A deep voice boomed out of the darkness of the vast chamber. "Sister, are you ready to proceed?"
Claire steadied herself, and looked across the white sand desert, the purple sky blazing overhead, the three suns distantly shining a pale light.
She had completed all of the trials to the satisfaction of the elders of the temple. She had but one trial to complete before she could ascend into the sisterhood of priestesses. She had completed all the trials of knowledge, having mastered texts stretching back centuries; she had mastered the trials of discipline, having fasted for a week; the experience had nearly taken her, but she persevered in the end.
The last ritual was secret, closely guarded, never revealed by the priesthood. Most knew that a ritual existed, but none dared speak of it. The ritual remained a mystery in the outside community, barely whispered about. The only thing known was that many had failed, and failure meant complete exile from the planet.
"I am ready," Claire called out, trying to hide her apprehension.
The ground underneath roared and split open in front of her. A massive temple emerged from the earth, spikes and glass violently protruding outwards in every direction, sucking in the sunlight into its core. Claire gasped and jumped back. Within a minute, the temple was so tall it was blocking the very sky itself.
"Proceed, sister," the voice boomed.
Huge spike doors swung open and a rush of cold air greeted her. Claire stepped in, shivering.
The doors violently swung closed behind her. Claire was now in total darkness, but was very aware of the depth and size of the room. It felt like the chamber stretched for miles below, above, in front, and behind her.
"Sister," a voice whispered. It was tinny, almost as though it came from her own clenched mouth. "This is your final trial. Here you will face your fears in front of our master."
Claire felt her body suddenly explode with warmth. She gasped and panicked. Her deep, dark tunic felt as though it was on flame. I have to remove it. By the gods, what is happening?
Claire, hyperventilating, began ripping at the fabric. Despite the strength of the robe, it tore easily under her panicking hands. Her cowl went first, then she ripped down her chest to her waist, exposing her breasts. She then went for her skirt, ripping and kicking until it was in shreds.
She panted as her body cooled off, the hot clothing removed from her body. And then a bright blue light flooded the chamber.
Figures stood around her. Hundreds of them, thousands. She was standing at the bottom of what appeared to be an amphitheater, and she was being watched by dark-robed, hooded standing in rows spiraling up to the a ceiling she couldn't see. They all stood silently, without any movement, but Claire knew. They saw her.
