Page 11 of Semper

The service began with the lights in the main room blinking off, leaving just one that dimly shined down on the altar and Devil statue. Candles and sconces replaced them, casting long shadows over the walls. It gave the space a haunting, almostethereal atmosphere. The low hum of an organ filled the air, its deep, somber notes vibrating through the floor, sending a chill down my spine. Moments later, the sound of a hymn joined in—low, almost mournful. Masked men and women began to move down the Chapel aisle, their steps in perfect sync as they started to sing.

Keres leaned in slightly, her voice low but curious. "They have a choir?" she asked, clearly taken aback by the haunting harmony filling the air.

"Of course," came a quiet reply. Selena had slipped in unnoticed, now standing just behind us, her presence as ghostly as the music. Her voice carried a matter-of-fact tone, as though this was the most natural thing in the world.

Keres’ eyes narrowed as the first verse began.

"In shadows we gather, the faithful, the chosen,

Beneath the crescent moon's chilling embrace.

The Isle as our witness, in darkness we’re woven,

Bound by our vows, we find our place."

“They sound brainwashed.” Her tone was sharp, cutting through the somber melody, but there was something beneath the sarcasm—a hint of unease.

I didn’t respond. The choir continued, their voices a dark lullaby.

"Chains of obedience, links of the creed,

Bind us together, fulfill every need.

In the dark's embrace, we surrender, we plead,

Guide us, oh Diabolus, in thought, word, and deed."

Pandora shifted beside me, her head facing forward as if she too, was watching the procession below. I leaned over and quietly began to explain the scene as best I could to her. She nodded along so I hoped that meant I was doing a good enough job. The choir switched to a foreign dialect for the next two verses and then as they reached the front of the Chapel and splitoff in different directions, the outro drifted through the air like a final, damning proclamation.

"So, in the night, we fervently pray,

For guidance, for strength, for Impío’s way.

In chains and in freedom, Diabolus we obey,

Bound to the darkness, in his faith we'll stay."

As the final organ note echoed through the Chapel and faded into the stillness, Matron Seraphine turned to us with a curious smile, her sharp gaze sweeping over our small group.

“Well?” she asked, her voice calm but with an edge of expectation. “What did you think?”

Keres was the first to speak with more than a hint of sarcasm. “Well, it’s catchy, I’ll give them that. Very... uplifting. If you’re into worshipping the Devil.”

Pandora, ever the quiet one, simply nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line, clearly preferring to keep her thoughts to herself. When Seraphine’s sharp gaze landed on me, waiting for my response, I hesitated. The hymn's chilling words still echoed in my mind, their meaning sinking deeper than I wanted to admit.

I forced a small, uneasy smile. “It was... intense," I said, my voice quieter than I intended. "Not quite like anything I've ever heard before."

Keres let out a soft snort beside me. "You’re too nice, Lita," she muttered, folding her arms across her chest.

Seraphine’s smile didn’t waver as she nodded, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Good. You’ll find intensity is often necessary to keep the faithful in line.”

“Obedience has its own beauty, doesn’t it?” Selena stated from behind us, her words felt like a challenge, though her tone remained sweet.

I didn’t answer, my attention drawn to the man in the deer mask who had moved to the front of the Chapel. His robe was the same deep shade as in the portrait I had seen hanging inAlexander’s twisted mancave, the fabric flowing heavily around him.

There was still no sign of Alexander, and the absence gnawed on my nerves. My gaze drifted upward to the statue looming over everyone below. It always filled me with a sense of unease—the dark, fallen angel petting the woman at its knees, as if comforting her in eternal submission. I shuddered, trying to look away but I swore its gaze was somehow pulling me back.

The man in the deer mask raised his arms, and the Chapel fell into a heavy silence. His voice, deep and commanding, filled the space. “Brothers and sisters,” he began, his tone solemn, “Tonight is the eve ofTenebris Consummatum.It is a night of atonement, to strengthen our bonds of Impío, and punish those that have gone astray.”

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