The witnesses were frightened, having received more than they expected from this ritual, and rushed toward the doors. Rafe was trying to move against them and making little progress, given their numbers and their fear.
“I apologize for the rude interruption,” the Daughter Superior said, her voice booming with authority. “And beg for your indulgence.” Her voice carried the tinge of command and the witnesses halted instinctively.
A match was struck, flaring in the darkness, and the Daughter Superior lit the first candle again. The witnesses turned and stared.
She smiled at the assembly. “I beg you return to your places.” There was an undercurrent of steel to her tone, an expectation that she would be obeyed.
In the light of that one candle, Rafe saw that Delilah and the crone were gone.
