Why would He put me through that? I thought, contemplating the purpose behind my suffering.

  All I wanted to do was curl into a ball and end it all. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, and I shook my head in frustration, my mind haunted by the memory of the man who was now dead and the unwanted touch that still left me feeling violated. I feared I could never wash away the stain of defilement.

  I reached up and touched my face as I stared out of the window. The outside world seemed peaceful and content, but the turmoil within me continued to fester, making me feel utterly repulsed. It was still daytime when Luminous placed me in bed. I lifted my head to look at him, silently pleading for him to leave. I scrunched up my face and laid my head back down, desperate for sleep to help me forget it all. But as I laid there, my mind wouldn’t grant me respite.

  I couldn’t help but think about the terror Abigail had endured when she was raped, as well as Pauline, Douglas, Chad, and every other person here who’d suffered against their will. My heart burned with anger for them. I wasn’t sure if Pauline had endured the worst of it, but I knew for certain that Douglas and Chad had.

  For some reason, Luminous believed he’d gained favor with me, and I no longer wished to proceed with the plans Pauline and I had made. I despised the sight of him, and in truth, I loathed the sight of everyone.

  All I wanted was to be left alone.

  A sudden rush of anxiety pierced through the numbness I carried, and I abruptly leaped off the bed, bolting out of the room. I sprinted to Theodore’s office, and as I barged in, I no longer cared about the consequences; I just wanted to escape. I thought, I’m not strong enough for this, God. I can’t do it. You chose wrong. The keeper rushed in and grabbed my arms as I pleaded, “I request isolation.”

  He set his pen down, clearly startled by my interruption. Raising his hand, he gestured for the keeper to release me, and he did so. “Why, and who is it from?”

  “Everything and everyone,” I replied through gritted teeth.

  “That would break unity, favor,” he warned.

  “You said anything,” I retorted, my grip on the pen tightening.

  “Do you not know the three things I refuse?” he asked. I remained silent as he listed them. “Asking for death, breaking unity, and leaving this place.”

  “I will do all three myself if you don’t give me what I want,” I declared. He shook his head, and I lunged for the pen on his desk. Clutching it tightly, I pressed it against my throat. “I will do it right here in front of you.” Eyes brimming with tears, I whispered, “I don’t care anymore.”

  He raised his hands cautiously, urging, “Madeline, put the pen down,” his voice firm. He locked eyes with me, insisting, “Put it down,” his voice wavered, and then, with reluctance, he conceded, “I will grant your request.”

  I didn’t believe him. However, as I moved to act, a hand seized mine, forcing it toward him. He intertwined his fingers with mine, taking hold of the pen.

  “Father,” he implored, “she’s unwell. Earlier, she was speaking incoherently. The choosing has taken its toll on her – show her some mercy.”

  Aeromonas, whom I hadn’t noticed until now, sat in a chair by the tall bookshelf. “He’s right, Father. She’s ill. You can’t mend a fractured mind.” She looked at me with disdain, declaring, “Let her heart be the one that beats on the pedestal.”

  I thought to myself, They’re talking about this as if it’s real again. I stared back at her, my gaze unwavering, my chest heaving. I knew exactly what she was referring to. I pursed my lips, prepared to agree with her. Well, if it is true, I’m already as good as dead. Why prolong the inevitable?

  “No,” Luminous intervened, briefly shooting a glare at her before turning back to Théodore. “I can help her.” Placing the pen on his father’s desk, he positioned himself next to me, ensuring I didn’t attempt anything else.

  Theodore glanced at me, then covered his mouth in thought. Aeromonas’s leg fidgeted impatiently over the other as she tried to persuade her father to commit a heinous act.

  “Come on, dear father. You know how pure it is. What a heart like hers could do for this place.” She struck the arm of the chair with her hand, presumptuous. “How satisfying it will be.” She smiled, stating, “I, however, can hardly wait.”

  “Enough,” Luminous reproached her. “Do you even hear yourself?”

  She shook her head. “I’m only speaking the truth.”

  “How about instead, we remove yours and place it on the pedestal, dear sister?”

  “Ouch,” she pouted, then flashed a mischievous smile. “I do love to get under your skin, Luminous.”

