AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well done. I’ll escort you back to the attic once you clean up in the restroom.” He points to a door beneath the stairs. I back toward it, keeping my eyes on them, distrustful of their motives.
Surprisingly, nothing else occurs. I use the toilet before washing the blood from my skin. I wince when I look at my back, knowing the lacerations and bruises will be far worse tomorrow.
When I exit the restroom, Orpheus escorts me to the attic, not bothering to bind my hands or ankles. Although I’m sore and tired, I remained on alert, waiting for the next thing the sinister jackass would throw at me.
My eye was swollen from the beating, but Mackenzie was still the best sight as she said my name, relief in her voice. I turned my head to see her better, her name slipping from my lips as though she was a mirage that might disappear before Orpheus shoved me onto the mattress.
She wrapped me in her arms, and all the agony I endured was forgotten as I breathed her in, grateful to be with her once again.
The happy bubble disintegrates as I glare at Orpheus. I barely got any rest because I was too busy having sex with her, but I’m fucking ready to throw down if he tries his shit with her.
Orpheus’s eyes slide to my sweatpants beside the mattress, a smirk curling his vile lip. “Get dressed. You have a match today. And then we’ll celebrate… If you live.” His menacing energy blankets the room, choking me. He’s a sick son of a bitch who gets off on torturing people until they break—and die.
I get to my feet, my body screaming in protest. Gritting my teeth, I do my best not to show the agony I’m feeling as I quickly pull my sweatpants on. When I look up, Orpheus is twirling a knife between his fingers, his eyes on me. “I’ll leave you untied—if you cooperate.”
“If you guarantee Mackenzie is okay, I’ll cooperate.”
He stares at me. “The girl’s fine.”
“I don’t believe you. I need to see her myself to believe it.”
“Head down the stairs. I’ll direct you.”
Orpheus guides me down the attic stairs, through the house, and into the narrow passageways that led to the creepy church basement for the first ritual. Only this time, I’m alone.
Worry and longing fill me as I walk, swallowing nervously.How did he take her without waking me? Did the fucker drug me again, or was I just that exhausted?
Either way, I failed her—again.
Contempt and self-loathing cause my shoulders to slump even as I continue, desperate to see her. I vowed to protect her. I love that woman with every breath and cell in my body, and last night, she told me she loved me.
Yet mere hours later, I let these bastards take her for God only knows what purpose.
Fuck!I stumble as I walk, my heart thudding dully inside my chest. I can’t imagine what Mackenzie thinks of me now.
I’m barely conscious of the hooded cult figures holding the church doors open. Stepping inside, my eyes search for the only person that matters to me.
Instead of going downstairs to the basement, we remain on the first floor. It’s been transformed. All the broken pews have been pushed away, and in the center is what looks like a wrestling ring. A huge guy stands in the center. He looks to be about my age, but he’s twice my size.
“Head to the ring, boy.” Orpheus gives me a shove. I trip, but once I regain my balance, I comply, Orpheus hot on my heels.
Although it’s cold in here, sweat covers my body as my eyes lock on the big guy across from me. I scrape a hand through my unruly locks, my eyes darting around the room, looking for Mackenzie. I don’t see her yet.
My gaze stops on one masked figure. I know it’s Daemon from his size and stance. He gives me one quick nod, as though sending me a silent message.
Orpheus motions for me to step through the ropes and then gestures toward the far corner across from my opponent. I head there, butterflies dancing in my stomach.
With his head held high, Orpheus moves to the center of the ring. The cult members surround it, chanting. Orpheus basks in the attention, slowly spinning in a circle, before holding one hand up. Immediately, the cult members flank around the rink, dropping to one knee. They chant some more before bowing their heads and going silent.
“The rules of today’s event are simple. These two boys will face off with one another. No outside intervention or help is allowed. There will be only one winner…” he pauses for dramatic effect. “Determined by who is still alive, and who’s not.”
The cult members lift their heads, then Orpheus gestures with his hands like a musical conductor and they rise to their feet. “But don’t worry. The victor gets a prize.”
He gestures to a door, and Rosario walks in as though she’s been summoned. My eyes follow her as she heads to the altar, lifting her long dress as she ascends the stairs. She moves to the far side, her eyes on Orpheus. When he nods, she spins and begins turning a device that reminds me of a small steering wheel. A wooden box begins lowering from the ceiling.
She stops turning the wheel once the tall box reaches the floor. Walking over to it, she inserts a key into the lock, then pulls it open.
A trembling Mackenzie is inside. Her hair has been brushed, framing her face in gleaming waves. She’s wearing a short black dress that hugs every curve. She’s ravishing, even with the terrified look on her pale face.
