The journey to the Great Library was marked by a tense silence, each mile traveled heavy with the weight of uncertainty and concern. As the grand spires of the Library came into view, a beacon of knowledge amidst the sprawling landscape, a faint glimmer of hope stirred in the hearts of Lilian's companions.
Upon arrival, the group was swiftly ushered into the inner sanctum of the Library, a place where ancient texts and magical tomes lined the walls from floor to ceiling. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and old leather, a testament to centuries of accumulated wisdom. Lilian, though weak, was alert and aware, her eyes scanning the vast collection with a mixture of awe and urgency.
They were greeted by High Priest Alden, an elderly man known for his profound knowledge of magical lore and divine matters. His eyes, sharp and piercing, quickly took in Lilian's pale appearance and the anxious faces of her family and friends.
"Welcome," Alden began, his voice resonant within the hallowed walls. "I understand we face a grave matter. Let us waste no time."
Duke Alistair quickly explained Lilian's condition and the peculiar symptoms that had baffled their local physicians. As he spoke, Alden nodded slowly, his expression turning increasingly grave.
"Show me the lady’s hands," Alden instructed, turning his attention directly to Lilian. Gently taking her hands in his, he examined them closely, his fingers tracing the faint lines of energy that shimmered beneath her skin. Suddenly, his eyes widened, a look of realization dawning upon his features.
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"Ah, it is as I feared," Alden murmured. He released Lilian's hands and stepped back, addressing the group with a solemn tone. "Lady Lilian is under the protection of a powerful patron—a deity known as the Scarlet God, revered for its association with ambition, wit, and the freedom to forge one's path."
The room fell silent, the revelation sinking in. Lilian, absorbing the words, felt a mixture of fear and clarity. "What does this mean, exactly?" she asked, her voice steady despite her frailty.
Alden walked over to a large, ancient tapestry on the wall, depicting various gods and their symbols. He pointed to a vibrant scarlet thread woven into the fabric, forming the symbol of a path diverging into multiple directions. "It means that your life, your choices, are of divine interest. The Scarlet God values independence above all. Your arranged marriage to Prince Adrian... it goes against the very essence of what this deity stands for."
Before more questions could be raised, a sudden glow emanated from the wall behind the tapestry. The fabric fluttered as if caught in a breeze, and then, as if compelled by some unseen force, it fell away, revealing a series of ancient symbols that began to glow with a scarlet light.
Alden, stepping closer, began to read the symbols aloud. His voice took on a reverent tone as he translated the divine script: "‘The union formed without choice shall not stand. To bind the chosen is to invite the doom of the kingdom.’"
The implications of the prophecy were stark and immediate. Lilian’s marriage to Adrian wasn’t merely a personal misfortune—it posed a threat to the very stability of the kingdom.
As the group digested the gravity of the situation, Duke Alistair turned to Lilian, determination etching his features. "We must make this known. The kingdom cannot afford to ignore a divine warning."
Lilian nodded, a newfound resolve strengthening her voice. "Yes, we need to act. Not just for my sake, but for the sake of all. This... marriage cannot proceed."