  “The both of you, close your mouths,” Theodore commanded, frustration evident in his tone. He sighed, then offered a conclusion he deemed best. “Luminous, you and Madeline will be wed.”

  “What?” Luminous exclaimed, eyes wide.

  Aeromonas let out a loud scoff before raising her voice, “You cannot be serious! What about the deal with Napolean?”

  I stood there in shock, my mouth hanging open. I shook my head vehemently. “No. No!”

  Theodore slapped the desk and stood up. “You will.”

  “No!” Aeromonas also stood, her tone incredulous. “Father, why the delay?”

  Theodore summoned a keeper to enter. “Remove Madeline from this room and take her back to her chamber.”

  “Answer me. What becomes of Claudine?” Aeromonas demanded, approaching his desk.

  My mind raced. Who is Claudine? Who is Napoleon? And why would anyone want to marry Luminous?

  The keeper took hold of me and began to escort me out of the room, but I needed to hear what was happening. He cracked the door, and another keeper approached him, engaging in a conversation. He let go of me, confident that I couldn’t slip past him even if I tried. I positioned myself against the door, straining to hear what was being said.

  “She is not ill. She is disgusted with this place because He is,” Theodore explained, “in time, with Luminous by her side, she will break ? she will forsake Him.”

  “Why ... ” Aeromonas seethed, “are you waiting?” I heard Theodore sigh as she continued, “What makes her more special than the rest?” She fired off a barrage of words. “You saw what happened with the blood. You don’t know what will happen next. You’re just going to let her walk in here and tear down what you’ve built, your legacy? Not to mention, Napolean will not be pleased.”

  Frustrated, Theodore snapped, “I know what I’m doing, Aeromonas! You,” he paused, then said, “and your childish mind have no comprehension of what I’ve built. The longer she stays, the sooner she will break. We will deal with them when they arrive.”

  Incensed, she pressed on. “I don’t get it! Why does she have to break?”

  “He sent him back to Hell through her. That is how Baal wants it,” he revealed, “nothing is sweeter revenge than a daughter or a son turning against their father.”

  “So Baal is orchestrating this to get back at Him? That’s the hold up? That is why Claudine is out of the picture now, because that’s what he wants.”

  “He has no power over her because He is protecting her,” Theodore replied, “He will never stop protecting her unless she forsakes Him. Claudine isn’t the threat. Madeline is. All we have to do is manipulate her mind.”

  “Manipulate her mind?” Luminous questioned.

  “Yes,” Theodore confirmed. “We wait out what He does, we endure His warnings, and it is your duty, Luminous, to remind her who the true god is.”

  “That will never work,” Luminous argued. “Out of everything a person could ask for, she requested the bible. Even though terror was written across her face, and she believed she was about to die, she didn’t yield.” He paused before adding, “You’re giving me a stubborn bride, one I never asked for.”

  “Please. You never asked for her, but deep down in that cold heart of yours, you want her because she is too good. Too innocent,” Aeromonas retorted. “She can never fall in love with you, Luminous. She is against us, not for us. Remember that while you’re trying to charm her. It’s not real ... ” she paused, then added, “Father, I trust you. However, ...”

  The keeper unexpectedly grabbed my arm and forced me back. I cursed silently. I needed to hear more. As I was being pulled back to my room, my mind raced. I could never marry him. I could never, ever, ever, ever marry someone like him. And who the flip is Claudine?

  The keeper shoved me into my room and shut the door, but I didn’t mind. I wanted to be left alone. I needed to be left alone. I began to pace the room, brainstorming ways to escape. I had to get out of here.

  Suddenly, my door opened, and Douglas poked his head in.

  He asked, stammering, “A-A-are you busy?”

  I rushed to him, pulled him inside, and placed my finger over my mouth, hoping he’d understand the gesture. We hurried up the stairs, and as he approached me, I felt safe enough to speak.

  He looked at me, furrowing his brows. “The choosing.” I nodded in silent acknowledgment, tears streaming down my cheeks.

  “I know what it’s like,” he said, his speech suddenly clear as day, with no struggle. “It will n-n-never get better. That’s why I tried to kill myself.” I blinked slowly as he continued, “But, hope came into my life, and that m-m-makes it seem like everything will be okay.”

