Chapter 25

Baron Fitzcharles had always been a figure of intrigue and wisdom. His lessons, rich with ancient knowledge and practical applications, were designed to equip Cassandra with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of her world.

She was still sitting at a polished oak table, its surface reflecting the soft glow of candlelight, but now in front of her lay a large, clear crystal ball. On the opposite side of the table stood a woman who appeared to be her guide for this session. The woman was short and stocky, with tan skin that glowed warmly in the candlelight. Her steady brown eyes seemed to hold a depth of understanding, while her square face and jaw gave her an air of resolve. The thin eyebrows above her piercing gaze framed her expression with an intensity that was hard to ignore.

"Greetings to the Rising Star of the Empire." The woman approached with grace, her hand gently gripping the helm of her exquisite dress as though it were a sacred banner.

Her dress was nothing short of a masterpiece—an elegant creation that beautifully showcased a harmonious blend of white and yellow hues. The fabric flowed like liquid sunlight, adorned with delicate floral patterns that danced across its surface. Each bloom seemed to tell a story of vitality and renewal, while the ethereal design lent an air of enchantment to her presence. The combination of white and yellow not only radiated warmth but also imparted a sense of sophistication and grace that was unmistakable. It was an outfit typically reserved for high-ranking priests, symbolizing purity and divine connection. Standing there, she embodied the very essence of her role within the temple.

"I am Priestess Alison, from the Dusk Temple," she introduced herself with a voice that resonated with authority and reverence.

The Dusk Temple was a revered religious institution dedicated to the worship of Momir, the God of Dusk, known throughout the realms as the God of the Beginning. Momir was credited with the creation of this world, a divine architect who shaped the land and breathed life into its inhabitants. He was also the father of the Emperor Maximus Julius Albuquerque, a lineage that commanded respect and admiration, along with the five magnificent dragons that roamed the skies, protectors of the realm.

However, after bestowing life upon the dragons, the God Momir chose to withdraw from the affairs of mortals, entrusting his children with the responsibility of guiding humanity. At least, that was the belief that had been passed down through generations. The truth, however, remained elusive. Cassandra often found herself pondering the nature of divine influence, for the God Momir had never graced her with his presence in her dreams or through her book. His name was invoked only during significant events, leaving her with more questions than answers

The Temple of Dusk was a sacred sanctuary, a hallowed ground where individuals from all races could come together in unity. It was not merely a place of worship; it was a refuge for healing, reflection, and prayer. Within its serene walls, the air was thick with an aura of tranquility, a gentle reminder of the power of faith and community. Those blessed with Divinity often took on the roles of priests or priestesses, serving not only as spiritual leaders but also as beacons of hope for those seeking solace. The warm embrace of acceptance permeated the temple, as there were no restrictions preventing these holy figures from marrying and raising families. This familial bond helped to cultivate a nurturing environment, where the next generation of priests and priestesses could emerge and continue the legacy of their forebears.

The priests and priestesses of the Temple of Dusk were entrusted with many responsibilities, each one vital to the functioning of the temple and the well-being of its visitors. Among their various duties, they conducted a multitude of rituals designed to connect the physical and spiritual realms. One of the most significant rituals was the energy determination test, a practice steeped in tradition and mystery. This particular test held great importance as it provided insights into an individual's energy potential, revealing hidden talents and capabilities.

The blank clear crystal that lay before Cassandra was likely intended for this very purpose, serving as a conduit for the energies that would be assessed.

"Under the orders of his Imperial Majesty, I have come from the Temple in order to witness your Imperial Highness's energy." Priestess Alison spoke with such grace and respect, as if talking to her god, her voice flowing like a gentle stream, imbued with reverence and authority.

Perhaps this is why there have never been problems between the Temple and the Emperor; in their eyes, the Emperor is not merely a ruler but the child of that God. His words and actions are thus seen as a direct reflection of divine will. This belief creates a sacred bond between the two institutions, ensuring harmony and cooperation throughout the empire. Since Cassandra was the Emperor's daughter, it made sense that she would also fall into that hallowed category as well. She was the embodiment of royal divinity in the eyes of her people. However, she truly didn't care one way or another about such lofty titles and expectations; she was more concerned with her own identity and what lay ahead for her.

