The Ordination of the Novice

d the stone walls, and droplets clung like beads of glass to the carved faces of saints and martyrs. Emily's heart beat

nsteady shadows against ancient walls. Emily smelled wax, damp straw, and something

salvation. The wood bore deep grooves worn by countless hands - novices,

novices grow, fail, and rise again. "Speak plainly, child," she murmured, voi

throat tight. "I

er a moment longer than necessary. Then she pushed the

hat pooled across worn tapestries and shelves heavy with scrolls bound in cracked leather. Against the f

is habit, yet the calm force of his gaze remained unchanged. His silvered beard framed a mouth

s soft but resonant in the sti

steady. "Yes, Father Abbot. I ask on

u believe remai

hispered into darkness, friendships she had left to rot in silence, and truths glimpse

o swift to name. "Truth," he repeated, as if tasting the word. "A dangerous

ied, though fear stirred l

u have been absent," he continued, voice low. "In your absence, others have risen. The rites of or

herself not to look away. "A

the Abbot spoke again, gentler but no less firm. "You will rejoin the novices, not as one apart, but as one among them. You will t

relief and dread tightening in he

nger, then moved to the doorwa

, perhaps, yet she carried herself with a poise that made the difference seem far greater. Her dark eyes we

said, her voice low and c

be returning to your group. S

ily, her expression unread

w no open hostility, but neither warmth nor welcome. Here, she realized, stood the novice whose whis

ay. Annalise stepped aside, waiting for Emily to follow. As they walked, robe

ise said, her tone measured, not un

replied, voice

tinued, turning her gaze forward, "that

ven. "I did not come to be welcomed," she said quietly

to be called a smile. "Truth can be costly," she mur

spilling morning light across cracked tiles, the air tinged with wax and damp stone. Emily's footste

"You will find your old cell prepared," she said. "Morning chores beg

ed her head.

ked, arching an eyebrow

er gaze eve

aving Emily alone in the hush of the corridor. The silence p

p into her bones. The path ahead would not be gentle - nor free from s

back to for

memory and regret, Emily felt a

the truth, no