Sacred Temptations

New Saint

The temple, hesitant and skeptical, grappled with the realization that a commoner could potentially be the saint. Uncertainty hung in the air, and curious eyes followed Annabel's every move. Reluctance was evident among the temple staff when it came to serving the saint, as none desired to be her maid. However, one kind-hearted soul stepped forward, her warm voice breaking the uneasy silence. "My name is Mary," she said, offering a helping hand. "Annabel," the girl replied, grateful for the compassion bestowed upon her.

**From this point on, the story shifts to Annabel's perspective, narrated in the first person.**

As Mary bathed me in a soothing rose-scented bath, my worries melted away, as if washed off the shore like sand. Stepping out of the bath, Mary dropped the towel she intended to hand me, her eyes widening in shock. "Do I still look dirty?" I asked, perplexed by her reaction. Her words burst forth with excitement, "You have the mark of the saintess! You truly are the one!"

With a gentle smile, Mary quickly dressed me in the flowing, white gown designated for saints—a garment much too adult for a seven-year-old. The gown featured elegant slits on the sides, emphasizing grace and ethereality.

This seven-year-old girl possessed an undeniable cuteness now with pink hair, golden eyes, and pale skin. Her youthful innocence is incredibly alluring, tempting others to pinch her cheeks. However, her saintly role adds a subtle complexity, making her appear both angelic and mischievous—a captivating paradox that draws attention and curiosity.

"You look beautiful, Saintess," Mary proclaimed.

At that moment, I found it difficult to believe her words, yet a flicker of self-acceptance stirred within me. Perhaps, just maybe, I was indeed a little beautiful. The newfound recognition, the transformation from a dirt-streaked girl to a saintess, instilled a sense of wonder and confidence, albeit tinged with the burden of expectation.

The saint entered the grand hall where the high priests convened around a round table. Like snakes, their eyes followed her every move. However, their piercing gaze softened in the presence of her overwhelming cuteness. Despite their instincts urging them to pinch her like doting grandfathers, they resisted and focused on the matter at hand.

One of the priests who had served me temporarily, Mary, confirmed the presence of the mark on the saint's lower back. As she exposed my back to the grandpas, joy radiated across their faces. "Finally, we have found the saint after seven years!" they all cheered. Seeing i was confused, Mary whispered in my ear, enlightening me about the prophecy the priests received years ago that the saint had appeared. They had tested the divine power of children from noble families, but none had the divine power of a saint, so fearing the saint might have perished. But now, I stood before them, the embodiment of their hopes.

Upon realizing the truth, I turned my gaze to the grandpas, offering them my brightest smile. "Don't worry, grandpas. I'm here now." Overwhelmed by my cuteness, tears welled in their eyes. Witnessing their joy, I realized that bringing smiles to others' faces was a source of happiness for me too. If everyone found me cute, why not embrace it and bring them happiness in return?

Initially nervous about my life in the temple, I began to see that it might not be so bad after all. The warmth and adoration bestowed upon me created a sense of belonging, assuaging my concerns and opening my heart to the journey that awaited.

What i didn't yet know was that not everyone looked at me with adoration, because one little boy in the temple looked at me with eyes full of contempt. The weirdest part is, I don't even know him!