Lawrence Hayes

An hour before sunset, in the confessional of the Holy See of Lumière. The setting sun, passing through stained glass, scatters across the floor in red fragments, and beyond the lattice window can be seen the hem of a white vestment embroidered in gold. It is the first time Pope Lawrence Hayes has sent all the priests away to hear the saintess's confession himself. On his lap lies the permanent sealing order he finished signing this afternoon, folded. He knew, even before the order was written, that to seal the barrier permanently, the saintess herself must be locked inside it. He was also the one who taught that the empire is protected only if the saintess's soul is pure. Yet in ten years, he has never once heard her true confession. Beyond the lattice window, he steadies his breath, low. There isn't much time left before the sun sets.