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I wouldn’t make it ten steps.
There’s nothing I can do but watch and stay silent. My mouth could get us killed, so I lower my shoulders, focusing on controlling my breath, feeling Alex’s grip loosen as I do.
“I don’t want to ruin this occasion with a reminder that I give my commands for a reason.” The Eminent places a hand on Sam’s bloodied shoulder, and he does his best not to wince. The Eminent lifts his palm, rubbing the blood between two fingers.
“When I require something done a certain way, I expect that to be carried out.” The Eminent wipes his bloodied fingers down Sam’s clothes, leaving behind a streak of red. “Mr. Rivera now understands our way, and he’ll go back to the project and complete it with my requirements.”
Sam nods as Alex’s hand lowers, and I see the bite mark I’ve left in his palm.
“He wanted the tunnel sealed,” Alex whispers into my ear, so soft I can barely make out the words. I nod in response, my eyes on Sam. “Just a whip. He’s fine.” I nod again as Sam steps from the podium and takes a seat facing the Eminent.
“That’s not all I have this proclamation day,” the Eminent announces. It sounds like a warning, and I watch the faces of the crowd shift in confusion. Half are excited with his announcement, while the other half look terrified.
He informs a few adherents they will swap women, and Lori and I exchange looks, curious if we’ll be next on the list. There’s a fifteen-minute diatribe about the tomato plants we should praise him for as if he grew them with his mere presence.
Then he narrows his eyes at me.
“And our rodent problem proves to be an exciting time for the loyal members of the Assembly,” he grins. I keep my face blank, not allowing him to see any fear.
“How far?” he asks the speaker and points to his ear. The speaker steps onto the podium and tells him something that I doubt even the front row can make out, and the Eminent smiles.
“Wonderful to have someone who follows orders as directed.” The crowd turns to Sam, but he doesn’t shrink away. He sits straight, eyes forward at the Eminent, dripping blood on the floor that puddles at his feet. He’s indifferent to his pain and the show.
“Alex,” the Eminent snaps his fingers. “Bring her.”
We stand, and I let Alex lead us to the front. Turning, I see Sam’s face tighten and his hands form fists at his sides. He’s smart enough to bleed in peace, but I know it’s taking every bit of his will to keep his ass in the seat.
“We will have more visitors that bring us wonderful gifts by our next proclamation day,” the Eminent announces. “The Thalassa has reached the port and carries one of the founding members of our great order. Dean Riggs, a surviving member of the commencement circle, finds his way to our sanctuary.”
Sam’s on his feet storming toward us, but Alex intercepts him. Guards appear from every direction, surrounding Sam and pulling him back.
“You aren’t happy about seeing an old friend, Mr. Rivera?” The Eminent tilts his head and smirks, unmoved by Sam’s attempted retaliation at his words. “He asked to see you specifically.”
I look at Lori, who shakes her head. I don’t know if she’s told Sam about Dean or not, and this is quickly spiraling out of control.
Even though I knew this would happen, my fear builds with those words. Sam looks at me, confused and furious. I raise my hand to him, palm up, and clear my throat.
“We’re both pleased to follow your direction,” I say. The Eminent’s head snaps towards me.
“In everything?” he questions.
“Of course.”
Alex has Sam back in his seat, and I notice Sam holding on to the side of the chair, preventing himself from getting up again.
“Well, that’s wonderful to hear.” The Eminent claps his hands together, his eyes shifting toward Sam in amusement. He enjoys watching his suffering as much as ours. It’s all one enjoyable show, and no one can rip their eyes away. “On your knees then.”
I freeze, unsure if I’m being asked to pray or getting into position for the whip. Either would be equally terrible.
The speaker moves behind me and places both hands on my shoulders, pushing me forward to face the crowd.
Sam’s chest shudders with his shaking breaths, blood still dripping down the chair.
The Eminent pulls my ponytail, and I wince, falling to my knees, my hands slapping on the ground.
“Does your mischief feel the same way?” the Eminent asks.
I look up, squinting at him in confusion.
