Dinner, surprisingly, was calm. Conversations flowed around me, yet I kept to myself. A sense of anticipation coursed through me, an inkling that God was on the verge of something significant, although I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. All I could do was wait.

  As everyone prepared to retire to their chambers, my gaze met Douglas’s. He offered a single nod. Pauline’s eyes darted to me with a knowing look; she sensed that we were up to something. If she were to ask, I couldn’t give her the answer she sought, for it wasn’t I who was orchestrating the plan.

  His ‘children’ bid their goodnights, and I exited the dining hall. But before I could reach my chambers, a hand landed on my shoulder. I turned and saw Pauline. Of course, it had to be her. She’d been watching Douglas and me throughout dinner. The questions were inevitable.

  “Madeline, do you have a thing for Douglas?”

  I wrinkled my nose in surprise. “What? No. Why would you think that?”

  “You’ve been seen with him around here, and the way you two look at each other. Now that you’re both favors, anything’s possible if you ask, right?”

  I held up a hand. “No. He’s just a friend, Pauline. Someone I feel comfortable with here. God knows I need it.”

  “Then what are you two up to?”

  “We’re just friends.

  She crossed her arms.

  “Besides,” I continued, “after what happened with the last favor, I wouldn’t trust you enough to tell you anything if I were up to something, but I’m not.” I regretted my sharp words when I saw the hurt appear in her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just... since we arrived here together, you’ve —”

  Before I could finish, she grabbed my arm and pushed me into my chambers.

  “Do you think I like being here, just because I haven’t complained about it?” She locked eyes with mine. “What I’m trying to do is survive. I wasn’t a favor right from the start like you. Favors don’t see what they do to servants. You should be thanking me for saving you.”

  “Saving me?”

  “When unity is compromised, look at what happened to Lilian. If she hadn’t been exposed, she would’ve continued making it seem like you wanted to disrupt unity, and then you’d be the one dead. Conceal your emotions, play their game, and find ways to save yourself. That’s how you stay alive.”

  I looked down, then back at her, my arm still throbbing from where she’d gripped it. “I didn’t know.”

  “Of course you didn’t,” she said, her tone softer. “I didn’t throw her under the bus to gain favor and keep playing the part. I did it for you.”

  “Why?’

  She glanced around my chamber, her eyes wide. Momentarily forgetting our conversation. “Wow, this is really nice.” She sat on my bed, shrugging a shoulder. “Back to the subject. After what we went through in the crates ... ,” she hesitated, then continued, “I just didn’t want to see you die, okay? Not after Abigail, when she fought like hell to save us.”

  I placed my hand on hers, sincere gratitude filling my heart. “Thank you, Pauline. I really mean it.” A sudden thought about the jar of water crossed my mind. “Oh, and as a token of my thanks ...” I ducked under the bed.

  “What are you doing?” Her bouncy hair fell against the floor as she strained to see.

  “I’m ... ,” I said, and grunted as I slid the bag toward myself, then finished, “getting something important for you.” I emerged from under the bed, taking a breath. “Whew, okay. Here.” I plopped it on the bed and watched her peer inside.

  “Water?”

  “Yes, take a couple and hide them. You’ll need it.”

  She shook her head, brows furrowing. “Is this holy or something, Maddy? You know I don’t —”

  “Just take some, Pauline. I promise. I won’t be the one you thank by the time you need to use it.”

  She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Fine.” She glanced around my room some more and wondered aloud, “I wonder if favors of the same sex can share a room?”

  I shrugged as I stashed my jars in the wardrobe. “I don’t know, but it’s spacious enough.”

  “Yeah,” she said, and laughed. “And it suits my style.”

  For the first time, I found myself smiling. “It really is beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “You think?” She heard a bird’s chirp and looked up. “You have birds here, too?”

  “I don’t know how they clean the cages, but they were here when I arrived.” I sighed, realizing I should share with her, as she’d find out anyway. “So was Luminous.”

