But my shame was mine alone. Instead of offering me or Jamie scalding looks of disapproval, Rose stood with grace and poise. Even with her red hair kept as short as required, she was striking. Light unblemished skin, hazel eyes, petite nose. She was beautiful, even dressed in white, leaving only her hands, neck and face uncovered.

Rose spoke with an authority that commanded the room.

“It is important to remember that these two,” she started, lifting her hand toward Jamie and me, “are chosen, as are we all. They’re not strangers. They’re part of our righteous family. We can’t sweep them aside as evil without that evil proving itself in them.”

I half expected Colin to respond, but even he had nothing to say against the prophet.

“Did they break our laws? Yes. And we understand that punishment is essential to holiness. But we have always respected each other. Respect has shaped our laws and made our community safer. No one here is higher than another. We were all given the same gift of sight. We have all agreed to follow the path of righteousness. We all hold faith in God’s holiness. And we all understand the danger of grace without judgment.”

Rose had us cradled in the palm of her hand. Her words soothed rough edges and brought us into alignment with each other. They always had. It was a gift.

But I was wondering what she intended with her remark about grace.

“So,” she continued, “a brother believes that maybe the world outside is different now. Could the devil have implanted such an idea? Perhaps. But maybe he’s right.” Rose let the thought marinate for a moment. “Who’s to say exactly how claiming the earth for our inheritance is to happen?” She waited. “Anyone?”

No one responded at first. Then Colin spoke what was on everyone’s mind. “But we haven’t been tested yet. The end comes only after—”

“Or maybe we have been tested without knowing,” Rose interrupted. “Maybe our purity made any Fury’s appearance among us so fruitless that it vanished without showing itself. It matters not. What does matter is that we’ve been faithful, diligent, and vigilant in our pursuit of purity. Jamie and Grace as well. So then, family . . . maybe Jamie is showing us the way. Maybe this is our time.”

No one dared speak. Even I was lost in confusion. She was suggesting that Jamie might be right after all. How could that be?

“I’ve been given direction,” she said, stepping out from behind the podium. Her eyes rested on Jamie. “Send them out past the perimeter with our blessing. Let them see what is really out there. If they return with glorious news, then, friends, we will join them.”

Her words settled into my mind. Send them out, she’d said. Jamie and me. Fear stabbed at my heart.