Page 102 of The Shadow Sanctum

I shake my head. “I don’t know.”

Or at least, I don’t understand.

“Brothers and Sisters… I owe you my deepest condolences.”

“What’s going on?” Someone at the back screams.

“What is that?”

“What’s happening?!”

“One of our own has broken our rules by bringing Western medicine into our home. Western medicine that has just caused the death of our dear Nurturer and friend. Western medicine that wouldn’t be tolerated even by those of wavering faith if the sickness hadn’t been intentionally brought in.”

Hushed voices raise to normal volumes as people try to understand or at least digest what Aurelius is saying.

I turn to Angel and cup his shoulder before leaning in. My mouth opens to tell him he needs to leave. Now. Because my racing heart is certain Aurelius has figured it out.

But the pill capsule has me silent.

Because the antibiotics didn’t come in capsules. We had to grind them up.

Which means it was planted. As a setup. Not for Angel, but for…

“It kills me to announce that my daughter, Luna, has betrayed us all. After investigation, Raven has discovered contacts our Head Keeper has made with the outside claiming she’s been selling our infants. Because of her actions, the Shadow Sanctum is being investigated by powers that don’t understand our home. It’s no longer safe for us here.”

“What?” Angel looks between me and Aurelius. Waiting for me to do something. To stop this.

I don’t move. I don’t think I can.

Aurelius hands off the capsule to a Keeper so it can be passed around the crowd. I still don’t see Luna, but I can tell where she is by the shuffling of people moving away from her. Out of disgust. Out of fear. Out of renunciation.

Several Keepers create a fence around her to block the inevitable mob.

“Luna’s desire is to have you betray me and leave as her flock. She’s poisoned the Dregs to destroy our wealth and the children to shake your faith.”

“Bullshit!” Angel yells, hands cupping his mouth. He tries to walk toward the stage, but I take his arm and shake my head.

It’s not time for that yet.

She’s gonna have to explain herself. Or at least try.

“Yet I am partially to blame,” Aurelius goes on, splaying his palms. “I have given my daughter my trust despite your protests. Her infected heart has plagued my own, and my sins can hardly be forgiven. But if you can find it in your hearts to try, you may follow me to a safe place I’ve chosen for the true believers. We leave tonight.”

“What about her?” Someone shouts.

“What are you going to do about the Head Keeper?”

“What if she follows?”

Aurelius raises his hands when too many shouts pop from the crowd to address. I watch the bastard’s lips twitch with a smirk. No one else seems to notice.

“She won’t be slain without trial. I would not silence your voices by condemning who many of you may still consider your Keeper… The challenge restriction is now lifted. Any who wish to seek redemption for the crimes against our people may do so.”

With a sweep of his hand, a Keeper brings a basket of tiny clay pots to the edge of the stage. It’s only a few moments before someone steps forward and grabs one.

“For Annabelle!” The man smashes the clay on the ground and sends black smoke billowing.

A Keeper is next, and soon, the basket is surrounded.