My heart deflates as I let the hope subside.
She is right. I shouldn’t hope for something that might not be even possible.
30
Eden
Samuel sits next to me in the back of the car. He has Joshua taking us to the new members’ pledging ceremony. He is typing away on his phone with a scowl plastered on his face, as if what he is typing is bothering him.
He clicks the side button to turn off the screen and plops it on his lap. “About today, Eden.” He lets out a sigh and straightens his posture. “I know I should have talked about this sooner with you. It was wrong of me to wait until we are on the drive there. It’s just—” He turns to face me. “I don’t know how to prepare you for this. And I know that sounds like a cop-out, but I just don’t want you to lookat me differently.”
“Why would I look at you any different?” I shift in my seat, the silky fabric of my dress making it hard to not slide against the leather upholstery.
“As the leader of Everton and the Vessel of the Divine, I have to dothings.”
“Things? What things?”
“My duties, Eden. I have to do the rituals and ceremonies that are outlined by the Divine themselves to make sure the new members have truly committed, wholly. Body, mind, and soul.”
“Why would I look at you differently for carrying out what the Divine says for you to do? I trust the Divine’s path.”
He scoops his hand in mine, bringing it to his lips. “I truly hope so.” He places a soft kiss on the top of it.
* * *
Samuel doesn’t tell me what to expect but just tells me his worries of how I would look at him afterwards.
So, I don’t expect to have to wear this cloak-like thing or that I would have to sit in the front row at the base of the stage this time around. Ever since I have been in Everton, I have only sat upon the stage. Seeing the stage from this point of view is daunting. I don’t realize how high up the stage looks from these seats. Now I imagine what the members would look like up there doing whatever they are about to do.
Mrs. Donovan is picking at her nail beds as we wait. She looks so bored and unbothered with being here. I, on the other end, am bouncing my leg up and down as I wait for Samuel to join us. He had to go talk to his men about the setup and make sure they had everything in order for him and the members. I wasn’t comfortable being out here in the open without him or Lianne near my side.
Pathetic, I know. But they are the only ones I feel safe around when I am out like this. Well, there is Kameron now, but he will be on the stage very soon.
The lights dim, and I look for Samuel, but he is not around. Thumping feet on the stage makes me turn around.
On the stage is a figure in a black cloak the same styles as ours. They take to the center of the stage. Facing us, they stand with their heads down.
I swear with how quiet it is in the room I could hear their shallow breathing.
Five figures come on stage in a line wearing cream cloaks. They stop when they are lined up perfectly behind the black-robed figure. All of them drop to their knees and keep their heads down, with their hands resting on top of their legs, palms facing upward. The standing figure raises their hands to remove their hood.
My jaw drops as I see blonde hair and blue eyes light up the dark stage.
Samuel holds his hands up, giving the signal for us to pray to the Divine.
The whole room grows with soft whispers.
I bow my head and join in, peeking up at the stage to see Samuel’s stone-cold expression as he watches the community obey his commands.
The whispers stop in unison.
Samuel raises his hand above his head. “Thank you to everyone for showing their commitment to our Divine by being here to witness our new members laying forth their offerings.”
After untying his robe, he lets it fall and gather at his feet, leaving only a pair of linen pants. His bare chest rises and falls as he takes deep breaths. “I want to thank each and every one of you, Divine’s creations, who are here today to witness this glorious introduction to our new members, new lives.” He turns to face the five figures. “Please show the Divine what you are offering.”
All the figures lift their hands to untie their robes. Still on their knees, they shrug off the fabric. But unlike Samuel, they are completely naked.
A small gasp escapes me as I scan each figure, my eyes landing on Kameron.
