Claire didn't tell Charlie or her parents about going to the Qi Temple, as she believed that praying for her family was fine without them knowing, or announcing it out loud.

So early next morning, before Elaine and Jacob woke up, she drove straight to QI Temple.

The days were cold and the nights longer before the Oskian New Year, and the sun was barely up when Claire headed outside.

A group of devotees was already at the gates, always intent on claiming the first offerings in Qi Temple, happi