Under the starry Exonory night, the temple stood in quiet reverence, its long stone hallways lit by flickering torchlight that danced across ancient walls.
Stella's steps echoed gently as she made her way inside, her white priestess gown slightly rumpled from hours of strenuous purification. A soft sigh slipped from her lips.
"Uuugh… I seriously need a bath. I'm soaked in sweat," she mumbled to herself, rubbing the back of her neck with an awkward smile. "Purifying that whole cursed area was like scrubbing a stain off a demon's diary."
Behind her, her four elite guards followed closely, silent and vigilant. Just as she reached a carved archway, a small voice piped up.
"Welcome back, Sister Stella!"
A cute young apprentice girl stood there, beaming brightly as she gave a polite bow.
Stella perked up immediately and returned the bow with her usual warm, cheerful smile.
"Thank you! You're such a sweetheart~"
