Finally, when the opening in her chest is large enough, the priest lays the knife aside and forces his hand down and in. Her blood, the Precious Water, pours out, wetting the ancient stone. Within it something stirs, like the stirring of seeds in the desert soil when the rains come...

The girl on the stone knows her service is almost done now. Now, pain is no longer her enemy, but she is feeling terribly weak. Her intent remains clear as she prepares herself for the final act.

Which comes when the priest wraps his hand around her beating heart...