Page 15 of Insolence (Eisha’s Hidden Codices #1)
Something shifts behind my ribs, reminding me of yesterday’s ravenous hunger. It’s been roiling just beneath my skin ever since. My surroundings are going hazy again, my focus on Elodie rounding the far corner of the room overriding everything else.
“Other than mealtimes and morning prayers, acolytes and the betrothed won’t often interact,” says Delia. “After the Binding Ceremony, each of the betrothed will be carefully placed in other temples throughout the realm to become sisters themselves.”
“What did she just say?” whispers Sadrie.
But I’m transfixed on the Second High Priestess. Focused on the taut pull between us that’s becoming a vibration . Her gaze leveled above my head, she turns down the aisle flanking my side of the desk.
“Like high priestesshood, becoming betrothed to Eisha’s service is lifelong. Meaning, you’ll never rejoin society, marry, or have children,” says Delia.
I’m only vaguely aware of the grumbles going up around the room.
Mask firmly in place, hands clasped behind her back, Elodie avoids my pointed stare with admirable diligence. That is, until she abruptly stops, one desk in front of me.
“It is a blessing and an honor to serve Eisha and this temple,” concludes Delia. “Always remember that you are the privileged few.”
Her expression transforming, Elodie pins me with that familiar, cutting glare of hers. That grave look is such a simple thing, but somehow it unnerves me completely.
The whispers become an alarmed din, which builds in intensity as it travels through the annex. New initiates shoot concerned glances at one another. Murmurs of “Did she say lifelong ?” fill the air, but all of it seems to be happening at a great distance away.
The thread shudders between us, igniting fervor in every nerve ending. Air hisses between my teeth. Nostrils twitching, lips pressed thin, Elodie pivots without warning and walks back the way she came.
What in the damn hell? My hazy mind is slowly clearing, and I shake my head.
“Quite so.” It’s Maida’s turn again. “In the meantime, all residents of Eisha’s temple will observe strict rules as follows: daily schedules shall be adhered to, no questions asked. All tasks and activities are mandatory, with exceptions where sickness or injury may prevent participation.”
Someone behind me is quietly snickering, the sound discordant with the tension filling the room. Cordelia is fighting full-blown laughter when I peek over my shoulder.
“There will be no staying out past lights out,” continues Maida, unruffled, “and no leaving temple grounds without permission and an escort. There will be repercussions if infractions occur, doled out with increasing severity in the instance of recurrence.”
“Sorry, Tiss,” Cordelia mouths, glancing between me and the Second High Priestess’ retreating back.
She noticed my goose egg as soon as I stepped inside Sanctuary Hall. Once she asked about it, Sadrie couldn’t quite conceal her laughter. Whatever excuses I tried to give, Cordelia saw right through me, and we ended up filling her in on the way to class.
My head snaps to the front of the room, aggravation prickling my scalp.
Delia lays out the final caveat: “Most importantly, regardless of what color sphere anybody draws, you will all be expected to maintain chastity. There will be no misconduct with any members of the outside world, any staff here at the temple, and certainly, goddess help you, none between yourselves.”
It’s nothing I haven’t heard before, but it’s different hearing it from a sister in front of a classroom. My heart hammers against my ribs, and I swallow, suddenly parched.
Elodie is leaning against her wall again, eyes on Delia. I’m convinced she can feel my heated stare boring through the side of her face.
The murmurs swell to a frenzied rumble, then everyone is talking at once.
Somebody says, “That’s not fair at all!”
“None of this is fair!” Another initiate raises her voice.
“Do we get a choice?”
Even Sadrie seems agitated. She mutters something I don’t catch before leaning back to exchange words with Cordelia—who doesn’t seem troubled at all.
In fact, Cordelia’s countenance is serene , of all things.
“The goddess will decide. What she ordains is final.” Elodie’s words cut through the buzzing classroom, her attention bouncing between Delia and the disjointed complaints. “Please control yourselves. The quicker we get through this, the sooner we can address your concerns.”
It takes a few moments, but everyone settles down enough for Delia to continue.
“Now, you all knew what you were signing on for when you came here. Doubly so when you offered yourselves for ritual purification.” The way she grips the lectern, the dark brown skin over her knuckles tight with strain, clashes with her light tone.
Maida speaks up again: “As part of the proceedings, the Five will be attending as witnesses. They’re all undertaking long journeys to be at the Ceremony of Induction. We expect each and every one of you to be on your best behavior.”
Somehow, between the priestesses and Sister Delia, we are placated. Our lottery concerns are addressed and suitably smoothed over.
The lesson wears on, and a “protocol” is laid out. Elodie gives me a wide berth. For the remainder of the morning, she limits her intermittent pacing to the other aisles and perimeter walls—everywhere, pretty much, but my immediate vicinity.