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27.
IN THE LIBRARY
Paul trembles. The gom jabbar glints against his neck. The
Reverend Mother’s eyes burn into him. He is panting.
INSERT: Paul’s hand inside the box. Like a hand in a bonfire.
The skin blackening. Splitting.
Paul CRIES OUT involuntarily. The Reverend Mother hisses:
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM
Silence!OUTSIDE THE DOOR
Jessica’s voice rises --
JESSICA
Where the fear has gone there will
be nothing!IN THE LIBRARY
Paul shudders in excruciating pain. Locking eyes with the old
Reverend Mother. At the very edge of his endurance.
INSERT: Paul’s hand. Crisp flesh falling from charred bones.
Paul shuts his eyes. His mouth opens in a silent scream.
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM
Enough!The pain cuts off at once. Paul’s eyes snap open with a gasp.
OUTSIDE THE DOOR
Jessica opens her eyes.
JESSICA
Only I will remain.IN THE LIBRARY
The Reverend Mother stares at Paul as he gasps in relief:
sweaty, breathing hard.
REVEREND MOTHER MOHIAM
No woman-child ever withstood so
much. I must’ve wanted you to fail.
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