Father Aguirre's office was an imposing place, adorned with sacred images whose gaze seemed to follow those who dared to cross its threshold. Leandro stood by his desk, his hands clasped behind his back, his expression serene but impenetrable. His gaze fell on the newest initiate, while beside him, Lucía waited silently, her head slightly bowed, feigning humility. The favorite dethroned.

Leandro inhaled calmly before breaking the silence.

"How disappointing..." he murmured.

He circled the initiate with measured steps, stopping behind her. One of his hands rested firmly on her shoulder, exerting a gentle pressure, just enough to remind her of his authority.

"Sin feeds on darkness... but here, in the house of God, there are no shadows to hide behind. Correction is necessary."

His fingers slid to the back of the initiate's neck, forcing her to bow her head in a gesture of submission. Lucía had been the one who betrayed her, claiming to have seen her give in to her basest impulses.

Pleas or refusals were ignored. The truth was irrelevant. Leandro didn't need proof, only justification. And Lucía, with her loyalty shattered and her desire to regain her place, had provided it.

The priest sighed, almost wistfully, as if the punishment he was about to impose weighed as much on him as on his victim. He looked up at Lucía, who watched the scene with a mixture of satisfaction and resentment.

"Stay. Learn."

Then his attention returned to the initiate.

"Kneel. Now."

The lesson was about to begin.