Those who had been wronged felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Even the priests who had thought to defend Ignathor sighed and closed their eyes, realizing there was no point in intervening.
Words from others could be questioned, but when the message came straight from the Moon Goddess, there was no doubt. Showing any leniency to someone like Ignathor, who had tainted the temple's honor, was already an act of grace.
Ignathor knew that all hope was lost. He clung to the ground, pressing his forehead harder, fingers digging into the stone until they bled.
Then, as if something snapped inside him, he began to laugh—a sound so twisted and cold it made everyone around him shiver.
Lifting his head abruptly, he fixed a fierce glare on Arix and snarled, "I'm no sinner! I did nothing wrong! People have to look out for themselves, or they're doomed. You're in no position to judge me for that!"