THE PRIEST CONFESSION: The confessional at St. Augustine was an ancient oak, worn smooth by centuries of whispered sins. At 11:47 p.m. the church was empty, moonlight slicing through the stained-glass rose window in bleeding shards of crimson . Father Elias Moreau knelt on the priest’s side, the rosary wrapped so tightly around his knuckles, the ivory beads had begun to cut. He was twenty-nine, ordained two years ago, and had never for once broken his vow of chastity. Not even in the seminary showers when the older boys laughed and stroked themselves under the shower. He had simply closed his eyes and recited the Litany of the Saints, until the urge passed. But Tonight, the litany felt very far away. The kneeler on the repentant side creaked. “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” The voice was low, smoky and so familiar. it was no one other than Delphine de Rochefort_thirty-eight years old widow, whose husband Comte de Rochefort, died last six months. Every Sunday, she s
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