The accusations weighed heavy on Kana's chest as she tried to defend herself.
Words tumbled out of her mouth, reason after reason, reminder after reminder that she had been with the High Priestess, that she had already been cleared.
But no matter what she said, the guard's expression did not shift. His eyes held that familiar disdain, that smug certainty that she was guilty simply because he had already decided she was.
Every time Kana tried to speak, his tone only grew sharper, cutting across her explanations like a knife, dismissing her entirely.
Her heart thudded with helplessness. This wasn't a discussion—it was a verdict he had written before she even opened her mouth.
Beside her, Irielle's arms crossed and her voice rang with irritation.
"Kana, enough. I told you this was pointless. Let's just leave."
Kana's lips parted to argue, but something in Irielle's tone stopped her. Perhaps she was right.
