Chapter 399.1

The heavy oak door creaked open, and the priests swept into the room. The Anikas, who had been engaged in hushed conversations, fell silent, their gazes snapping towards the newcomers. Once a respectful quiet settled, the lead priest addressed the gathering.

“Today, we have three spots available for the underground prayer room. As a reminder, priority is given to those who haven’t been before. Who would like to volunteer?”

One of the Anikas stepped forward, her voice firm. “It’s my turn today.”

Katie watched the scene unfold from a corner, her brow furrowed in thought. ‘The underground prayer room…’ The cryptic note left by Pides in their secret hiding spot offered no explanation. But ten days ago, the priests’ visit and their mention of this very room had sent shivers down her spine. The news that Anikas who visited the prayer room were then allowed a brief, supervised excursion outside the Holy Palace was a tantalizing prospect for those confined within its walls for so long.

Half a day, yes, and only with a knight escort, but the mere mention of the outside world was a powerful lure for the Anikas. Katie yearned to warn them, but the specifics of the situation eluded her. Fear of drawing unwanted attention with unnecessary pronouncements held her tongue. The most she could manage was a quiet word of caution to Anika Anne, who seemed particularly eager to secure this coveted outing pass.

A swarm of Anikas descended on the one returning from the prayer room, their questions a rapid-fire barrage. The Anika answered nonchalantly, “I just prayed. Except for the gloomy atmosphere of the dark prayer room, there was nothing special.”

That was it. Half a day out and back, and she’d even returned with sweet snacks and coveted cosmetics, fueling the envy of the others. Suddenly, everyone wanted a turn in the prayer room.

But Katie, a keen observer, noticed a peculiarity. The Anikas who visited the prayer room returned looking utterly drained. Invariably, they’d oversleep the next morning, even those who were usually early risers, waking up closer to noon.

After ten days, a few sharp Anikas began to suspect something amiss. A subtle divide emerged, a split between those yearning for the outing pass offered with the prayer room visit, and those who balked.

Katie pondered how the priests would react if, one day, no Anikas volunteered. ‘Would they force someone?’ she wondered. When she voiced this concern to Anika Anne, Anne scoffed, “Oh, no way.” But a seed of doubt had been planted in Katie’s mind.

“One more volunteer needed,” the priest announced. Two Anikas stepped forward. He then looked expectantly for the final participant.

“I want to go!” Anika Heather’s hand shot up, her eagerness evident. The priest, however, was faced with a dilemma. He’d been instructed to only allow adult Anikas into the underground prayer room, and Anika Heather was a mere eighteen.

“Anika Heather,” the priest began, mirroring his earlier statement, “as I mentioned before…”

Heather interrupted, defiance lacing her voice. “Why not? I can handle it!”

“Your aura,” the priest explained patiently, “is still unstable. This particular prayer is intended for Anika priests with a fully formed, pure aura.”

Anikas typically began experiencing lucid dreams around twelve or thirteen. However, their Ramita usually matured around adulthood. While young, the cycles of lucid dreaming were erratic, but they became consistent after reaching adulthood.

“Then let me find another way to get an outing pass,” Heather countered, her frustration evident. “I’ve been cooped up in this Holy Palace for over a month! I want to see my family again. Or better yet, let me see His Holiness and plead my case directly.”

The priest hesitated. “Well… if you truly insist,” he began cautiously, “there is a medicine that can help stabilize your aura…”

Katie’s heart plummeted. The priest’s hesitation, followed by his mention of a strange medicine, sent a jolt of fear through her. This couldn’t be good. A young Anika, barely an adult, shouldn’t be subjected to such an unknown treatment. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“I’ll go,” Katie declared, stepping forward.

Relief washed over the priest’s face. He quickly moved to finalize the arrangements.

“However,” Katie added, “I don’t need the outing pass. Give it to Anika Heather instead. Is that alright?”

“Certainly,” the priest agreed.

Heather, who had been fuming at Katie for stealing her chance, was speechless. Recovering quickly, she hurried after Katie, calling out a grateful, “Thank you, Anika Katie!”

Katie smiled warmly and offered a gentle pat to Heather’s shoulder. Heather watched Katie walk away, her face filled with gratitude.