Sacrilege — the sin of sacrilege is a grave sin that consists of profaning or treating unworthily the sacraments and liturgical actions of the Church as well as things consecrated to God.

It is unclear to Thomasin, still, if she truly sold her soul to the Devil.

Black Phillip woven an intricate quilt of promises, gold, and prosperity for her as she so desperately desired after years of helping her incorrigible mother raise her siblings. And so, what did Thomasin receive after that faithful night, when she was treated with fiery visions of women, breasts, blood, and hysteria?

A kind, though irascible doctor with a heart of gold.

Promises of butter and rich, soft bread were fulfilled with every meal upon her stay in Witheridge Estate. Gold in the manner of being able to purchase fine silk dresses and books upon her own volition, without permission, only shillings and pounds pressed into her palm and a chaperone, and young Thomasin was very well on her way.

And finally, prosperity. The quiet doctor was a household name in the New England village, revered by the local priest, and beloved by the families that resided within this plantation. He was a healer with a wicked hand and an angelic face that was quite difficult for Thomasin to look at long, regarding the inner turmoil that raged wars like gladiators inside of her body. If she did not sell her soul to the Devil, why did these things come true? Her savior was no longer a man in black, but an angel in white — and so, what did this mean for Thomasin?

"Oh," she muttered, her eyes flying wide open in surprise when his overcoat thumped over her shoulders. She had not realized the fireplace had gone out, and she had not realized she was cold. Although she did not say, Thomasin looked up at him, a thanks glimmering in her gaze.