第3章 《祭祀》105（2 / 2）

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the

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 iricate vestments of a priestess, i board the palanquin bound for the temple under my mother''s worried gaze. before departing, i follow the old s of the family aow 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 asd the stairs leading to the temple oep at a time.

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

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

five

upon reag the temple, i see everyone brimming with hope, tears welling in their eyes. they retreat naturally behind me, igniting the dle in my hand. i uand that the path ahead is mine aloo tread, for no oher than the priestess is allowed ihe 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 withe borewn 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 in this ceremony.

nine

the child in my mother''s womb is born. that is the i leave to the family, the \"me\". ieen 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.

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