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Prologue
Pain. So much pain. My insides twist and turn as something I never knew I wanted is ripped from my body. Tears stream down my face under the blindfold as the gag muffles my screams. How could they do this to me? My own family!
“Hold her down, Jacob. She has sinned. Don’t let your love for her cloud your judgment,” my stepmother, Isabella, barks. Trembling fingers grip my arms and restrain me. A warm breath hits my ear and I jolt, whimpering at the pain between my thighs.
“I'm so sorry, Chas. Please forgive me,” my brother whispers, and I die a little more inside.
“Such a whore. Couldn’t just keep your legs closed, like a good little preacher’s daughter, could you?” Isabella rants, as I fight to end this suffering.
Soft cries pierce the room and my heart races. They told me it was too early. There was zero chance of survival. But through it all, she made it. My little Angel.
Chapter1
Anondescript black car drops me off outside the terrifying, dark iron gates. I shuffle over to the intercom and press down on the number one. Static sounds before the cruel, harsh voice of my grandmother snaps, “You’re late.”
I sigh and nod my head. It’s not my fault we hit traffic, but pleading my case isn’t worth it. I’m thankful enough to be standing here right now. I can’t risk upsetting her and having her send me back. I glance up at the security camera and bow my head, knowing she's watching.
“I’m sorry, Grandmother. It won’t happen again,” I say in a soft submissive tone.
A huff sounds through the intercom, then the gates buzz as they slowly open.
“Hurry up, Chastity. We can’t be late for Mass.” I lift the two suitcases I was allowed to bring and start the half mile hike up toHoly Cross Academy. My new home.
I know I was told to hurry, but this is the most fresh air I’ve had in a long time. That place where they left me didn’t believe we deserved to be outside. Too many obstacles and chances to escape. Not that we could with how drugged up they kept us.
Stopping, I drop my bags and lift my head up, letting the rays of the sun touch my face. I bite my lip to contain my large grin and do a spin. I stop, a little dizzy, and glance up to the sky, closing my eyes and saying a silent prayer.
“God, if you can hear me. Please keep us safe.”I make the sign of the cross with my hands, say a quick, “Amen,” then grab my bags and jog the rest of the way up the long, curving driveway.
A boy watches me from a bench in a courtyard full of flowers. He’s reading a book, trying to act like he’s not spying on me. I avoid giving him my attention, but from the corner of my eye, I can see his golden hair shines in the sunlight, and he’s rather cute, with those dark sunglasses he’s wearing.
Not that I should be thinking any boys are cute. I am strictlyno boyswhile here at Holy Cross. I need to stay focused and not let anything distract me from my plan.
I reach the stone steps that lead to the front doors, and I’m not surprised to see my grandmother waiting there for me, impatiently.
“Hello, Grandmother,” I say politely once I reach her, fighting to ignore the grimace on her face.
“Chastity, please, you know I hate that word. You may call meMother Cross, like all the other students.” I bow my head in acceptance and she spins, giving me her back, as if I should be following her.
I glance around at the imposing cathedral. The large stained glass windows should be inviting, but they are covered in shadows from the woods surrounding us, making them seem eerie. I remember a time when I loved skipping up and down these stone steps, excited to spend the summers here.
It was my home away from home. I was able to play, and yes, I still had to go to Mass. But I got to eat sweets, play games, sing silly songs, and paint with my grandmother. I lived for the school year to end so I could come here.
We reach the top and wait for the Sisters to open the imposing wooden doors for our entrance. I hesitantly step over the threshold, hiding my wince when the doors slam behind me, and the clank of the locks grind shut. Sister Mary leans down and gives me a big hug with a tiny squeal.
“It’s so good to see you again, Chastity. I do hope you’ll join our choir this time. You have such a lovely voice.”
“Enough, Sister,” my grandmother snaps, cutting off the warmest encounter I have had in a long time. Sister Mary steps back, bows her head and says, “Yes, Mother Cross.”
She’s always been a loyal servant, but she still peeks at me from the corner of her eye. I give her a tiny smile and nod.
My grandmother claps her hands, bringing attention to everyone in the foyer. She must have made attendance here mandatory, as there’s a large crowd gathered. “Now, listen here, please. Chastity is not visiting. She was sent here to repent for her sinful ways, and must be treated as such. She is no longer the innocent little girl who would spend her summers here.” I wince at the blatant announcement. All eyes turn to me, and I bite my lip to stop from crying.
I don’t know what is worse; the shame, or the guilt of everything that has happened. I keep my eyes leveled to the ground and wait for her to keep moving. I can’t bring myself to glance at the others, especially Sister Mary. She’s one of the youngest nuns here, and has always been a friend to me.
Her friend was also a nun here. They had joined together, but she passed away a few years ago from a tragic accident. Sister Mary once confessed that she wished she could leave. She yearns for a family and to find love. I’m surprised to see she’s still here.
Someone from the crowd squeezes my elbow in comfort, but the sudden touch has me cowering away. I glance up at my grandmother, and she has a look of confusion on her face. I think she may be questioning my move. I hope she does, but she ignores my blatant scream for acknowledgement and grips my arm tighter, pulling me further into the Cathedral.
