The Nun's Confession: 9. Ashes and Grace

The proclamation came at dawn.

The chapel bell rang, not for Mass, but for judgment. Villagers gathered, whispering. Emilia clutched Lucien’s hand as they stood at the edge of the crowd.

Raphael stood at the altar, his voice booming with authority. “Lucien, former priest of this Diocese. Emilia, former bride of Christ. You have abandoned your vows. You have chosen flesh over spirit, desire over God. Today, the Church casts you out.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Emilia felt every eye burning into her skin, branding her as a whore, as a ruin.

Raphael raised the Book. “Your names shall be struck from the registry. You are no longer of the fold. No priest shall hear your confession, no holy oil touch your brow. You belong to the shadows now.”

Lucien’s hand trembled in hers, but he stepped forward, his voice fierce. “If you strike my name, strike it. But know this—I left not because I ceased to believe, but because I chose to love. And love, Father Rap