The words hit something tender inside me. Something that wanted to trust him—wanted it desperately.
But the rules…
“I’m not supposed to speak during confession,” I whispered. “I’m the Vessel. I receive. The Light flows through me, not—”
He leaned a little closer. “Elior.” His voice was gentle. “Just talk to me. Please.”
My chest opened with a trembling breath.
A secret. Just between us.
My heart betrayed me first.
“I have to tell Father,” I whispered. “About your sins.”
Jace’s expression shifted—not exactly angry, but… something I definitely didn’t like. “Why?” he asked.
“It’s the rule,” I said. “He needs to know. He decides what happens next.”
He nodded slowly, exhaling deeply, like he expected that answer. Then he tilted his head. “But you shouldn’t tell him about what I did before,” he said. “That was before I joined the Covenant. Doesn’t count. Old life, right?”
I hesitated.
My lungs felt tight.
“I… I don’t think Father views it that way.”
“Do you?” Jace asked softly.
I opened my mouth—and nothing came out.
Did I?
I wasn’t sure. Father always said the past shaped the shadows we carried. But Jace wasn’t like the others. He didn’t seem… wrong. Or tainted. Or sinful.
He seemed human.
Very human.
“I don’t know,” I said finally, my voice barely above a breath.
Jace’s gaze softened. “Then don’t tell him,” he murmured. “Keep it between us.”
My heart thumped hard.
A secret.
With Jace.
Just between us.
Something forbidden. Something thrilling.
Something dangerously tempting.
“I… I shouldn’t,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
Jace tilted his head, studying my face. “Can I ask you something else?” he murmured.
