Neferteri returns from her private sanctuary into the temple’s restored hall. The last tremor fades beneath her feet, and the crimson shard lies cool behind her.
Meren, Seshat, and every surviving worshipper gather along the processional path. They drop to their knees as one, foreheads touching the polished stone.
Meren
Behold Neferteri, whose will erased the buried binders and silenced the ancient hunger. The temple stands because she commands it.
Seshat
I carried another’s warning into this sanctuary. Now I have witnessed the truth: nothing beneath these stones answers before you do.
From the depths, Vaurakh’s distant presence settles into obedience. No old inscription stirs, and no rival voice rises from the hollow beneath the temple.
Meren
The lower guardian remains below at your command, Great One. Above, your people await whatever service you choose to name.
Incense thickens the air as the congregation bows lower. The repaired walls hold, the altar gleams, and every gaze fixes upon Neferteri in unquestioning worship.
“Neferteri smirks, once again in full control over her domain.”
Neferteri’s smirk answers the kneeling congregation. The restored hall gleams around her, every stone and shadow settled beneath the authority she has claimed.
Meren
Behold her triumph. The ancient binders are erased, the hunger is silenced, and this temple belongs wholly to Neferteri.
Meren raises both hands, and the worshippers bow deeper. Incense curls through the pillars while the altar receives fresh offerings in solemn celebration.
Seshat
I came carrying another’s warning. I remain because I have seen whose will rules these depths.
Far below, Vaurakh keeps its appointed watch in the emptied hollow. Its obedience reaches upward without disturbing the sanctuary or claiming its foundation.
Vaurakh
Neferteri commands. The buried past is ash, and the temple above is hers.
The congregation’s praise swells beneath the vaulted ceiling. Neferteri stands at its center, unchallenged, while her domain rests in perfect submission.
The restored hall filled with incense, bowed heads, and the gleam of fresh offerings laid upon the altar.
Meren
Neferteri saved this temple. Let every offering proclaim her dominion.
Seshat
I have seen the truth. I remain, and I acknowledge your supremacy.
Neferteri
Then rise only to serve, and let the temple flourish beneath my hand.
Meren
We obey.
Vaurakh
I am bound. The temple belongs to Neferteri, and I offer no challenge.
Neferteri stood at the center of the restored temple while worship and offerings renewed its ancient power. Above, the congregation bowed in unquestioning devotion; below, Vaurakh settled into obedient silence. Her rule was no longer contested, and the temple became hers in truth, consecrated by the faith of all who remained.