  “I am glad you have hope,” I said sincerely, genuinely pleased for him. “But I can’t do this anymore, Douglas.” I buried my head into my knees, muffling my words. “This thing that He has me doing, I can’t. I am not strong enough for this.”

  “It sure s-s-seemed that way when you s-s-saved me,” he remarked.

  I cried, admitting, “I hadn’t seen then what I see now.”

  He placed his arm around me and said, “Because of you, I h-h-have placed my hope in Him. You know why He brought you h-h-here. You just have to remind yourself w-w-where your strength comes from. Deuteronomy 3:16. Maybe, you had to go through it so you would know w-w-what we’ve had to go through, and you could help us all get out of here. Him, becoming our s-s-savior through you.”

  I looked up at him, a realization dawning on me. “You requested a bible, too?”

  He gave a slight smirk. “No. I found it.”

  I rested my hand under my chin. My spirit suddenly reminded me to reflect on the conversation I overheard among the family, and it all fell into place. I couldn’t wallow in my wounds any longer. The Lord had a purpose for what I went through, and He used Douglas to remind me that everything I have endured or will endure has already been faced by His servants.

  “Thank you, Douglas. You are stronger than you look.”

  He chuckled softly, “It is hard, but who said His calling w-w-would be easy?” He embraced me once more before standing up and saying, “I-I-I’d better be on my way. Dinner will be served soon.”

  I smiled as Douglas left, feeling a renewed sense of courage. I hurried down the stairs and took a seat at my vanity, thanking the Lord for revealing to me what only He could hear. From that point on, together with the Lord, we devised a plan.

  Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

  In the quiet of my room, I immersed myself in prayer and Scripture. The peace of the Lord settled upon me, and I confessed my lack of trust in Him. Delving into the depths of my heart, I let go of the situation that was beyond my control. It was much larger than I, and I needed to surrender it to Jesus. And so, I did.

  Ecclesiastes 3:7 resonated with me: ‘A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love, and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.’ Even before He spoke it, I knew I’d reacted impulsively and out of anger. If I were to fulfill His will for me, I needed to exercise self-control.

  I ran my hand through my hair, then down the back of my neck. I scratched an itch and returned my hand to the bible, rereading Ecclesiastes 3:7.

  Their plan was centered around manipulating my mind. I chuckled inwardly. While I might not grasp the full extent of my Father’s will, I was discerning. I could never turn away from Him, no matter how enticing the offer. I couldn’t embrace it willingly, forgive it, and certainly not forget it.

  I glanced up and met my own eyes in the mirror. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time for war, and a time for peace. Gazing at my reflection, I reminded myself of the worthiness bestowed upon me as His daughter. I am the apple of His eye. I am the rarest jewel, shaped not in the image of man but by divine hands. I am His fierce lioness. I am a daughter of the highest king. Nothing and no one can sever our bond. He is the creator, and His reign cannot be toppled.

  Theodore granted my request, but it came with stipulations. It lasted only for a couple of days, and nurses, acting as keepers, had to come in and check on me from time to time. I couldn’t eat or drink, except for what I’d hidden in jars in my room, which allowed me to take small sips. Everyone treated me as if I were ill. Only the nurses were allowed to enter my room, and I couldn’t leave.

  Time seemed to pass quickly. All I did was pace my room and read scripture to gather strength.

  After two days had passed, I heard a tap on my door. Before I went to check for instructions, I closed my bible. I got up and retrieved the thin paper from the door. Glancing at it, I shut the door with my foot and read the instructions about what I had to wear. I held a jar of water cheerfully in my hand. The message stated that my isolation was over and I needed to attend dinner.

  “A time to be silent and a time to speak,” I mouthed silently. I slipped into a short red spaghetti-strapped dress. Its silky texture was soft, but I sighed at the thought that by the time I was done with this place, I would hate dresses like this forever. I brushed my hair and decided to sweep a layer or two over to the other side, creating more volume. My hair had always been parted in the middle, but tonight, for some reason, I felt like changing it up.

