第3章 《祭祀》（2/2）

。

the offering

one

when the bell tolls, i know the ceremony is about to begin.

it"s a family tradition, held every eighteen years on this day, where the family hosts a grand and luxurious sacrificial rite to honor our supreme deity.

two

and i am the sole priestess in this ritual.

three

dressed in the intricate vestments of a priestess, i board the palanquin bound for the temple under my mother"s worried gaze. before departing, i follow the old customs of the family and bestow the priestess"s blessing upon the unborn child in my mother"s womb.

four

the temple is built atop a mountain, and the palanquin stops at the foot of the hill. with a devout heart, i ascend the stairs leading to the temple one step at a time.

the path is long, and the ceremonial robes feel exceedingly heavy, yet i do not sense the expected weariness.

from birth, i was taught to shoulder the responsibilities of a priestess.

five

upon reaching the temple, i see everyone brimming with hope, tears welling in their eyes. they retreat naturally behind me, igniting the candle in my hand. i understand that the path ahead is mine alone to tread, for no one other than the priestess is allowed inside the temple.

six

the temple is dark; the door opens briefly before closing again. holding the only source of light, i slowly make my way inside. i swear that no one has ever entered here, for if they did, they would witness the bones strewn across the floor.

seven

upon seeing the so-called deity, i am not surprised. i merely undress, making myself ready for the "deity"s" feast.

eight

from the very beginning, i knew i was the sole offering in this ceremony.

nine

the child in my mother"s womb is born. that is the next offering i leave to the family, the next "me". in eighteen years, he too will bee a priest.

ten

the ceremony will not cease; all will be trapped in the cycle of rebirth. and i, i write the beginning of this tale.