Hiereiai is the plural, much like the royal We. There are more than just the one priestess (Calisto), however I will go back and double check on that intent.
The fear and the "thing" in the cave is something beyond Calisto's ability to handle. It is as legendary to her as she is to simps like Sharon.
Laurie speculation. If she is going to be saved from doom, it will be by Sharon. That likely means by embracing her. Whether it costs Sharon her life or not remains to be seen. *meaning does Sharon choose to save Laurie instead of saving herself.
Carmen is almost definitely going to become a Vampire under the MC if you have been good to her. She will likely not be alive if she does not become a vampire or a thrall soon.
Calisto has fed the MC her blood once. She may well intend to complete the blood bond while she is here this time. That may be more important than the sex she may or may not have with him. (Blood Dolls can tank him up if needed, Carmen and Laurie if needed as well). Personally, I do not care if there is sex in this chapter with her or not.
The guys have not posted a road map for the rest of the chapter. What is almost certain is that Calisto is away from the Temple and now is a chance for an enemy to strike at her. My choice is Virgil/Arca as I have said many times. Certainly some pieces are in play to make that happen.
Calisto is in charge of everything around her... that she knows of... but not necessarily by direct blood bond.
We shall see how it goes.
With the Princeps' knowledge of Astrid being held(could mean direct action), Virgil activity, Eloise in town, Malia likely in town, Marcius having interests in town, Marcus having two crazy Nos in town-and likely coming to see what is up, Fabian, Cindy, Calisto, Sharon, and the MC in town, dark and scary in the cave, Vision Girl in our head, our latest weird vision, large hand tools, , it is going to potentially be a real blood bath soon.
Tarantino style..... with rubber gloves and boots and a rain coat not included.
Good stuff!
Peace