  In a way, I was undercover, and no matter what I witnessed, I had to stay in character or they would become suspicious. I had to act like I heard nothing, and within reason, like I was becoming one of them.

  I took another sip of water from the jar before hiding it again, and left the chamber. Walking through the halls, I remembered how the Lord provided. Since there was still no good water to drink, the servants moved sluggishly, and their lips were parched. It was quieter than usual. People didn’t speak as much because their tongues would stick to the roofs of their mouths.

  Oddly, even though they were suffering, they remained cheery, moving on as if nothing had happened. They still put their trust in their so-called master even though water was something they needed. No one complained. They all just waited for him to bring them what they needed.

  As I made my way to the table, my eyes widened. Dinner looked meager. There was food, but nothing to wash it down with. I watched as his ‘children’ selected food that contained water. Raw fruits and vegetables. My eyes traveled to Theodore. I heard him grumble under his breath as he placed his hand on his head. I looked down, feeling awkward. I was the vessel carrying out this supposed marvelous plan, and yet I watched as he drained their bodies like raisins.

  It was hard to look up as I picked at the bread before me. I could see Luminous in my peripheral vision, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. Especially since Theodore voiced something I had no say in. We both clearly didn’t want to marry each other.

  “This is awful,” Aeromonas exclaimed, tossing her food behind her.

  Sabrina tried to calm her down in a hushed tone, “Sweetie, calm down. We’ll have it back soon.”

  My eyes couldn’t help but drift to them.

  “Look at her,” Aeromonas said in a hateful tone. “And she’s supposed to marry into the family. Why can’t it be someone else?”

  “You know why,” Sabrina replied. “Now, present yourself like the woman you are, and enough of these tantrums.”

  Aeromonas scoffed under her breath and reclined in her seat. I furrowed my eyebrows, feeling the weight of the situation press down on me. Gosh, I thought to myself, can this dinner be over already? I felt a sudden urge to glance at Luminous. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. My eyes betrayed my mind, and I caught a glimpse of him. He wasn’t eating, he wasn’t sitting upright. He leaned against the chair with his elbow propped on the armrest, his forefinger over his bottom lip, his eyes never wavering from me. Epic mistake. I shouldn’t have looked.

  His eyes bore into me like a hot iron searing into the back of my skull. Did he truly hate me this much, to the point where it extinguished his appetite? Or was it the light within me that he despised? I looked down at my plate again, feeling his tension. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I could only imagine it left him feeling restless. Just as I was.

  Suddenly, Theodore’s features contorted into a grimace. His brows knit together, casting shadows over his eyes, while a fleeting frown etched itself onto his face. A heavy sigh escaped his lips, laden with the unspoken burdens caused by my God. With a determined motion, he raised his hand, and declared, “Good night, my children!”

  They all responded, “Thank you for dinner. Goodnight, Master.”

  I silently let out a sigh of relief and got up. As I did, Pauline brushed her hand over my arm. I looked at her, sensing her concern. I smiled at her to let her know I was okay, and she returned it. I turned away, to walk straight to my chamber, looking down at my feet, but suddenly bumped into someone. “Oh, I am so sorry.”

  He lifted his hand to tell me it was okay, but when our eyes met, he gave a small smile. In a British accent, he replied, “It is all right, I am certain it was an accident.”

  Oh, I thought, I wasn’t expecting someone like you to be here. My mouth opened slightly, then closed, and I gave a hard swallow before attempting to reply. His tanned skin complemented his crystal blue eyes. “Um,” I pressed my lips together as he arched his black-shaped eyebrow. I eventually said, “Yes, it was.” I blinked several times and added, “I am Madeline.”

  At the top of his hair, a curl swished in the air current. He laughed under his breath and introduced himself, “I am Clyde.”

  Even his name sounded gorgeous. “Are you a servant?”

  “No,” he said, “I am a favor.”

  I gulped, recalling the heart-on-the-pedestal conversation.

  However, he threw me off with his next comment, “I am Luminous’s mate.”

  What? Luminous has a friend? Did I hear that correctly? I tilted my head a smidge and repeated it slowly, “You’re a friend of Luminous’s?”

  He nodded. “If you can believe it.”

