Lunch was a polite and lonely affair. I ignored the clerk’s glares and ate as neatly as I could, trying to ignore the dark end of the hall. I’d nearly finished when I heard a commotion out front.
“Oh dear, another one?” the clerk sighed and hurried to open the door. I couldn’t stop myself from leaning forward to see.
“Lies! They’re all lies! I’m innocent!” a brown-haired man screamed, struggling against two large guards. His hands were bound behind his back as the guards dragged him. He fought with all his might but his legs were limp.
“Settle down or we’ll see if you’re in the ten percent that dies from a double-dose of stasis-rod!” the clerk said primly, brandishing a rod to back up her glare.
That’s when I spotted his torso. His shirt draped in tatters from his shoulders and I saw bright, familiar-looking blue stains spiraling out from his core. I shrunk back into my seat, lunch forgotten, and prayed harder than I’d ever prayed. Domina Earth, may they overlook me. If it is Your will, have them forget me, let me be invisible. If he truly be innocent, save him. May Your mercy be great.
“I’m no demon, please,” his shouting had withered into frantic tears and fervent pleas as they neared the heavy, barred doorway. “Blessed Domina knows me, knows my soul!”
I thought about my poppi’s sister and blinked back tears. Hating myself, but knowing there was nothing I could do but join him. Lunch churned in my stomach as I watched the clerk lead the way and unbar the door, sliding the heavy bolt aside. His howls were joined by a chorus, as the stone door was shoved open and they dragged him in.
I swallowed bile. That’s what I’d almost given myself over to. I straightened my pilgrim braids, nervously.
Domina Earth. I am your daughter. I am faithful. Keep me safe. Grant mercy to those poor, doomed beings—possessed or not, and welcome them to Your womb once their torment has ended. May Your mercy be great.
I huddled in the sitting room as the clerk waited, then escorted the guards out. I certainly didn’t want to interrupt, but there was no way back into the stairwell without her key. I’d heard it lock behind me on my way down.
“Domma?” I asked in a small voice before she could return to her table.
“What? Oh, you. Well, come on!” She disdainfully led me back. I trembled by the barred door as she opened the way to the archive’s staircase once more.
As soon as she let me by, I hurried to get back to where I might no longer hear the echoes of the prisoners being purified beneath my feet. Where she was no longer an authority.
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