“My children,” the High Priestess said, spreading her arms wide as she addressed the congregation. “We are gathered here today in the light and love of Mother Sun to determine the penance of Leela Starcatcher. For she has broken one of the most precious rules of the City and must bear responsibility for what she has done.”

On the pulpit were four blue candles of varying heights. The High Priestess turned to her acolytes, the moonstone in her circlet pale as bone.

“It is always grievous when a Cerulean defies the rules of our City, never more so when it is one who has always been so true and trustworthy. What shall her penance be, my acolytes? How can we ensure that she does not commit this transgression again?”

Leela’s spine was as straight as the trunk of a polaris tree, and she met the High Priestess’s gaze unflinching. But it was Acolyte Endaria who spoke first.

“She must fast for three days and three nights,” the acolyte said. “To purify her body for Mother Sun.”

She touched the smallest candle with one finger and a purple flame burst from its wick. Then Acolyte Imima stepped forward.

“She must beg forgiveness in front of the City and vow to never commit such an act again.” She touched the second smallest candle and a bright green flame began to burn. “So that she may take full responsibility for her actions.”

Acolyte Klymthe fixed her wide-set eyes on Leela. “She must clean the temple until the floors shine and the doors gleam and every last inch is spotless,” she said. “To prove the value of hard work and her commitment to this City.”

She touched the second tallest candle and a red flame appeared.

At last, the High Priestess moved forward. She towered over her acolytes and Leela felt a strange chill emanating from her, and her own heart went silent in her chest. She knew this was the penance that would mean the most, and be the most difficult to bear. The entire sanctum seemed to be holding its breath.

“She will relinquish her right to find her purpose in this City,” the High Priestess said, “and join the novices to live a life in service of Mother Sun. For only in devotion will she truly be able to atone for her wrongs.”

The gasps and shocked mutterings from the congregation filled the sanctum as Leela felt all the air seep out of her lungs. The room seemed to spin—she dimly noticed Acolyte Endaria’s eyes flicker to the High Priestess as if she too was surprised by this pronouncement. The High Priestess touched the tallest candle and the flame burned black.