CHAPTER FIVE — The List
909 Words
(Seraphina’s POV)
The moment you learn the truth…
You stop being invisible. I felt it the next morning, not in something obvious, not in words or actions.
But in the way the air shifted when I walked into the room. The silence wasn’t just silence anymore.It was awareness. They were watching not just the nuns but Father Dominic Hale.
I kept my routine perfect, my head down, hands folded, voice soft during prayer.
I played the part so well, I almost convinced myself, but inside…I was counting, Watching and Planning.
Because now I knew two things for certain, Elara had been murdered for what she discovered and I was walking the same path she did. Which meant…It was only a matter of time before they came for me.
That time came faster than I expected, It started during evening prayer.
We were all gathered in the chapel, candles flickering softly, shadows stretching along the walls like living things.
The air felt heavy, I knelt like the others, my head bowed, lips moving in silent repetition of words I no longer believed in. That’s when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
My body tensed instantly.
“Come with me,” a voice whispered. I lifted my head slowly.
One of the senior sisters stood beside me.
Her face was blank, her eyes were empty.
Like someone who had already given up.I stood without a word.
Every instinct in my body sharpened. This was it.The walk felt longer than it should have, not toward the east wing, not toward the locked doors.But toward something else.
A smaller corridor that was hidden and quiet. The kind of place where things happen…
…and no one talks about them after.
She stopped in front of a door and knocked once. Then pushed it open.
“Go inside.” I stepped in.
And immediately felt it…..Pressure.
Like the room itself was watching me.
He stood near the window. Hands behind his back.
Dominic Hale
“Sister Seraphina,” he said without turning. “You adapt quickly.” “I’ve been told.”
He turned slowly. His gaze locked onto mine.
“You ask questions.”
“Only when something doesn’t make sense.”
“And does this place not make sense to you?”
I tilted my head slightly.
“Should it?”
Silence.
Then—He smiled.
But this time…
There was no warmth in it.
“You remind me of your sister,” he said.
The words hit harder than they should have.
“Be careful,” I replied quietly. “That didn’t end well for her.”
“She was… curious,” he said. “Curiosity often leads people into places they don’t belong.”
“Or reveals things others are trying to hide.”
Another pause.
Longer but terrifying.
“You are not here to investigate,” he said finally.
“I’m here to find peace.” The lie slipped out easily.
He stepped closer.
“You will follow the rules of this house,” he said softly. His voice dropped slightly.
“Or you will suffer the consequences.”
There it was, not a warning anymore but a threat.
I held his gaze, and didn't flinch, didn’t look away.
“Understood.”
Silence stretched between us.
Then—He stepped back.
“Good,” he said.
Just like that.
Dismissed.
But as I turned to leave—
“One more thing,” he added.
I paused.
Didn’t turn around.
“Tonight,” he said quietly, “you will remain in your room.” My pulse slowed.
Why?
“I don’t like repeating myself,” he continued.
I didn’t ask questions nor react.
“Of course, Father.” I walked out calmly.
But the moment the door closed behind me…
Everything sharpened.
Tonight.
Something was happening tonight.
And he didn’t want me to see it. Which meant…
I absolutely would.
Night fell slower than usual or maybe it just felt that way.
I waited, I counted the hours.
The convent grew quieter as the night deepened.
One by one…
The lights went out, doors closed.
Footsteps faded.
Until—I heard footsteps moving softly and carefully.
I slipped out of my room silently barefooted, following the sound.
It led me back to the corridor, to the place I had already seen.
The east wing. But this time…
The door wasn’t fully closed, it was slightly open,just enough.
I moved closer with my heart steady with my breathing controlled. I looked inside.
What I saw…Confirmed everything.
A group of nuns stood in a line with their heads lowered and their hands trembling.
And beside them—a table with a list of names.
My stomach twisted.One by one…
The names were being called.
The nuns stepped forward when they heard theirs.Like they already knew.
Like they had accepted it.
Accepted what?
I stepped closer. Just enough to see.
And then—
My eyes found my name, Seraphina Vale.
A slow breath left my lips not out of fear or panic but something else that felt darker.
So this was it.
I wasn’t just investigating anymore. I was part of it. Good.
Because this was exactly where I needed to be.
Behind me—
A floorboard creaked. I didn’t turn or move.
“Curiosity,” a voice said softly behind me, “is a dangerous thing.” I smiled slowly
“Good,” I whispered.
“Because I’m done being careful.”
- Writer
