Chapter Text
“I would rather keep it, miss.” Your hand trembled as it made contact with the silver figure dangling between your breasts. “It’s... sentimental.”
The Sister tutted, unconvinced. The furrow between her eyebrows deepened. “There’s no room for expression here at the Abbey as an initiate. No special treatment, regardless of the circumstances of your arrival.” You met her stony eyes briefly, blinking away tears of frustration before adverting your gaze. Weak, you chided yourself, don’t be so weak.
The older woman’s mouth puckered as you hesitantly undid the clasp of the necklace, finally letting the silver chain pool in her outstretched palm. Her fingers closed over the figure, tucking it neatly into the pocket of her black frock. “You’ll get it back when you commit, child.”
With your head bowed, you felt, rather than saw, the Sister turn neatly on her heel. A gust of air ruffled your clothes and deadened your choked gasp as the heavy oak door slammed home.