Part Four: The Weight of the Choice

Lomeli holds the envelope between his fingers. It feels like it’s burning in his hands.

The red wax seal bears the emblem of the deceased Pope. Why would he entrust such an important message to Archbishop Woźniak? Why not deliver it in life?

He knows he should open it at once, but a part of him hesitates. Whatever is inside could change everything.

A Buried Secret

Outside, rain taps against the Vatican windows. Lomeli sits at his desk, slides his finger under the envelope’s edge, and opens it.

Inside is a single sheet of paper.

The first words freeze his blood:

"There is something you must know before it’s too late…"

The following lines describe a secret concerning one of the papal candidates . A scandal that, if exposed, would immediately destroy the candidate’s chances.

But the message doesn’t name anyone.

Lomeli feels a knot in his stomach. The Pope knew something—but died before he could fully reveal it.

Who was he talking about?