Maya walked through the dark, chamber–robe dragging the dirt floor as she passed between through the audience of similarly cloaked figures. The air was thick with incense and lit only by the dark, handmade candles. Brenna waited for her on the dais, the statue of Bophomet looming tall behind her. As she climbed the steps, the two women’s eyes met and there was a moment for them to talk privately before the ceremony commenced.
“I’m proud of you,” Brenna whispered with a smile.
“Thank you.”
“You’ve come a long way. Are you ready?”
“I am.” Her stomach twisted with nerves.
“Then we’ll begin.” Brenna stepped past her and to a lectern where she addressed the gathering. “Sisters and brothers, you know I have been preparing a new member for our family. You have waited patiently in silence, never revealing yourselves but watching from the shadows. With her education complete, a new sister is prepared to join our ranks. Please, begin the ceremonial chant of passage as I lead her through the final rites.”