  Her eyes widened, and she gasped. “What —why?”

  “He thinks he needs to figure me out.” I shrugged. “I don’t know why, but it’s weird.”

  “Especially being okay with a place like this. I mean, Maddy, we’re being held here against our will.”

  “I know.” I blinked as the words came out, thinking aloud. “Maybe he isn’t okay with it, but has to be because it’s his dad, and you know how generations can be.”

  “Yeah, clinging to normality. But he must know this is wrong.”

  “I don’t know, but there’s obviously something deeply wrong with his children. The way ...” I shuddered, continuing, “Aeromonas killed Lillian like it was nothing, and that’s terrifying.”

  “Maybe you should hear their side of things.”

  I considered it for a moment. “Yeah,” but the thought of speaking to Aeromonas made my stomach turn. “Maybe just Luminous?”

  “For some reason, Maddy, you’re their favorite. You have a better shot at getting under their skin than anyone else here.”

  I knew why I was the ‘favorite.’ It was because God willed it. Regardless of the darkness looming here, God ensured it fled in my presence. “Okay, I’ll try my best.”

  Out of nowhere, she hugged me and whispered a thank you. I didn’t quite understand why, but somehow I knew it wasn’t me she was thanking. Hope gleamed in her eyes.

  “There’s something you should know,” I said, hesitant and a little afraid. “Favors get it all because our hearts will be on a pedestal.”

  “What?” She furrowed her brows and shook her head in disbelief.

  I held up my hands. “I’m not sure if Theodore was speaking in riddles, but the way I took it, favors’ lives don’t end well.”

  She pushed her hair from her eyes. “Maybe it was a riddle,” she said nervously. “But don’t let that distract you from finding us a way out of here.” I nodded, and before she left, she patted the bag of water and smiled.

  I left only one lamp on, casting a soft glow in my chambers. I sat on my bed and opened the bible. Before I began to read, I invited the Holy Spirit to join me, seeking wisdom and understanding. This was a practice my mother had instilled in me; after all, He was the true author of the book.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  After my prayer, I delved into the scriptures until my eyes grew heavy. Slowly, with the bible still open, I surrendered to slumber. Even in my dreams, it was as if I could hear the teacher.

  ‘When Jesus willingly laid down on that cross, did He go gently, or did He suffer?’ the teacher’s voice wavered, a pause filled with profound silence. ‘Were His wounds adorned with flowers and new linen, or were His clothes torn, a crown of thorns thrust onto His head? Did they bestow upon Him a fine golden scepter, or did they give Him a stick, only to strike Him with it, again and again?’ His voice grew louder, a sorrowful cry echoing as if the earth itself wept. ‘Hail, King of the Jews,’ they taunted! He sniffled and took a shuddering breath …’

  A deep rumble of thunder jolted me awake. It reverberated through the castle, shaking the top books on the shelves. I gasped, a bead of sweat trickling down my forehead. I wiped it away and invoked the name of Jesus before sleep claimed me once more.

  ’You ask, ‘Why, God, must we suffer?’’ He sniffled once more, saying, ‘In our suffering, we become like Jesus. It is in those moments that the Lord fills your brokenness with His grace. His presence becomes the adhesive that pieces you back together. You no longer lean on yourself, but on the Creator who fashioned you.’ He pressed on, ‘Do not squander the season of suffering. The enemy discerns something within you that he fears and seeks to obliterate before you realize the value Christ places in you.’ Another pause, another sigh. ‘Have faith and trust that the king who suffered for you will be there for you when your time comes ...’

  Being jolted from my sheets and forced to the ground wasn’t the ideal wake-up call. As my eyes adjusted to the harsh reality I was living in, I found Aeromonas standing over me.

  “What did you do?” She grabbed me roughly by my gown, trying to get me onto my feet. With every physical blow, my heart pounded faster, but I could do nothing but let it happen.

  “Get up!” she ordered, and I complied. “Follow me,” she commanded, as if I had any choice in the matter. She forcefully clutched my arm and, between clenched teeth, seethed in anger.

