Chapter 75: The Pope's Quiet Weight
The high‑ranking cleric turned without waiting, his white‑and‑gold robes swishing softly as he led the way deeper into the chapel.
Hannah fell into step beside Sister Mary, her hand brushing the black‑gold egg beneath her tunic every few paces, as if reassuring both it and herself.
Ren lay coiled tight and invisible on her shoulder, his tiny presence sharp and watchful, no longer snarking — only alert.
Old man smells like old light and lies, he muttered in her head. Don't let him look too long at the egg.
I won't, Hannah replied silently.
Sister Mary's hands trembled at her sides, her green eyes fixed on the floor. She kept her head bowed, as if expecting rebuke with every step.
To be summoned by the Pope was unthinkable for a sister already looked upon with suspicion; every part of her expected condemnation, not conversation.
