Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for my own ideas. I hope everyone enjoys the story, and if you have any questions or comments, please let me know. This is my first Da Vinci Code fanfic, so I hope it's alright.

Chapter 1: A New Day

His cold, pale eyes scanned over the simple house in front of him. This house of Opus Dei was so simple and plain, yet it would always be his sanctuary. Sometimes he would just look at the house, just to appreciate the place that had sheltered him, cared for him and guided him for so long.

Opus Dei was his life. His life was consumed by his practices and God's path. And for this reason, he admired Bishop Aringarosa even more. That man had guided him towards that path of pain and sanctuary. And for once in his life he felt like he belonged, and that he was accepted.

Silas slowly made his way towards the house; his cilice cut into his leg and he was forced to limp.

…………..

Katja climbed into her bed and pulled up her covers. She loved her bed, she felt so safe and warm there. It was a nice change from the rest of her hectic life. Ever since her parents sent her to St. Francis Xavier Academy, her life had been miserable. She was trapped in a catholic boarding school for ten months of every year. In those months her life consisted of prayer, utter obedience and constant hatred. She loathed the academy, everything about it made her stomach twist in knots. The way the nuns would taunt and tease the girls, the way they were forced to pray 5 times a day, the way they were forced to wear their hair, their make-up, their clothes and the way they were kept like prisoners.

The experience hadn't helped Katja find God's way, it had made her despise religion and savor the 2 months she got to spend in her house in Paris with her parents.

She quickly shook the thoughts of the academy from her head and turned out her lights to sleep. She had a busy day tomorrow, she had to go to the head house for Opus Dei to meet with Bishop Aringarosa about a paper she had written, which had caused a great uproar at St. Francis, and had been immediately brought to the attention of the head of Opus Dei.

…………..

Silas shuddered as he tightened his cilice around his thigh. Yet he enjoyed the cleansing pain which coursed through his body. He loved the pain, it made him feel clean and satisfied every time.

He rose to his feet and grabbed a long whip of twisted cords. Every time the cords met his back he suppressed cries of pain. When he had finished he said a silent prayer in front of the crucifix on the wall, he could feel the warm blood running down his back, and he turned to wash the blood away. He was purged of his sins and was ready for a new day, another day of sins which would bring more pain.

I know its short, but I hope it's alright. Let me know.