, his voice cold and sharp enough to make the hall feel several degrees colder.
Both Ilyan and Raniel flinched.
