I sobbed quietly, knowing everything she said was true. I had wandered too far from what I knew, and it had cost me so much already. The only path now was to return.

“Repent,” Bobbie said, her voice calm and sweet. “And I will be here.”

“Always?” I asked in my misery.

“Always.”

Chapter
Thirty-Two

THEY CAME FOR ME AN HOUR LATER. I WAS STILL curled on the floor in my misery. Bobbie had stayed with me, stroking my head and shoulders, easing my loneliness, whispering the truth I needed to hear.

Repent, Grace.

Denounce Eli’s heresy.

Return to the faith. It’s the only way.

By the time Marshall and Tanner hauled me off my cell floor and yanked me up the stairs, I knew what I had to do to ensure my safety and the safety of the child inside me. No more wandering from the path, no more questioning the truths I already knew. I would wholeheartedly give myself back to the laws of God.

I was escorted across the town center. The single paved street was nearly abandoned. Thoughts of what the others had seen, watching Eli’s death, made my stomach turn, and I forced myself to keep my gaze forward. Nothing could interfere with my resolve.

I was led to the church and through the double wooden doors. The pews were empty, a sight I didn’t often see. Rose stood in the center, just before the stage, her fingers woven together in front of her. Her eyes were directed at me alone, her face cold.

Behind her, seated on the stage in six chairs, were the members of Haven Valley’s council. Harrison and Andrew were among them. I dared a glance at Andrew only to see that he wouldn’t even lift his eyes to look at me. I was suddenly aware of how filthy I was, having spent the night in their prison. Would Andrew ever be able to look at me again without seeing me like this?

Marshall and Tanner guided me to stand before Rose but held my arms in their firm grasp. Maybe they thought I was strong enough to make a run for it. Unable to look Rose in the eyes, I shifted my gaze to the hem of her skirt.

“You’ve been summoned here today to stand trial for the sins you’ve committed against this community and God,” Rose said. “Do you understand what these transgressions are?”

I nodded, eyes still lowered in submission.

“You aided a Fury who nearly destroyed our holy community. You lied to all of us. You gave yourself over to his heresy and then stood by his side in defiance of the sound doctrine that protects us all from sin.”

I swallowed, doing my best to maintain control of my emotions as she heaped on the judgment.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself?”