(The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids. If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.) As Ava contemplates starting over, she recalls being left to the tender mercies of the orphanage. The Sister Warriors suit up for a dangerous mission.
(Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.") Ava experiences a come-to-Jesus moment courtesy of Mary, who pulls no punches as she shows her just how many souls have their own cross to bear.
(You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.) Hoping to find some answers, Ava puts her faith in science. Meanwhile, Cardinal Duretti's machinations sow seeds of dissension inside the Order.
(Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.) In shock over the contests of the tomb, Ava no longer knows what – or who – to believe as she tries to divine the true history of the halo.
(Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.) Ava and Beatrice jump into action when they meet an ally eager to take down a self-proclaimed prophet and his followers. Tragedy strikes at the convent.
(Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.) A mysterious nun makes contact with the OCS, while Adriel proposes a partnership to the pope. Lilith turns to an unexpected source for help.
(The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.) As a bizarre plague sweeps the city, Ava uncovers new revelations about Miguel – and Adriel’s methods. Lilith explores new possibilities.
(Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.) The Order and their allies prepare for a showdown against Adriel at his new cathedral, but learn their adversaries have been making plans of their own.