“Well, yes, I suppose so, though that isn’t what I meant. After all, this church is even older than the Order itself. Yes, the Order has survived for sixteen centuries by adapting, by changing what we do to suit the needs and pressures of the times. But we, who we are and why we gather together, that at heart hasn’t changed.

“And just as the Pantheon has survived, though it changes—just as the Order survives, though it changes—so you, too, will survive the changes your body is taking you through, now and in the future. That’s what I wanted to show you. Why, if you hadn’t grown up in the Order your menarche would seem normal for a girl your age. Whatever becomes of you—whatever is asked of you—you will still be yourself. Remember that.”

Whatever is asked of you: now Lucia felt scared.

Rosa raised her face to the great halo of light in the ceiling. “You should take some time for yourself, Lucia. Come out again—immerse yourself in Rome. One of the most remarkable cities in the world is on our doorstep, and yet down in the Crypt we often behave as if it doesn’t exist! And I don’t mean with your classes. Come by yourself—or with a friend or two, if you like. That girl Pina seems sensible. Immerse yourself in humanity for a while.”

It will prepare me, Lucia thought. That’s what she’s telling me. I must broaden my experience, to prepare for—what?

“You’re talking in riddles, Rosa,” she flared. “What is to be asked of me?”

“A great deal, if you are lucky. You’ll see. I’ll do what I can for you—but always remember, I envy you! It isn’t duty, but privilege.” Rosa glanced at her watch. “Now we must go back. There’s somebody I want you to meet.”

“Who?”

“Maria Ludovica.”

Lucia felt as if her heart had stopped, there in the dusty air of the Pantheon. Ludovica was one of the matres.

Rosa smiled, watching her reaction.

The elevator was steel-walled, and it slid into the ground smoothly, all but silently. All very modern, as was much of the equipment in the Crypt. Rosa stood in patient silence watching the elevator’s LED display, hands calmly folded before her. Lucia envied her composure.