  I had no inkling why she was so enraged, but I could only speculate. She rushed me through the hall, into the foyer where her brother and mother were. Sabrina’s gown was stained red, resembling blood. Fear etched itself across my countenance. I attempted to push Aeromonas’s hand away, but as soon as I did, she slapped me across the face.

  “I didn’t do anything,” I gasped out of breath.

  “Why is my mother covered in blood?” Aeromonas demanded, her voice laced with fury. “Why is it everywhere!”

  I shook my head in genuine bewilderment. “I don’t know.”

  As she raised her hand again, Luminous seized her arm firmly, stating, “She is more gifted than all the rest, even above you and me.” He frowned and tilted his head. “Touch her like that again, and you will face punishment from our father.”

  She released her grip on me, although not before casting me a hateful stare. She scoffed and pushed me away. “He let her in; he can deal with the consequences.”

  I stood there, hearing Theodore’s approach. He didn’t utter a word, only swung open the castle’s front doors. As they creaked open, the fountain of Baal gushed forth red.

  “It’s in our bathrooms, in our drinking water, in our fountains. It’s undrinkable,” Aeromonas declared. “I made a servant drink it, and she’s severely ill.”

  Luminous’ eyes widened.

  “Thank Baal, Mother only took a shower,” Aeromonas added.

  “Shut your mouth, Aeromonas,” Theodore snapped. “If I can hear you from my quarters, so can everyone else.” He turned to me, a scrutinizing gaze fixed upon me. “Why is she awake and not the others as well?” The room fell silent in his presence. When he repeated the question, his tone was laced with cruelty. “Are all of you stupid? Answer me!”

  Aeromonas licked her lips and explained, “I saw her by the river, and she dropped something in it. I don’t know what it is, but it’s obviously poison.” She gestured at me with a scowl full of disdain. “She openly expressed her hatred for this place and the community within it.”

  Theodore approached me, exhaling deeply, brows furrowing in contemplation. He blinked repeatedly, then said, “You may be His child, but you are not Him.” He looked up and smiled, inquiring, “Is that all you’ve got?”

  I stared blankly at him, my lips pursed. I never imagined I’d witness Him turn their water to blood.

  He turned away and stated, “Go back to bed, favor.” Just before he walked away, he added, “Oh, I almost forgot.” Turning back to me, he asked mockingly, “Is there anything you request? An eye for an eye, perhaps?”

  I was so taken aback, I couldn’t fathom that he was alluding to his own daughter. That, if I asked him to discipline her, he would do it. Why? Why was I set apart from the others? I hadn’t asked for it, and I certainly didn’t want to be here. In a daze of disbelief, the Holy Spirit reminded me of His grace. I took a deep breath and shook my head in response.

  He nodded, then continued walking. “Everyone gets up at six am. Including you, daughter.”

  As I turned away, my thoughts swirled with fleshly thinking. I scoffed under my breath. Maybe I should have taken his offer. After what she did to me, I should’ve asked him to slap her. Yes. I want an eye for an eye. Ugh. I shook my head again as I returned to my chambers. Lord, You saw what she did to me. Why did You let her do that? If she gets punished, she’ll never do it to me again ... right?

  “Did she hurt you?” Luminous inquired, his footsteps trailing behind me.

  “I’m fine.”

  “I didn’t ask if you were fine, I asked if she hurt you.”

  I rolled my eyes and continued to walk, ignoring him.

  He quickened his pace and blocked my path, forcing me to stop. “Did she hurt you?”

  “Have you ever been slapped?”

  He nodded.

  “There you go.”

  He gazed at me in silence, as if I intrigued him in some inexplicable way. He went to touch the cheek that had been slapped. I turned my face away. Stepping to the side of him, I reached my door. I opened it and closed it before he had the chance to stop me.

