The Worst Nightmare.

As the third chalice full of water was dumped on her, Rayel thought, I will take my own life before I become used to being a Black Sister. She wept now, silently, but the tears mingled with the water and no one noticed until later.

The words came as follows. "You are washed clean of Rayel Markhin of Kirukesa. You are washed clean of all the ties that bind you to the world. You come to us washed clean, in heart and soul. You are Rayel Markhin, Accepted of the White Tower. You are sealed to us, now."

She watched the Amyrlin lean in to kiss her on one cheek. "Welcome, Daughter," the woman murmured, and slipped the Great Serpent onto Rayel's finger.

Rayel stared, forgetting to be grateful or relieved. Welcome. She shook her head slowly, thinking that if there had ever been a more abhorrent welcome than the Accepted's test, she was glad she had not received it.

"Thank you, Mother," she said automatically, knowing she should offer more but knowing she was incapable.

She dressed slowly and could not help looking at the gleaming ring on her finger again. It is so pretty, she thought, though she had never been a fan of jewellery. Oh, how ironic, that I should have my very spirit trampled and torn in the pursuit of a pretty ring. She looked down at the ring and asked it, Will you prove yourself worthy of me? Surely that was not the way an Accepted was supposed to think.

She left the chamber, feeling so light she thought she would float away at any moment.