Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
The hallway was long, winding through the upper level of the Chapel like a labyrinth. One of the rooms was the one where I had my Isle education. Seraphine stopped in front of a large, arched door; its heavy wood was adorned with a golden plaque that bore the word Sacrarium. The door looked ancient and imposing, its surface scarred by years of ritual. “This is the viewing room,” she murmured, her voice soft as she stepped forward to push the door open.
I moved into a secluded space that was removed from the main area of the Chapel, but with a curved glass wall to observe the goings-on down below. Its lavish interior, with plush seating and intricate wall designs, offered both discretion and opulence. Keres and Pandora were already there, both dressed similarly to how they’d been the last time we were together. Keres, with her silver-white hair that stood out against her smooth, brown skin, had a quick, almost defiant energy about her, like she was ready to challenge something. Pandora, on the other hand, had a quiet, almost ethereal quality. Her pale skin contrasted with the dark waves of hair that framed her face.
“Hey, you,” Keres greeted me quietly.
“Hi,” I returned her greeting and the gentle squeeze of Pandora’s delicate hand as it wrapped around mine. She had the softest skin I’d ever felt.
I glanced down and saw her nails were painted a shimmery gold color. They matched her silk blindfold perfectly. Unsure if it would be rude or offensive to ask a woman who couldn’t see if she’d painted them herself, I kept my mouth shut.
“It is so lovely to see all of you again so soon,” Seraphine lilted as she gently closed the door to the room, her deep red dress flowing with her movements. Turning to face us, she explained, “This space is designed for observing the service. Those below cannot see inside, and some are not even aware of its existence. There is another, similar room that allows viewing from both sides, but for you, as an Electi still in the learning phase, this is more suitable.”
Pandora turned her head towards Seraphine’s voice and asked, “What will be happening here tonight?”
“Excellent question.” She walked to a dial on the wall and slowly turned it, dimming the overhead light.
"Tonight, you will witness Tenebris Consummatum, one of the three primary services held in this Chapel. It happens on the last evening of the month while the Luminis Inceptum service takes place on the sixth night of each month. We consider that the start of a thirty-day cycle on the Isle.”
She paused for a moment, allowing her words to settle among us. "And then we have Sermones every Thursday. Those are non-obligatory services and a time for quiet reflection, but while less formal, it's no less important for those seeking deeper understanding or wanting to voice a concern to our Diabolus." She moved to the front window, but off to the side so that we all had a clear view. “It’s time.”
I shared a quick look with Keres, both of us unsure what to make of her excitement. She was normally the picture of composed.
The service began with the lights in the main room blinking off, leaving just one that dimly shined down on the altar and Devil statue. Candles and sconces replaced them, casting long shadows over the walls. It gave the space a haunting, almost ethereal atmosphere. The low hum of an organ filled the air, its deep, somber notes vibrating through the floor, sending a chill down my spine. Moments later, the sound of a hymn joined in—low, almost mournful. Masked men and women began to move down the Chapel aisle, their steps in perfect sync as they started to sing.
Keres leaned in slightly, her voice low but curious. "They have a choir?" she asked, clearly taken aback by the haunting harmony filling the air.
"Of course," came a quiet reply. Selena had slipped in unnoticed, now standing just behind us, her presence as ghostly as the music. Her voice carried a matter-of-fact tone, as though this was the most natural thing in the world.
Keres’ eyes narrowed as the first verse began.
"In shadows we gather, the faithful, the chosen,
Beneath the crescent moon's chilling embrace.
The Isle as our witness, in darkness we’re woven,
Bound by our vows, we find our place."
“They sound brainwashed.” Her tone was sharp, cutting through the somber melody, but there was something beneath the sarcasm—a hint of unease.
I didn’t respond. The choir continued, their voices a dark lullaby.
"Chains of obedience, links of the creed,
Bind us together, fulfill every need.
In the dark's embrace, we surrender, we plead,
Guide us, oh Diabolus, in thought, word, and deed."
Pandora shifted beside me, her head facing forward as if she too, was watching the procession below. I leaned over and quietly began to explain the scene as best I could to her. She nodded along so I hoped that meant I was doing a good enough job. The choir switched to a foreign dialect for the next two verses and then as they reached the front of the Chapel and split off in different directions, the outro drifted through the air like a final, damning proclamation.