  A whirlwind of emotions churned in my stomach. My mind was a tempest of thoughts. I couldn’t make myself move my hand away from the doorknob. He hates you, you hate him. This is weird. Don’t be weird, Madeline. A second later, I closed my eyes, and it was as if my flesh, against my will, opened the door for him.

  I opened my eyes and turned to him. “I’m afraid of being woken up like that again. You can come in.” I stepped back, allowing him to enter. “I don’t want you near my bed,” I asserted. “But since you saved me from a second slap, I figure you’ll keep me safe from her. If you’re okay with the couch.”

  He nodded and then shut the door. I watched him closely as I pulled the covers back over my legs. He settled onto the couch in a way that seemed normal for a male teenager. He propped his arm behind his head and stared at the ceiling.

  At the foot of my bed lay a throw blanket, its presence a silent question. I hesitated, unsure if he warranted its warmth. Did he commit heinous acts like his sister, or was he merely a passive observer? In my mind, both were equally damning, save for the captives ensnared in this wretched place.

  Unthinkingly, I blurted out, “Why do you allow this to happen?”

  “What do you mean?” his voice held a guarded edge.

  “This place. Your sister took a life.”

  He continued to fixate on the wall. “Believe it or not, we are captives here too, favor.”

  The meaning eluded me. I sighed, a yearning for understanding welling up. “How?”

  “Aeromonas and I were born within these walls. We’ve never glimpsed the world outside, yet we know it exists, according to maps and pictures.”

  I pursed my lips, struggling with disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I assure you, I am.”

  “I find that hard to fathom.”

  “But it is the truth.”

  “Why?”

  “We each have our roles to fulfill, favor. Without us, our successors couldn’t assume their place.”

  I shook my head in astonishment, the weight of the world pressing on me. “There is so much more beyond these walls. You can break free, end this.”

  “No. I am next in line to inherit this ‘work of art,’ favor,” he sighed, “and I find contentment in my position. One day, you’ll come to understand.”

  “You find comfort in reducing people to mere objects?”

  He sat up, irritation replacing his earlier indifference. “Are they complaining?”

  “They’re terrified.”

  “No, they’re not. If they were, we’d be facing a wave of suicides.”

  “Just because they’re not taking their own lives doesn’t mean they’re not living in torment.”

  He suppressed a chuckle. “Have you ever... ?” He tipped his head, asking, “experienced intimacy?”

  It was a foolish question. “That isn’t intimacy.”

  “Come on, tell me, favor?”

  I shook my head. Fornication was unheard of in my mind. “Sex is reserved for marriage.”

  He smiled, seemingly amused. “Then you can’t judge whether they enjoy it or not, having not experienced it yourself.”

  “They’re underage,” I said with disdain. “Where I come from, that’s illegal. It’s considered rape. You go to jail for this because it’s abhorrent.” I unleashed my frustration, determined to make him understand the gravity of his actions. “Your father knows it’s wrong. It is wrong! They’re still children until they’re eighteen. And this, it’s also kidnapping!”

  “The woman can bear a child. Therefore, she’s a woman, not a child. The men here have undergone puberty, and so they are men. Not children.”

  “Children as young as nine, eleven, or even twelve undergo puberty. However, puberty should not be used as an excuse for such vile behavior. They’re still children. Your perspective just eases your conscience.”

  “Not in this place,” he retorted, sounding exasperated. “Here, your rules of the world don’t apply. We’re off the grid. One thing may be wrong in your eyes, whereas in mine, it is the way things are.”

  I locked eyes with him, incredulous.

  “The world doesn’t even know this place exists?” I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.

  “There you have it.” He reclined and shut his eyes.

  Still perched on the bed, I blinked slowly. Anxiety crept up my spine, coiling like a snake. Lord, how would we escape when no one knows but those who brought us here? I ran my fingers through my hair, burrowing deeper into the covers. Off the map. I squeezed my eyes shut, a silent plea echoing within. Oh no, this place is off the map. Please, Father, let my mom know I’m alive. I know she’ll pray for me.