Right or not, my family needed someone. The Prophet was gone, leaving a void that screamed for a guide.
“This.” My voice carried loud and echoed off the whitewashed buildings. “Is the Architect.”
Xan turned at the sound of his title.
“The Architect,” I continued. “Will lead us. He’s a true Prophet, not one of our Sun God, but one who will show us the way to personal salvation. He is the light.”
“We walk in the light.” My family responded in unison.
Our combined voices sent shivers down my back. How many times had I heard us respond as one and not realized how odd it was?
The blood drained out of Xan’s face. He froze, and the corners of his mouth pinched.
I needed him.
My family needed him.
He couldn’t abandon us.
I sank to my knees. “Guide us, Prophet, for we are in need.”
I heard the rustle of cloth as my family bowed, showing their servitude. I didn’t take my eyes off Xan, the Architect, who’d given me task after task until I found my voice again, even though that same voice spoke against him.
I didn’t know if I hated him or worshiped him—only that he’d protect my family, if only because he didn’t want to.
The corner of my mouth flicked up. This had to make him uncomfortable on a level I couldn’t comprehend, and for some reason, I liked that.
Ezra, Xan’s constant support, slid to his partner's side and put a hand on his lower back. Xan took two deep breaths and stepped forward. He offered me a hand, which I took, still keeping my head respectfully lowered.
“Don’t expect me to bow to you again,” I said quietly.
“Noted,” Xan murmured.
And still, part of me longed to bow, the chains of a lifetime biting deep.
He addressed my family: “I’m not a prophet. But I do have a family who would welcome you with open arms. We have the space for you to stay together or not, if you prefer. The world’s much bigger than this compound.”
“What if we want to stay?” someone called out.
“You can stay.” Xan held an arm out. “But I do not have the people to defend your walls. Once I leave, you are on your own.”
“Cayden will protect us,” another voice called.
I shook my head. “I cannot. I am one man, and I follow the Architect.”
I couldn’t see Xan’s face, and he was too good an actor actually to do it, but I could feel his eyes roll with my words. The truth was, I didn’t know if I meant it. I’d never blindly follow again. But Xan’s mistakes, putting his people above everything, even Quinn, made me hate him and love him at once.
‘Fuck. Emotions are a mess without someone dictating what to feel.’I couldn’t stop the thought from slipping to Rowan.
‘You’re either mad or a genius, Cay. Feel whatever you need to feel,’Rowan sent back.
I didn’t know if I should smirk, cry, or jump into my enemy-turned-friend's arms like Quinn liked to.
“Do you suggest we follow the Architect?” the original voice asked.
I focused on my actions and pushed aside the turmoil scattering my very soul.
“Yes,” I said, knowing a straight answer was what my family needed, even though Xan would never give them one. “The world’s so much more than even I thought, and I’ve barely scratched the surface.” I patted my chest. “The Sun God walks in our hearts. The Architect will keep us safe while we find our path. It’s what he’s doing for me.”
