By the time Patrick returned, the massive clock mounted high within the parish had already crossed midnight.
The atmosphere inside had changed completely from earlier. Nobody spoke loudly anymore, even breathing felt restrained.
Every single person present sat quietly beneath the violet flames while watching Damian seated atop the altar throne with Rin resting across his lap like a creature guarding a divine court.
Then the parish doors opened again and Patrick rushed in first.
Sweat covered his forehead despite the cold night outside and his breathing remained uneven from the frantic drive back. Behind him came several men carefully pulling a stretcher into the parish while struggling not to move too roughly.
Instantly, everyone's attention shifted. The moment the stretcher fully entered the room, silence deepened.
