Elisabetta let herself be held in the arms of old Griselda. The two, still naked, felt each other’s icy bodies. The early morning air, now that the bonfire was completely extinguished, was quite cold. All those present began to recover their clothes, to cover themselves and protect themselves from the cold. A sudden jet of steam gushed out of a crack in the ground, near Elisabetta’s feet, who felt abnormally warm and almost became frightened.
«Don’t be afraid, this is a good thing», Griselda resumed. «It’s part of the nature of these places, making the air pleasant even at these altitudes and even during the rigours of winter. Rather, since we know very well that there are no Inquisitors in the area, but the Church always sees our nocturnal meetings badly, we try not to draw suspicion to
