Page 8 of Heir of the Beast

But here I am.

The blind leading the blind.

We all line up and proceed to follow Charming through a sliding door made of glass.

Okay, I need to explain this slowly so you understand what I see as I pass through the door.

We walk into a large, U-shaped seating area, like something you’d see at a university—a lecturing room with high seating. I calm my pounding heart as I grab the back of a chair to steady myself.

The problem is…

The problem is that where a chalkboard and wall would be, there is nothing. There is nothing behind the large white desk and podium. No, I don’t mean nothing. What the hell am I saying?!

I might throw up.

Behind the desk was outer f-ing space.

In case you didn’t understand that: Behind the desk where a wall should be is OUTER SPACE.

I am looking at the big, black abyss that is our universe. Like someone cut a spaceship in half, and we are standing on the edge.

There are distant shooting stars, comets, and an enormous planet that is far off in the distance. You can see the atmosphere moving around it.

Oh, and there is this breeze. I can see little pieces of my hair flowing with the air current.

I feel Cherie’s hand on my arm, squeezing, her fingers turning white as her arm shakes. I’m numb to the pain of her death grip.

I slowly look up and see Charming walking down the pale marble stairs to the bottom level, where the large desk sits. Dear goodness, even a red shiny apple lays on top of it, like we are in grade school.

“Ladies!” Charming booms with his hands outstretched. “Please have a seat wherever you like.

“I know what you are seeing does not seem real, but you’ll find out soon enough that this room is the least of your worries. I say this with the deepest part of my heart. Welcome.”

He eyes everyone in the room as we take seats on our shaky legs. His eyes rest on me for a second longer than everyone else.

I get a bizarre feeling that he knows something concerning me, but I’m too overwhelmed to give it any thought.

“A drink will be passed around to allow you all to take this in, in a much calmer state of mind. You may pass if you like, but I strongly suggest you take it.”

He motions for two women in white clothing to come in with trays and pass around some pink, fizzy drink in flute glasses.

“This will help you, ladies, so please drink up. We do not have time for panic attacks or fainting spells.”

Destiny has her head in between her legs, breathing hard, and April is feeling her pulse on her neck, looking sweaty. Laura sits in silence, her eyes wide and unbelieving.

“Viola? May I offer you a drink?” A woman leans down to hand me a flute glass without even waiting for a reply.

“Yes,” I barely say, more so to myself. I am already down the rabbit hole, so I might as well fall without screaming.

I look to my right, seeing Cherie and everyone else downing the fizzy drink with desperate gulps.

“Is anyone scared of the date rape drug?” I continue, not even sure if I am saying it out loud. “It’s a real thing, people.”

I see a distant shooting star, probably miles and miles away, making my breathing hitch. Okay, I’m losing it fast. I feel my left eye start to tick. Bottoms up.

I down the fruity flavored drink and repress a burp from the burn of the carbonation. Welp, there is no going back now. I just took the blue pill, and it’s coursing through my system.

I can feel my body humming, my muscles relaxing.

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