“What is the meaning of this, Sister Daphne?”

Daphne is considered the most faithful of the novitiates. She was caught mxstxrbating by Theodore Valentino, a young cardinal who was said to be darling of the gods.

‘What… what can I even say to explain this?’

What could she say that wouldn’t have her branded as a wayward harlot for her lascivious behavior on the temple grounds?

That’s when—

“But you needn’t worry any longer. Let me help you, Sister.”

“What? What do you…”

“I’m fully prepared to offer this body of mine if that’s what it takes to break the devil’s foul curse.”

His large frame leaned forward, casting a shadow over her. With the serene, solemn face of a devout priest, he whispered:

“Let us begin the exorcism.”

His voice slid through the cramped shed like a snake, soft and deliberate.

*

Until then, Daphne thought the demon’s curse was a problem limited to her.

How naive she had been.