Chapter 18

6 p.m.

I hear an alarm. Is that how they call people to eat? There is a knock at my door. It’s Brooke.

“We are gathering early tonight. I do not know why. Are you ready?” she asks.

I gather myself quickly. She puts something in my pocket. She whispers “protection” I nod my head.

I put on a smile and follow her out the door. As we go down the steps I see a familiar face. It’s Camilla Dawn. I run to her.

“I have been so worried about you,” I tell her.

“I am fine. I came home to be with my family. I am sorry I did not tell you bye. I had to get home.” She responds.

She is not being honest. I smile. We continue to walk. Sarge comes up to her. She pats him on the head. I wish I could talk to her. She looks at me “Soon” she says as she walks ahead.

We all arrive at dinner. The bell is still ringing loudly. This is ridiculous. There are so many people here. I wonder who all these people are. Brooke and Camilla stand on each side of me. They each grab my hand, Brooke on my right, Camilla on my left. They are trying to get into my head. I can feel them.

“Do not be afraid. You have to be strong.” They say at the same time.

They keep holding my hands. I remain calm. The crowd keeps getting larger. There is a small stage in front of us. There are many tables. People are rushing to put food on the tables.

“We must join him on the stage,” Brooke says as she pulls me forward.

Camilla is behind me. They both still have my hands. We walk through the crowd. Everyone is looking at me. They know who I am. I can tell by the way they look at me. They all look so tired and defeated.

We make it to the stage. My brother is sitting in a chair with a microphone. He is wearing a brown suit and dark sunglasses. He looks old and tired himself.

“Come sister. Join us.” He says.

We are seated at the table. My brother looks at all the people in the crowd. “You may sit,” he says into the microphone. My brother is their leader. This is not good. This is going to be disastrous.

I am seated between Camilla and Brooke. The two of them are so close to me I cannot move.

“Am I ok?” I ask Brooke.

“Yes. Everything is perfect. Just do not panic.” She says.

Camilla nods to reassure me that this is normal. Daniel starts to speak to the crowd. He is speaking in a language I do not know. I am very confused.

“Only a true believer can understand what he is saying. It is his language that God taught him. Only his followers know what he is saying.” Brooke tells me.

I am not going to panic. I am going to just sit here and pretend he is brilliant.

“My sister has come to joins us. She will be here will us until the end. She and her twins are coming home to the fellowship. Her children have been taken from her by the descendants.” He tells the crowd. “We are going to help her recover them. We will be a family here. You may eat my family.”

Daniel walks to the table. He places his hand on my shoulder. “My dear sister, Stop worrying. I will get the twins back for you and you will live here forever.” He says.

I smile at him. “Thank you brother, all I want is for us to be family again.” I kiss his hand that is on my shoulder.

He walks away to sit at a table with the men. I want to cry. I will let him think he has me. I have Camilla now. Step one is complete. And now I have to figure out how to get my children.

The meal is served by young women. They all look exhausted. I scan the crowd of people. They all look worn down and scared. I wonder what he is doing to these people. He has formed a cult. I knew he was twisted.

Smile. I have to smile so he doesn’t know I am thinking about what horrible things he has been doing here.

“Brooke, do you think tomorrow you could show me around?” I ask.

Brooke and Camilla both look up. “I think that is a great idea. I am sure Daniel will agree. What do you think Camilla?” she responds.

Camilla looks so nervous. I continue to smile my best smile. “I think we should show her the beautiful school you built for all the children.” She replies.

“I think that is a wonderful idea. We can discuss it tonight at the bonfire.” She is trying to change the subject.

We continue to eat in silence. I am not sure what to say or do. I will continue to just act happy to be here.

“Is everything alright Izzy?” my brother asks.

I had no idea he was behind me. I stand up and smile at him. “Yes, brother,” I answer him. “I was just asking Brooke and Camilla if I could see the rest of this amazing place tomorrow. Brooke mentioned she had a school built. I am anxious to see what my new life will be like here with you and my children.”

He leans into me and whispers in my ear. “I am so happy you are here with me. I have missed you, my dear sweet sister.” It is almost sinister the way he spoke to me.

I pretend not to notice. I want him to think I am the obedient sister. I want him to think I am on his side. I want him to think that I will be here for him. I want him to think that I will raise my children here with him in this damn cult he has built.

“I have missed you too my brother,” I say as I lean in and kiss him on the cheek.

I sit back down and continue to smile. I cannot wait to kill him.

“So, tell me more about the bonfire,” I ask.

Camilla looks terrified. I wonder what in the hell he has done to her. “Be careful of your thoughts. He is very powerful. Not as powerful as you. I can feel the apple in you. When you let go you will be more powerful than your brother and your mother.” Brooke says to me.

She can see my worry for Camilla. “She’s fine. Stop worrying. You have to keep your emotions in check so your powers can grow. He was hard on her when she got her. He wanted her to prove she was with him. He can be very difficult. He expects complete loyalty from the fellowship.” She stops. He is looking at her. “The bonfire is a community gathering we do every night. We come together and pray for one another and reconnect with God.” She smiles at him.

She is good. He must think he has her right where he wants. Maybe I will let her kill him. She deserves it.

“No. I don’t. I want the bitch that took the children.” She says as she looks me in the eye.

“Mind your thoughts Perdition.”