The Profane Ritual

"In Heavenly State, a sacred duty is fulfilled every 35 years.

The time of Rebirth approaches,
and the priests, their bones creaking like old wood,
seek the chosen one:

A boy of exactly 15 winters,
with a soul so fragile God could shatter it
just by whispering his name.

The ritual will proceed as always:
- With chants that make windows tremble
- With sacrifices that stain the altar red
- With the same silent ecstasy
of all previous Rebirths

Because the cycle is perfect.
Because the bones of previous children
are now dust beneath the sanctuary.
Because God, like winter,
always returns hungry."