Chapter 3 : Sister Elena

Meanwhile, in the Convent

After the morning prayer, Mother Superior made her way to the chamber where the possessed statue was kept. The air was heavy, and the faint scent of incense lingered. She approached the statue, her eyes narrowing as she noticed fresh cracks spreading across its surface. The seal was weakening.

"Hmm… it seems my seal was effective, but its power is fading," she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with concern.

Suddenly, one of the younger sisters stepped too close to the protective circle drawn around the statue. Mother Superior's voice rang out sharply, "Do not step into the circle, child! Do not even approach it. Remember, the entity we face is both powerful and cunning. A single misstep could doom us all."

The sister quickly retreated, her face pale. "Yes, Mother. Forgive me."

Mother Superior gave her a reassuring nod. "Stay vigilant, my daughter. This is no ordinary evil we are dealing with."

After ensuring the statue was secure, Mother Superior left the chamber and walked down the quiet hallway toward her office. The convent was serene, but beneath the surface, an undercurrent of unease lingered.

As she turned a corner, she encountered Sister Elena. The young woman's calm demeanor belied the storm within her. Mother Superior gently took her hand. "Sister Elena, could you join me in my office?"

"Of course, Mother," Elena replied softly.

Once inside the office, Mother Superior closed the door and gestured for Elena to sit. The room was simple, with a large wooden desk and a crucifix hanging on the wall. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass window, casting colorful patterns on the floor.

"About the exorcist I requested from the bishop," Mother Superior began, "have we received his approval?"

"Yes, Mother," Elena replied. "The bishop has assigned Father Cedric to assist us."

Mother Superior's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Cedric? Interesting." She paused, her gaze steady as she studied Elena's face. "May I ask you something, my child? I hope it does not offend you."

Elena nodded, though a flicker of apprehension crossed her features. "Of course, Mother. You may ask me anything."

Mother Superior leaned forward, her hands clasped on the desk. "You came to this convent at the age of sixteen, did you not? According to your records, you were rescued from the Cult of the Worshippers of Ishtar. Is that correct?"

Elena's breath hitched, but she remained silent as Mother Superior continued.

"The cult was known for its profane rituals and carnal indulgences. You were chosen as the embodiment of Ishtar, were you not? The leader, Verago, would perform incantations to summon the spirit of Ishtar through your body. And politicians… they would…" Mother Superior hesitated, her voice softening. "They would use you, believing that by satisfying Ishtar's spirit, their desires would be granted. Tell me, child, what happened on the night you were saved from Verago's grasp?"

Elena's hands trembled, and she looked away, struggling to find the words. Mother Superior reached out and gently placed a hand over hers. "Take your time, my child. Your story may hold the key to what we are facing now."

After a long silence, Elena sighed deeply. "Mother, what I tell you must remain between us."

"You have my word," Mother Superior assured her.

Elena began, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was during the campaign season in a small town in the Visayas. I was only sixteen when Verago told me to prepare for a journey. Mayor Simon Cojuangco had requested the cult's help to secure his victory in the election. We traveled by ship to the mayor's estate. When we arrived, it was clear that the people favored his opponent, Don Paulo—a kind and beloved man. Mayor Simon was desperate."

She paused, her eyes distant as she relived the memory. "Verago instructed the mayor to prepare a feast, as it was necessary for the summoning ritual. I was dressed in a revealing outfit, my skin painted gold. The feast began, and the guests arrived. Verago ordered me to… to please the men. I was used by them, over and over, until I was on the verge of losing consciousness. That's when the spirit of Ishtar would take hold of me."

Elena's voice broke, but she forced herself to continue. "Verago began the incantation, and Mayor Simon was to be the last. He… he started to undress me, kissing my neck, my lips… but just as he was about to—" She shuddered, unable to finish the sentence.

"A man appeared," she said, her voice steadier now. "Tall, muscular, and cloaked in shadows. He grabbed Simon and… decapitated him with his bare hands. Verago tried to cast a spell, but chains materialized out of nowhere, binding him. The man tore off his cloak, revealing braided hair and a powerful build. He killed Verago in the same manner, without hesitation."

Elena's eyes filled with tears. "Before I lost consciousness, he placed a pendant around my neck—a red stone that trapped Ishtar's spirit. He told me that one day, I would have to face her spirit and break free from her curse. Then he brought me here, to the convent, and disappeared."

Mother Superior listened intently, her expression unreadable. When Elena finished, she leaned back in her chair. "I see," she said quietly. "Time will reveal when you must break your vows as a sister."

Elena's eyes widened. "Break my vows? What do you mean, Mother?"

Mother Superior smiled faintly. "You will understand when the time comes. For now, prepare yourself and the convent for Father Cedric's arrival. Ensure his quarters are ready."

As Elena left the office, Mother Superior stepped into the convent's garden. She gazed up at the sky, her thoughts heavy. "I hope Elena opens her heart," she murmured. "She was never meant to be a nun. She will make a great mother one day."

Her eyes drifted to the convent gates, where two figures in monk's robes stood. A small smile touched her lips as

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