The two torches on the colonnade held back the thick fog at the outskirts of the Sacred Ground. When Shade entered the temple, however, he found four figures sitting by the fire.
Lady Thorn, wearing her blindfold, and the elderly twin Old Witches, Mrs. Victor, were still here. The additional person by the fire was a pregnant woman.
Since she was pregnant, she obviously could not be a witch. Other people seeking the gods' help might appear here in the first place, so although Shade hesitated slightly, he was not particularly surprised.
Before Shade appeared, this place had likely been steeped in silence for a long time. His Appearance seemed to shatter the stagnant spacetime, and several pairs of eyes turned towards the entrance together. Though Lady Thorn had no sight, her senses told her who had returned:
"Mr. Hamilton, is that you?"
Her voice was very hoarse. Clearly, she had not spoken for a long time.
"Yes. Do you need to verify whether I am a memory?"
Shade asked. The weakened Old Witches could not stop Shade, and the pregnant woman was even less likely to prevent him from approaching. Lady Thorn shook her head and pushed herself up from the ground to welcome Shade:
"That will not be necessary. You have been gone for a very, very long time. The others and I went outside several times, and I discovered that only memories concerning you do not form an illusion of you. You seem to be special, possessing some sort of uniqueness."
"Is that so?"
Shade had not known he possessed such an ability, but it was a good thing that he did not need to verify his identity again.
He told Lady Thorn that she did not need to stand. Then he nodded to the two Old