Night had fallen over the farmland. The moon hung high, casting a pale glow through the gaps in the window shutters.
Inside the bedroom, the air was thick with tension.
Judas sat on the edge of the bed. His face was solemn. It was a rare expression for him, one devoid of his usual playfulness or shameless humor.
Nina, Luna, and Ezra stood before him. They exchanged nervous glances. Their husband had asked them to come here for a serious talk.
They straightened their backs, sensing the gravity of the moment.
"Sit," Judas said softly.
He pointed to the three wooden chairs he had arranged in a semi-circle facing him.
The women sat down. Their hands rested in their laps, fingers intertwined or gripping the fabric of their nightdresses.
Judas took a deep breath.
"I have a secret to reveal."
The room went silent. Even the sound of the wind outside seemed to fade.
"It is about my system."
Three sharp gasps sounded in the room.