"I will explain how the assessment works." As she spoke, the priestess placed her delicate hand on the crystal ball, her fingers gliding over its smooth surface. "You only need to place your hand on the crystal ball, and it shall react." As she was saying this, the blank, clear ball began to shine and change colors, morphing into something vibrant and alive. Cassandra watched in fascination, her heart racing with a blend of excitement and trepidation. She had seen it in her dreams before, ethereal visions swirling in her sleep, but to witness it in person was an entirely different experience, one that sent shivers down her spine. "As you can see, the crystal ball is now green." Just as Priestess Alison stated, a brilliant green light shone from within the crystal ball, illuminating the room with its enchanting glow.

"It is green due to reacting to divine energy," the priestess explained, her tone filled with authority. She removed her hand from the crystal ball, which had slowly begun to turn back to its original blank and clear state, as if it were a canvas waiting for another masterpiece. "The color of the ball is different depending on the energy you possess." Upon saying this, her gaze turned to one of the maids who were quietly observing in the room. "Would you mind touching the ball for me?"

"Of course not, priestess," the maid replied, stepping forward without hesitation.

Just as she had been instructed by the priestess, the maid placed her hand on the crystal ball, which began to shine once again. However, instead of the expected green hue, a soft light blue emanated from its depths.

"As you can see, this maid possesses spiritual energy, as indicated by the blue light radiating from the crystal," the priestess explained, her voice filled with reverence as she gestured toward the glowing orb. The maid gracefully removed her hand and returned to her position at the back of the chamber, her demeanor calm and composed. "As I mentioned earlier, the colours signify different energies: green represents divine energy, blue is for spiritual energy, purple indicates magical energy, and red corresponds to aura."

Watching this display, Cassandra felt a rush of childlike excitement coursing through her veins. Perhaps it was the nature of her youthful body—still not fully in control of her emotions—that made her heart race with exhilaration. She took a deep breath, determined to mask her feelings, and she was adept at keeping her expression neutral. It was a skill she had honed over the years when she lived as Annabel.

"Then what energy does my father possess?" she asked, curiosity bubbling to the surface. The question slipped from her lips before she could stop herself. It was impossible not to wonder, especially since she had never witnessed the Emperor wield his powers in her memories, dreams, or the countless stories she had heard. His abilities remained a mystery, shrouded in silence.

"His Imperial Majesty?" Priestess Alison seemed taken aback by the sudden inquiry, her eyes widening slightly. Yet, that surprise quickly shifted to a look of admiration. "His Imperial Majesty possesses divine energy." The priestess's tone was laced with awe, a reflection of the reverence the world held for him. "His power is so formidable that he can healing thousands of people with a single breath."

Cassandra watched as the priestess's eyes sparkled with excitement, as if she were speaking of a deity rather than a mere man.

At that moment, a wave of empathy washed over the young princess. She began to feel a pang of sadness for her father, who was viewed in such an exalted manner. It dawned on her that this perception meant he could never let his guard down; he had to maintain an image of perfection, devoid of flaws or weaknesses. Soon, she realized, that burden would also rest upon her shoulders, as she was his daughter, destined to carry the weight of expectation and responsibility that came with their lineage

"Now, shall we begin the test?" Priestess Alison exclaimed, clapping her hands together with a contagious look of excitement. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, revealing just how thrilled she was to be the first to witness the extraordinary energy that Cassandra was rumored to possess. The air in the room felt electric, charged with the promise of revelation. "Please, place your hand on the crystal ball."

Following the instructions that had been given, the princess took a deep breath, steadying herself before she began to move her right hand towards the shimmering crystal. With deliberate slowness, she lowered her hand, finally placing it gently onto the smooth surface. The moment her fingertips made contact, a brilliant light erupted from the centre of the crystal ball, illuminating the dimly lit chamber as it seemed to react to her presence.

"T-That's impossible!" Priestess Alison gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. She stared at the crystal ball, her heart racing, as the vibrant energy radiated outward. What she was witnessing was something beyond words.