章 73: shattering (scarlet).

On the corner of Hunter's Lane and King's Way, worshippers gathered to pray.

The church was small, with close to a hundred people crammed into the pews. Young children sat perched on the benches, idly swinging their legs, doing their best to pay attention while their mothers fussed over their clothes. Elderly citizens hobbled down the aisle, smiling gently as younger men vacated spots on the edge of the pews.

Daylight shone against the tinted windows, reducing the sun's rays to mere illumination. Although other parishes had renovated to use gas fittings, this particular church still used white candles, wax slowly pooling into gold candelabras, their tiny flames dancing gently.