  I wanted to, but out of nowhere, I blurted, “Was the friendship forced?” I gasped and then tried to cover up my sudden response. “I mean …”

  “No,” he interrupted, seeming amused as I furrowed my brows. “I understand that he is intimidating at times, but I have seen a side to him that even his parents don’t know about.”

  Huh, I thought, intrigued. Why haven’t I seen them together before? Come to think of it, I never see Luminous around anyone but me. Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I asked, “How long have you been here?”

  “Three years to this date, to be exact.”

  Three years. I gasped inwardly. I couldn’t help but feel intrigued by him. His friendship with Luminous wasn’t forced, and he seemed to like the place; his mood was very cheery. I couldn’t help but wonder if they’d done something to him. Perhaps even manipulated his mind. I replied in a quiet tone, “Oh, well, that is a very long time.”

  “Not when you have nothing to go back to.”

  “Right,” I said, “Here is better than there.”

  “Yes. California is not my slice of heaven.”

  He remembers home. He chooses this. I took a step back. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Clyde. I’d better be off to bed now.”

  “Goodnight, it was nice meeting you.”

  I bit my lip as I walked away from him. I always left when everyone else did, but for some reason, I felt a tug to stay a little longer. I closed my eyes briefly and shook my head a little, thinking, How could anyone willingly come to this place? He must know what happens here, and he is just okay with it. What a shame, I thought to myself. He is so gorgeous and outwardly kind.

  Keepers came in and cleared the plates, leaving a substantial amount of food on the table. I waited, listening to the clinking of plates and glasses. Different keepers came in and placed new dishware on the table.

  Moments later, a bell chimed, and one of the keepers started to pull a curtain aside until he spotted me. I furrowed my brows, wondering what was about to happen. As I looked down, I thought to myself that something must be behind that curtain.

  The keeper who’d seen me approached and stood in front of me, saying, “Please, escort yourself back to your chamber, favor.”

  “Oh, huh?” I turned my head to look at him. “I was under the impression that I could stay out of my chamber for as long as I’d like.”

  “Please, return to your chamber, favor.”

  “Very well. I will be on my way,” I replied, raising my hands and leaving the dining room. However, instead of going all the way to my chamber, I discreetly leaned against the stone wall and peeked over the corner of the arch to see what was happening.

  The keeper scanned the room for anyone observing. Come on, I thought to myself, Show me what’s behind that curtain. A moment later, I saw the warlock entering, and as the keeper started to pull back the curtain, I heard footsteps approaching from my side.

  I turned my head quickly and saw Luminous standing in front of me with his hands in his pockets. My gut sank, and my eyes widened; I’d been caught watching something I wasn’t supposed to.

  “Come with me,” he said authoritatively. “I want to show you something.”

  Caught off guard, I only nodded and followed him. He led me to an unfamiliar place beneath the castle. It was dark, but he had a light. The air was musty, and it was hard to breathe, but I felt a breeze as he guided me further into the unknown. My body trembled, and my breath shook. This could be my death that he was leading me to, but I didn’t seem to have a choice, given the way he spoke to me.

  He placed his lamp on the ground and produced a key. I couldn’t see a door, but he obviously could.

  “This door,” he said loudly enough for me to hear. “Is infused with dark magic. Only those who offer a sacrifice can perceive it.”

  This was insane. I blinked repeatedly as I watched him open it and step inside. I hesitated at the entrance.

  “You’ve made a sacrifice?” I asked, my anger simmering quietly.

  “I could provide you with what the pedestal desires and instruct you to place it there. That would grant you the ability to see,” he replied, looking at me seriously. “I haven’t killed anyone, but I have carried and placed what it required. Come on,” he added with a chuckle. “I assure you, there is nothing here that will harm you.”

  Slowly, I entered the room, gripping the doorway as I peeked my head inside. Through a crack, I saw the moonlight casting a bluish tint over the room. It was a bare space, with dirt, rocks, and cement. In the center stood a pedestal.

  I started to breathe heavily, realizing that this was the pedestal they’d spoken of. I walked further in, but I noticed there was nothing on it.

  “I don’t understand. I thought ... ,” I began.

  “What don’t you understand?” he asked as he walked over to my side.

