Chapter 205

The church was packed to the doors. Despite signs instructing people to be quiet, the place was anything but. People were whispering prayers, lighting candles, and rustling through pockets for offerings. The air was thick with murmurs and the faint crackle of burning wax. Jessica stayed close to Zachary, who was holding three lit candles. Most of the crowd lifted theirs high, careful not to let the wax drip on anyone else. Everyone slowly shuffled forward in unspoken order. Still, the wait was long. Wax slowly dripped and hardened, falling onto the back of his hand and the sleeve of his shirt. Just then, someone gasped, and a graceful figure bumped into Zachary. Zachary barely moved, standing firm as ever. He shifted slightly to the side, while Jessica followed his gaze. The woman quickly regained her footing. Melted wax had splashed onto her pale hand, leaving a faint red mark where it landed. She let out a quiet hiss and apologized. "I'm so sorry!" When she looked up and met