Page 4 of Unholy Fate

A smile spread across his full red lips, slow and calculated, before quirking into something darker—a devilish smirk that revealed the sharp glint of his fangs. There was a flicker of amusement in his expression.

“You are to find her,” he said, “Sister Evelyn Adams.” He savored the name like a fine wine. “Strip her of her light. Tempt her, seduce her, corrupt her. Until every part of her soul—every last shred of purity—is blackened beyond recognition.”

He leaned forward slightly, the movement deliberate and hypnotic. “Succeed, and glory beyond your wildest imaginingswill be yours. Fail…” He let the word hang in the air, the unspoken consequence far more chilling than anything he could have said aloud.

The room seemed to hold its breath, every flicker of candlelight casting long, wavering shadows as if the darkness itself was eager to hear what would come next.

“Now go,” he commanded, his voice a silken lash, as his piercing gaze burned into each of us. “Show me that my faith in you is not misplaced.”

Ian, Levi, and I exchanged looks. We didn’t speak words out loud. Then again, we didn’t need to because we’d known each other most of our existence.

Corrupting a Sister would definitely be a challenge. One I looked forward to. The thought of bending her faith, twisting it until it shattered, filled me with excitement. How would we do it? So many delightful possibilities.

Let the games begin.

CHAPTER FOUR

EVELYN

My black scarffluttered in the crisp Boston breeze as Serena and I walked through the gritty South End streets toward the homeless shelter. Graffiti marred the brick buildings and litter dotted the cracked sidewalks. Serena struggled to keep up with my purposeful stride in her simple brown dress and orthopedic shoes.

“So, Sister Evelyn, tell me about your journey to becoming a sister.” Serena flashed an eager smile. “What made you decide to dedicate yourself to God and service?”

I returned the expression, recalling the pivotal moment. “Well, Serena, the calling came to me in law school actually. I had graduated college early and was powering through my studies, on track to graduate in my early twenties. But something was missing. I felt the tug toward a higher purpose.”

We sidestepped a pile of refuse. The scent of exhaust mingled with fried food from a nearby diner.

“When I felt the call, I thought about my options. As a nun, I’d live a cloistered life in prayer. It appealed to me, of course, but asI considered I felt drawn more to being in the world and helping people, in addition to the prayer that helps ground me in faith. I could use my legal knowledge to assist the underserved. So I finished law school. I’d shared my interest when I was in school, and the order accepted my application to become a novice. After that time, I still felt the calling, so I made my vows and became a member of the order. The best decision of my life.” I spread my arms wide, smiling.

“That’s so inspiring,” Serena said. “I hope I can make a difference too, once I start nursing at the hospital.”

As we approached the coffee shop, the warm aroma of roasted beans surrounded us. Serena perked up.

“Sister Evelyn, could we maybe stop for a latte on the way back? As a little treat after our shift?”

I hesitated. The thought of the rich caramel apple flavor dancing on my tongue tempted me. No. I needed to set an example.

“Better not to indulge ourselves, Serena,” I said, shaking my head. “Perhaps another day.”

She accepted my decision. But I had to look away as we passed the cheery storefront, wrestling down my own selfish desires. Service above self. With an effort of will, I marched onward to our true mission of the day.

The homeless shelter came into view. It was a weathered brick building with faded blue trim. When we reached the front doors, a volunteer ushered us inside, leading us to a corner partitioned off by yellowed privacy screens.

The smell of institutional cleaners and unwashed clothing hit my nose and I winced, though I kept it from showing on my face.

“Here’s where you ladies will be set up. Medical on the left, legal on the right.” He gestured to each small space in turn before hustling off.

I squared my shoulders and stepped into the makeshift legal aid office. A folding table and two metal chairs occupied the cramped area. Spreading out some forms and pamphlets, I prepared to offer what help I could.

On the other side of the divider, I heard Serena opening cabinets, laying out bandages and ointments. At least she had proper supplies for her nursing. All I had were my wits, my knowledge of the law, and my faith.

No sooner had we settled in than the first clients appeared. A haggard woman slipped past the curtain and sank into the chair across from me. Her faded blue eyes met mine.

“They’re trying to take my kids,” she said in a voice hoarsened by tobacco use. “I need help fighting CPS.”

As she poured out her story, I took diligent notes, considering what legal recourse she might need. My mind whirred with strategies to keep this family together.

Meanwhile, pained swearing and Serena’s soothing murmurs drifted from beyond the thin barrier. She must be tending to someone’s untreated wound or infection. My heart ached for these people, buffeted by misfortune.

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