I hear his voice in my head.
You’re my peace, Seraphina.
You’re my salvation.
I swallow hard, forcing air into my lungs.
“I…won’t,” I whisper, hoarse, struggling to find my voice.
“I…won’t… say…them.”
Gideon’s eyes darken, his saintly smile curdling. “Our Mother is full of spirit. What a good fat Mother you will make. Defiance, to your husband even now? You continue to test my patience, Seraphina.”
He steps closer, his breath warm against my cheek.
“The boy you sinned with is still alive. For now. Shall I show you what happens to those who question what is foretold? Who dares to touch, to take, what is rightfully mine? He spoiled your fertile ground with his tainted seed.”
My blood runs cold.
He gestures to the guards.
“Prepare her. Let her see what her rebellion costs.”
Fear claws at my throat, but I know what I have to do. I can’t win this fight—not yet. I need to get to Trey.
My heart hammers as I force my gaze to the floor.
“I’ll…I’ll do it,” I whisper. “Please… just… let me…see him.”
Gideon’s grin returns, benevolent again, false holiness wrapping around cruelty. “Ah, but of course our wavering Mother begs to be with my holy appointment. You see? Even the lost can be saved.”
The guards lead me away, their hands tight. Unforgiving. The doors close behind us, cutting off the chants of the congregation.
The hallway is colder here, the light dimmer. The air smells of earth and metal. We descend a staircase, my bare feet slipping on stone steps slick with damp. A single bulb flickers above, painting everything in sickly yellow.
Chains clink somewhere in the dark.
My eyes scan my surroundings.
Trey.
No. God, no.
He hangs from the far wall, wrists shackled high above his head, his body limp, head bowed, feet barely touching the ground. A streak of blood traces down his temple, over the tattoos on his chest, disappearing into the waistband of his boxers.
His body is bruised, wet.
Something inside me breaks.
“Trey.” His name escapes like a prayer. I try to run to him, but one of the guards pulls me back by my hair. My knees hit the floor.
Trey doesn’t move.
I press a trembling hand to my heart.
Hold on.I silently beg him.
Please hold on.
