“Truth session,” she whispered.
I immediately understood. My throat constricted, and I tentatively put my hand on her shoulder. She wasn’t alone in her pain, and if the only comfort she could take from me was solidarity, then I would give it.
The boy on stage attempted a falsetto note that murdered something inside me. I winced visibly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Talia’s lips twitch. Not quite a smile, but it was something.
The two of us sat in silence, watching the scene unfold around us. The culled seemed more alive than they had in weeks. A part of me wondered if they had moved past feeling betrayed, but I didn’t think so. They still avoided sitting by me at meals, and none ever spoke to me of their own volition. I also hadn’t missed that they scarcely interacted with Talia, no doubt punishment for her kindness toward me.
Though she lacked her usual optimism, Talia’s presence anchored me. It was quiet and steady. And oddly enough, it helped.
She slid her plate of untouched cake toward me, then folded her hands in her lap and resumed her silent listening.
I didn’t say thank you. I felt as if the moment was too raw for words. But I broke off a piece of the cake and ate it anyway.
A shadow fell across the table, and Talia stiffened.
“Ms. Ashbone,” Karina’s voice called out, causing me to squeeze my eyes shut. She was only ever around for one thing.
When I met her gaze, her expression was stone-cold, emotionless. She was a perfect soldier.
“You’re needed for a faith session.”
My stomach sank. “It’s late.”
She didn’t blink, continuing to stare expectantly.
Looking at Talia, she was still stiff and staring ahead blankly. I was hesitant to leave her in such a state, but it seemed I had no choice. I never did anymore.
With a reluctant sigh, I stood and followed Karina out of the room. The music dulled behind us, swallowed by sterile halls and the faint echo of our footsteps.
When we reached our destination, Karina opened the door, and inside was a semicircle of chairs—empty. Only Dr. Holcrum stood inside with his arms crossed, as if he’d been waiting long for my arrival.
I turned to Karina. “Am I the first one here?”
But she was already walking away.
“Come in,” Dr. Holcrum announced. His voice was silk over steel. “Sit.”
I stepped inside, and the door whispered shut behind me. I found my seat, taking a cautious look around the room. It felt cavernous in its stillness.
“You’re the only one attending tonight,” he said.
The words sent a chill up my spine, raising the hair on my nape.
Holcrum dragged a chair across the tiled floor with a long, scraping groan, positioning it in front of mine. Then he sat, folding his hands over one knee. We were eye to eye.
“Do you believe in the gods, Ms. Ashbone?”
“Yes,” I said without hesitation.
His mouth curved. Not a smile, but something questioning.
“Liar.”
I gripped the metal legs of the chair hard.
“I’m not lying.”
I may not have been a fanatic, but I was no heretic.
