Chapter 10 - Meeting Other Nuns
As the gate fully opened, Roy and Father Burke exchanged a glance with Sister Irene before stepping inside.
After walking through a long, narrow corridor, the three of them arrived at the monastery's main hall.
However, the hall was now shrouded in darkness.
The candlesticks in the corners were unlit, and the atmosphere was eerily lifeless.
Even the abbess, who had welcomed them the day before, was nowhere to be seen.
Seeing this unsettling scene, Father Burke suggested that Sister Irene investigate the monastery alone.
After all, it was a women's convent, and the church's rules made it inappropriate for him, as a man, to enter certain areas.
But just as Sister Irene was about to proceed down the passage connecting the hall to the inner sections of the monastery, Roy stopped her.
"There are hardly any living people left in this monastery, why should we still follow these rules?"
"The worst thing you can do in situations like this is split up. Who knows if Valak attack you if you go off alone?"
Roy's practical reasoning struck a chord with Father Burke.
After some deliberation, the exorcist reluctantly agreed to let Roy accompany Sister Irene.
However, as a steadfast adherent to the church's protocols, Father Burke chose to remain in the hall, where he began poring over more information about Valak.
With Father Burke staying behind, Roy and Sister Irene proceeded down the dimly lit corridor.
The passage was long, narrow, and seemingly endless.
To light their way, Sister Irene carried a small lamp.
The cold, oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on her, but the sight of Roy walking steadily beside her gave her an unexpected sense of security.
Her thoughts began to wander as the silence stretched on.
The church had always represented a sacred and untouchable authority in Sister Irene's eyes.
Roy's actions seemed to suggest a lack of faith or respect for the church.
Yet, she couldn't ignore that his reasoning stemmed from a genuine concern for her safety.
Her mind drifted back to the previous night, recalling how Roy had stayed up to keep her company when she was too frightened to sleep.
He had even carried her to bed and tucked her in when she fell asleep mid-conversation.
A faint, unfamiliar warmth filled her chest, and without realizing it, a small smile curved her lips.
Just as Sister Irene's thoughts began to spiral further, a figure appeared at the end of the corridor.
The nun had an air of authority that suggested years of experience. Her expression was stern and unyielding.
"Sister," the nun said, her tone heavy with reproach. "Are you unaware of the rules? Men are not permitted in the convent without explicit permission."
"Please ask this gentleman to leave immediately."
Roy recognized the nun instantly.
It was Sister Oana, one of the dozen nuns of St. Carta Monastery.
In the movie, Sister Oana had tried to drive Sister Irene out of the monastery.
Her real intention had been to protect Sister Irene from Valak.
Roy knew that Sister Oana and the other nuns were no longer among the living.
Controlled by Valak as restless souls, they could only act in ways that indirectly helped those still alive.
Even so, Sister Oana's warning was clear.
Sister Irene, however, didn't fully grasp the situation. She stepped forward and addressed Sister Oana politely. "Sister, my name is Irene, and I've been sent by the Vatican to investigate the tragic death of a nun here."
"This is Mr. Roy, my assistant. Please—"
Before she could finish, Sister Oana cut her off. "You're not a full-fledged nun yet, are you?"
"With your current standing, you have no authority to conduct such an investigation. I must insist that you leave immediately."
"But—" Sister Irene tried to protest.
"No buts," Sister Oana interrupted again.
"The rules of the church are sacred and cannot be violated. If you truly believe in God, you will leave this place at once."
Sister Irene, clearly out of her depth, turned to Roy for help.
Her nervous eyes silently pleaded with him to intervene.
Roy stepped forward with a faint smile.
"Sister, do you know why we're here?"
"And do you think that, having come this far, the entity haunting this monastery will simply let us walk away?"
He continued, his tone growing more serious.
"Instead of trying to stop us, wouldn't it be better to use what little time you have left to help us before Valak's control takes full hold?"
Sister Oana's stern demeanor faltered.
Her expression shifted to one of shock and confusion.
For a moment, her mouth opened as if to respond, but no words came out.
Roy's words had struck a nerve.
As one of the nuns who had fallen victim to Valak, Sister Oana was painfully aware of her predicament.
During the day, Valak's influence was weaker, allowing her and the other nuns some semblance of autonomy.
But once night fell, they would lose all control, becoming instruments of Valak.
"You… you know?" she asked hesitantly after a long pause.
Roy nodded silently in confirmation.
Sister Oana took a deep breath.
After a moment, she bowed her head and apologized. "Forgive my earlier rudeness. I did not mean to obstruct you."
Raising her head again, she looked at Roy and Sister Irene with determination. "What do you need to do here?"
"I will ensure that the other nuns cooperate with you as much as possible."