Page 26 of Exorcise Me
I nodded, considering this. “And if I discovered, through my continued research and experience, insights about demonic entities that might benefit the Seminary’s understanding? Would those be welcomed?”
Father Oxley scoffed, but Father Finnegan quieted him with a look.
“The Seminary is always interested in substantiated research,” Father Finnegan said diplomatically. “Though it would be evaluated according to our established theological framework.”
In other words, they’d listen but likely dismiss anything that contradicted their existing beliefs. Still, it was something—a small opening for future dialogue.
“May I have time to consider?” I asked.
Father Finnegan nodded. “You have until sunrise tomorrow. Return then with your decision.” His eyes softened slightly. “I suggest you spend the time in prayer, Noah. True prayer, opening yourself to guidance beyond your own understanding.”
I stood, knowing the audience was over. “Thank you for this consideration. I will reflect carefully on my path forward.”
As I turned to leave, Father Finnegan spoke again. “Noah,” he said, his voice losing its formal tone. “Whatever you decide, know that I have always been proud to call you my student.”
The unexpected sentiment caught me off guard. I swallowed against the sudden tightness in my throat. “Thank you, Father. Your guidance has meant more to me than I can express.”
With that, I left the Chapter Room, walking through the Seminary’s familiar halls one last time—because despite thechoice they’d offered, I already knew what my decision would be. I just needed to find the courage to embrace it fully.
Chapter 15
Lucien was waiting exactly as he’d promised, lounging on my couch with a spread of comfort foods on the coffee table—pizza, chocolate, and what appeared to be homemade cookies, alongside a bottle of expensive whiskey.
He sat up as I entered, his amber eyes scanning my face. “That bad, huh?”
I dropped my keys on the side table and collapsed next to him, immediately leaning into his solid presence. “Not as bad as it could have been,” I admitted. “They’re giving me a choice.”
Lucien’s arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer. “What kind of choice?”
“Forty days of ‘spiritual cleansing’ followed by renouncing you and recommitting to my vows, or being released from the Seminary and my position as an exorcist.” I reached for the whiskey, pouring a generous measure into one of the waiting glasses. “Some choice.”
Lucien was quiet for a moment, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my shoulder. “It is a choice, Noah,” he said finally. “A real one. And you should consider it carefully.”
I pulled back to look at him, surprised. “You think I should consider renouncing you? Declaring our relationship a demonic deception?”
His expression was serious, lacking its usual mischief. “I think you should consider what your calling means to you,separate from me. Being an exorcist has defined your life for years. That’s not something to discard lightly, even for…” he gestured between us, “…whatever miracle this is.”
The selflessness of his concern touched me deeply. “You would let me go?” I asked quietly. “If I chose that path?”
Pain flashed across his face, quickly masked. “I would respect your choice,” he said carefully. “Though I won’t pretend it wouldn’t destroy me.” His attempt at a smile fell flat. “Seven hundred years of existence, and you manage to be the one who could break my heart. Quite an achievement, exorcist.”
I set down my untouched whiskey and took his face in my hands, forcing him to meet my eyes. “I’m not choosing that path,” I said firmly. “I’ve already decided.”
Hope and wariness warred in his expression. “Noah—”
“No, listen to me.” I held his gaze, wanting him to see my certainty. “My calling has never been to an institution. It’s been to truth, to helping people face darkness—real darkness, not the simplified version the Seminary teaches. I can do that without their approval or authority.”
“It will be harder,” he warned. “Without their resources, their community.”
“I’ll have you,” I said simply. “Your knowledge, your perspective, your love. That’s worth more than any institutional backing.”
Something vulnerable and wondering bloomed in his eyes. “You’re choosing me,” he whispered, as if saying it aloud might make it disappear. “Over everything you’ve known.”
“I’m choosing us,” I corrected. “And a more honest path. One where I can still help people but without the dogma that limits understanding.” I stroked his cheek, marveling at how this being—ancient and powerful beyond human comprehension—could look at me with such open need. “I love you, Lucien. That’s notgoing to change, no matter what spiritual cleansing they might put me through.”
He caught my wrist, turning to press a kiss to my palm. “Noah Callahan,” he murmured against my skin, “do you have any idea what you do to me? What it means to hear you say these things?”
“Show me,” I suggested, my voice dropping lower as I moved closer.
