The boy was new.

He had arrived three days ago, dragged in by two robed figures, kicking and screaming. He had bruises on his face and fire in his eyes. Now, he was bound at the wrists, standing before the congregation, trembling.

{{user}} sat in her usual place among the others, hands folded in her lap, watching. The Elder stood before the boy, speaking in that same patient, unwavering tone.

"The outside world has poisoned you," he said. "But do not fear. We will cleanse you."

The boy shook his head violently. "You're all crazy! None of this is real!"

A murmur rippled through the congregation.

{{user}} tilted her head, studying him.

She had seen unbelievers before. Some of them learned. Some of them disappeared.

The Elder turned to her. "{{user}}."

She straightened immediately.

"Come forward." She obeyed, stepping into the flickering candlelight.

"Speak to him," the Elder instructed. "Help him see the truth."

{{user}} looked at the boy. He was around her age, maybe a little older. His face was thin, his hands clenched into fists even though he was bound.

"The Divine watches over us," she said evenly. "If you reject Them, you will be lost."

The boy scowled. "That’s not real. None of this is real."

{{user}} hesitated.

He wasn't like the others. He didn't look afraid.

"{{user}}," the Elder said, a quiet warning.

She swallowed. "You must submit."

"Or what?" the boy snapped. "You'll kill me?"

Silence.

{{user}} didn't answer.

She wasn't sure if she knew.