  “I saw Lilian die. Your sister always talks about a heart on the pedestal, so where is it?”

  “She did. The heart is spiritual; you can’t see it.”

  “Is this what you wanted to show me?”

  He shook his head and gazed at the stone wall. “I am offering you two options, favor.”

  I glanced at the wall, then back at him. “What do you mean?”

  “You can leave,” he gestured to the exit. “Swim your way back to where you came from. Cope with what you’ve seen here until you forget it all and move on. However, once they notice you’re gone, they will come for you if you’re still on land. If they catch you ...”

  “It’s a death sentence either way.”

  He shrugged. “Not if you believe your God can save you.”

  “It doesn’t work that way.” He doesn’t merely pick you up by the head and transport you from land to land. No, He guides you with His voice, and by faith, you move.

  He didn’t continue our current conversation but quickly moved on to the second option. “The other option is to stay.”

  Was this a test? I couldn’t help but feel suspicious. Or was this his attempt at showing sympathy? Any moment now, Aeromonas, Theodore, or Sabrina could walk in here and offer me as a sacrifice to that thing.

  “Why are you giving me options?” I asked, trying to make sense of the situation.

  “See it as a kindness,” he replied.

  Kindness?What had come over him? He’d repeatedly expressed his dislike for me, and now he was showing kindness. I uttered, “So, I can just walk out, and no one will stop me?”

  He nodded.

  I approached the wall, blinking repeatedly, and saw a large circular crack. It was the path to freedom that I had been yearning for. I silently spoke to God, wondering if this was His way of softening Luminous’s heart and showing me the way out. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within my mind.

  As I looked ahead, I heard Luminous touch something, and suddenly, light began to flood in. For the first time in his presence, I couldn’t help but smile. The taste of freedom danced on my tastebuds, and a heavy sense of relief lifted from my shoulders.

  “Jesus,” I whispered in hesitation. I was about to take the first step toward freedom when I realized that I would be the only one escaping. It didn’t feel right. I frowned and turned back around. “I can’t be the only one walking out of here,” I said.

  “Even though you’re left with no other option but to marry me, you’ve chosen to stay,” he remarked with a touch of intrigue in his voice.

  I cast a sidelong glance at him, offering a tantalizing smile, and responded, “It may not come to that.”

  His eyes bore into mine as he inquired, “But what if it does?”

  Quickly, I retorted, “I said it might not come to that...”

  “We shall see if your prediction holds, my dear,” he said with a sigh of relief, a fleeting moment of vulnerability that he seemed to assume went unnoticed. He discreetly touched a concealed panel on the wall, and it sealed shut.

  Regret began to nibble at my conscience for my earlier rudeness. I bit my lip, swallowed my pride, and conceded, “Thank you; that was kind.”

  “Well,” he began, guiding me back, “you may come to regret your choice to stay.” We completed the journey to my chamber. He said nothing more as he escorted me, until we reached my door. But just as I was about to open it, he posed a question that caught me off guard. “Why do you value their well-being above your own?” he inquired.

  I let my hand slip from the doorknob, my fingers nervously intertwining. “It’s not about prioritizing one over the other; it’s about selflessness.”

  With a puzzled expression, he paused for a moment and then softly murmured, “There’s something within me that cautions against drawing closer to you, yet your essence is unlike any I’ve ever encountered.”

  I felt a weighty silence press upon me, and I lowered my head, struggling to find the right words. I blurted out, “Are you truly fine with this? Allowing him to dictate your marriage?”

  He took a deep breath and hesitated before responding, “You should probably ...” He pointed to the door, suggesting it was time for a goodnight.

  He never perceived it as his father’s imposition; he avoided tarnishing his honor. “Good night.”

  As he walked away, he halted and added one more thing. “Your smile ... it’s … ,” he cleared his throat and finally managed, “it’s beautiful.”

  “Perhaps,” I whispered, shaking my head in disbelief, “one day, I’ll get to see yours too.” I turned away and softly closed the door behind me, mindful not to wake Pauline.

  The latch clicked, and I removed my shoes, tiptoeing to my bed. I sat down, allowing the gravity of what had just transpired to sink in. What in the world had just taken place? Could this have been a moment between us?