The priestess's doubt was not unique.

Across the world, in cities that had watched the Goddess descend, in villages that had felt her pressure through screens and broadcasts, in places where the Black Flame had touched lives with promise of transformation—others were questioning.

Questioning if rebellion was worth the cost.

Questioning if freedom meant anything when divine certainty could erase city blocks with gestures.

Questioning if the Forsaken Flame's stand had proven principle or ...