。</P>

the offering</P>

one</P>

when the bell tolls, I know the ceremony is about to begin.</P>

It's a family tradition, held every eighteen years on this day, where the family hosts a grand and luxurious sacrificial rite to honor our supreme deity.</P>

two</P>

And I am the sole priestess in this ritual.</P>

three</P>

dressed in the intricate vestments of a priestess, I board the palanquin bound for the temple under my mother's worried gaze. before departing, I follow the old customs of the family and bestow the priestess's blessing upon the unborn child in my mother's womb.</P>

Four</P>

the temple is built atop a mountain, and the palanquin stops at the foot of the hill. with a devout heart, I ascend the stairs leading to the temple one step at a time.</P>

the path is long, and the ceremonial robes feel exceedingly heavy, yet I do not sense the expected weariness.</P>

From birth, I was taught to shoulder the responsibilities of a priestess.</P>

Five</P>

Upon reaching the temple, I see everyone brimming with hope, tears welling in their eyes. they retreat naturally behind me, igniting the candle in my hand. I understand that the path ahead is mine alone to tread, for no one other than the priestess is allowed inside the temple.</P>

Six</P>

the temple is dark; the door opens briefly before closing again. holding the only source of light, I slowly make my way inside. I swear that no one has ever entered here, for if they did, they would witness the bones strewn across the floor.</P>

Seven</P>

Upon seeing the so-called deity, I am not surprised. I merely undress, making myself ready for the \"deity's\" feast.</P>

Eight</P>

From the very beginning, I knew I was the sole offering in this ceremony.</P>

Nine</P>

the child in my mother's womb is born. that is the next offering I leave to the family, the next \"me\". In eighteen years, he too will bee a priest.</P>

ten</P>

the ceremony will not cease; all will be trapped in the cycle of rebirth. And I, I write the beginning of this tale.