The priestess's hand withdrew.

Not toward acceptance. Not toward defiance. Just... away. Retreating from choice that felt too enormous, too final, too much like betraying everything she'd built her faith around.

The Goddess's expression didn't change. Just patient. Knowing.

"The offer remains." Her voice was gentle. "When you're ready. When doubt becomes certainty. When you understand that I was right all along."

She withdrew, returning her attention to directing the assault's final phases. ...