On the day of the sacrificial ritual, several black limousines were parked outside the Monastery.
The elderly Jacob Hearn stepped out of his car, the wrinkles on his face as deep as knife-cut grooves. His hair was snow-white, exposing a broad forehead.
He wore an exceptionally lavish black robe, with dark silver embroidery edging its collar and cuffs. A solid silver badge gleamed on his chest.
Four attendants followed with bowed heads and lowered eyes as the party climbed the stone steps outside the Monastery.
The Monastery's main doors stood open.
A figure in a black robe stood just inside, head bowed in respectful welcome.
Jacob approached the figure, swept his gaze over her, and asked impatiently, "Where's Matthew?"
The black-robed figure kept her head lowered, her voice especially sweet and soft. "Brother Matthew sent me to welcome you, High Priest."
Jacob frowned.
"On a day this important, why didn't he come himself?" A trace of displeasure had crept into his voice. "Get everyone here to see me at once. I want to review all the proceedings one last time before the ritual."
Those people had no sense of propriety. Sending a female worshipper in their stead was simply unacceptable.
His gaze swept over the contours visible beneath the edge of her hood-
The soft lines of her cheeks, her delicate skin, and the tender color of her lips clearly did not belong to an impoverished believer living in the Monastery.
The black-robed woman slowly raised her head.
Her hood slid back with the movement, revealing an enchanting face.
A knowing smile played at the corners of her mouth. "Of course... please rest in the Lounge for a moment, High Priest. I'll tell everyone to come see you right away."
Jacob's gaze lingered on her face for two seconds.
Those