Clara stood motionless as the massive church doors slowly slid shut on their own with a deep mechanical rumble. The final echo lingered throughout the silent parish before fading completely, leaving only the faint sound of her own breathing. The body outside, the shattered phone, the blood staining the road, all of it vanished behind the sealed entrance as though the church itself had decided that chapter was over.
For several long moments, neither of them spoke.
Clara slowly turned around and faced Faceless once more. This time she gave him her full attention. She no longer looked at the throne or the magnificent altar behind him. Her eyes remained fixed on the masked figure seated calmly before her. She did not bother concealing the frown etched across her face.
"Was that necessary?" Clara asked quietly.
Faceless remained silent for a moment. His calm eyes observed her expression as though weighing the sincerity behind her question. Eventually, he gave a firm nod.
"Yes."
