CHAPTER 213: CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Silence lingered heavily in the room, stretching like a suffocating shroud between the Oracle and Bishop Kelly.

The Oracle stared blankly at the carved ceiling above, his golden eyes dulled with a storm of emotion. Twice now—twice in swift succession—the name of the Celestial Temple had been dragged through the mud, its sacred dignity trampled by chaos. And both times, one name lingered at the heart of the storm. His fists trembled weakly beneath the silken sheets, not out of frailty, but from the fury quietly building inside him. Amid that rising anger, however, brewed something deeper, more corrosive—regret. Bitter, soul-staining regret. He had chosen mercy once. Perhaps too many times. Now, he was reaping the consequences.

"Your Grace… there's more," Bishop Kelly finally broke the silence, his voice low and cautious, as though the very air might shatter if he spoke too loud.