Temptation

Chapter Eleven: The Dinner Confrontation

Dinner at the convent was usually a time of calm and quiet reflection, but tonight, tension filled the air as everyone gathered around the long wooden table. The aroma of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and freshly baked bread should have been inviting, but the charged atmosphere made it difficult for anyone to enjoy the meal.

Claire sat down with a heavy heart, still reeling from the day's events. Lucian, seated across from her, never took his eyes off her, offering silent reassurance. To her right was Sister Mary, next to Mary sat Sister Beatrice. Father Thomas was sat next to Sister Lily-RoseMother Superior entered last, her gaze fixed on Claire. The room fell silent, the only sound was the clinking of utensils as everyone began to eat. Claire felt Mother Superior's eyes boring into her, a palpable anger simmering just below the surface.

"Claire," Mother Superior's voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Do you have something to share with the group?"

Claire looked up, her fork halfway to her mouth. "No, Mother Superior," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Mother Superior slammed her hand on the table, making everyone jump. "Liar!" she hissed, her face contorted with fury. "How dare you bring such blasphemy into this holy place!"

Sister Mary gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Claire, what is she talking about?"

Father Thomas looked puzzled, his jovial demeanor replaced with concern. "Blasphemy? Claire, what have you done?"

Sister Beatrice's eyes narrowed, her voice a low growl. "Explain yourself, Claire."

Lucian's gaze flicked to Claire, his expression unreadable. He remained silent, watching the scene unfold.

Claire stood, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I didn't mean to cause any harm," she began, her voice shaking. "I was just asking questions—"

"Questions about falling in love with Lucifer!" Mother Superior spat, her eyes blazing. "Do you understand the gravity of your words?"

Sister Mary's eyes widened in shock. "Eyana, is this true?"

Claire felt the weight of their stares, their judgment heavy upon her. "I... I didn't—"

Mother Superior cut her off. "You have disgraced us all! How could you even entertain such thoughts?"

The room erupted into chaos, everyone speaking at once. Accusations, questions, and gasps filled the air. Eyana felt her world spinning out of control. She glanced at Lucian, seeking his support, but he remained silent, his eyes filled with an intensity that both frightened and reassured her.

Unable to bear the scrutiny any longer, Claire pushed her chair back and fled from the table, the sounds of their voices following her as she ran. She darted down the corridor, her vision blurred with tears. She found refuge in the small chapel, collapsing onto a pew, her sobs echoing in the empty space.

"Claire," a soft voice broke through her despair. She looked up to see Lucian standing in the doorway, his expression tender. He approached her slowly, kneeling beside her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Lucian cupped her face in his hands, wiping away her tears. "We will get through this," he murmured. "Tonight, we will be free."

Claire nodded, clinging to his promise, finding strength in his presence. Together, they would face whatever came next.