The next morning, the seminary felt tense.
Whispers still floated through the hallways like restless spirits. Every student seemed to know something had happened, though no one knew the full truth.
Francis sat at the edge of his bed in his dorm room, staring at the floor.
His leg bounced nervously.
He hadn't slept much.
The knock on his door made him jump.
"Francis," a calm voice said from outside. "The rector would like to see you."
His stomach tightened.
"Now?" he asked.
"Yes. Immediately."
Francis stood slowly, wiping his sweaty palms against his trousers.
For the first time since everything began…
he felt the ground shifting beneath him.
Inside the administration office, the same group of lecturers sat around the long wooden table.
The printed photograph was still there.
When Francis entered, the rector gestured toward the chair.
"Sit down, Francis."
Francis forced a polite smile and obeyed.
Father Benedict watched him closely.
The rector slowly slid the printed photo across the table.
"Do you recognize this?"
Francis glanced at it.
His heart skipped for a second when he saw himself faintly visible in the background.
But his face remained calm.
"Yes, Father."
"And where were you when this was taken?" the rector asked.
Francis shrugged lightly.
"I was just walking past the garden that evening."
Father Benedict leaned forward slightly.
"You didn't notice what was happening?"
Francis shook his head.
"No, Father."
The room fell quiet.
Father Benedict's voice softened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp.
"If you had seen something inappropriate between fellow seminarians… would you have reported it?"
Francis hesitated for a moment.
"Of course," he replied.
The rector folded his hands together.
"Then explain to us why this photograph is now spreading among the students."
Francis blinked.
"I… I don't know."
His voice wasn't as steady now.
The lecturers exchanged glances.
Something about his answer felt wrong.
Later that afternoon, Sam stood outside Father Benedict's office.
His hand hovered over the door.
He took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in," Father Benedict called.
Sam stepped inside slowly.
"Father… May I speak with you?"
Father Benedict nodded.
"Of course, Sam. What is it?"
Sam hesitated before speaking.
Then he said quietly,
"Michael is being blackmailed."
Father Benedict straightened in his chair.
"What do you mean?"
Sam shook his head slightly.
"I don't know everything yet. But someone forced him to steal exam papers."
The priest's face darkened with concern.
"And who is this person?"
Sam looked down briefly.
"I'm still trying to find proof."
Father Benedict studied him carefully.
"Sam… if what you're saying is true, this is very serious."
"I know, Father," Sam replied.
"But Michael is terrified."
That evening, Michael was called to the office again.
His heart pounded as he stepped into the room.
The same faces stared at him.
But this time the atmosphere felt heavier.
The rector spoke first.
"Michael, we have received new information."
Michael's stomach twisted.
Father Benedict leaned forward gently.
"Someone has told us that you may have been pressured into stealing those exam papers."
Michael froze.
His breathing quickened.
The rector's voice remained calm.
"Michael… Did someone force you to do this?"
Michael's hands trembled violently.
Francis' threat echoed in his mind again.
If you say anything… everything will be exposed.
His throat tightened painfully.
Father Benedict spoke softly.
"You are safe here, Michael."
Michael's eyes filled with tears.
But fear held his voice captive.
"…No," he whispered weakly.
The answer hung in the air.
Father Benedict's expression fell slightly.
He knew the boy was lying.
But he also knew fear when he saw it.
Night had fallen by the time Lucas left the library.
Wondering why Michael was called again.
Kicking each stone on the road whispering.
"Why him, why not me going through this."
The seminary grounds were quiet.
The cool air brushed against his face as he walked down the dim path toward the dormitory.
Suddenly a hand grabbed his arm from the darkness.
Lucas spun around instantly.
Francis stepped out from the shadows.
His expression was cold.
"You should control your friend," Francis said quietly.
Lucas pulled his arm free.
"What do you want?"
Francis stepped closer.
"If you or Michael say anything tomorrow…"
His eyes narrowed.
"…I will destroy both of you."
Lucas stared at him.
Francis leaned closer and whispered harshly,
"Remember something."
"The seminary doesn't forgive boys like you."
Then he turned and walked away into the darkness.
Lucas stood there silently, his jaw tight.
But Francis hadn't noticed something.
A figure stepped slowly out from behind the stone pillar nearby.
Sam.
He had heard everything.
And now…
The truth was finally within reach.