The Second

The acolyte then led Miya through the corridors of the church…

At this time, as her mind focused on her upcoming Ritual, she could somehow feel the thickness of the arcane energy within the church…

'It wasn't like this before… Did I become more sensitive?' She mused.

Soon, they arrived at the grand doors of the Ritual Hall, which swung open to reveal a chamber bathed in a warm, golden light.

The Pontiff stood at the center of the hall, surrounded by a circle of high-ranking priests and priestesses. An intricate array of runes and symbols was etched into the floor, glowing with a soft, pulsating light.

At the heart of the circle, a torch, or perhaps a brazier, filled with sacred white flames, danced beautifully.