Page 130 of Deviant

I happily join in by adding my middle finger to the mix, my chest beaming with pride with how Elias was able to give the group back their dignity, with such a simple act of defiance.

He didn’t offer us false hope. He didn’t even sugar coat that the probabilities of us dying here are all but certain. What he did was so much better. He gave all of us our self-respect and pride back.

The way my heart begins to pitter patter in my chest is troubling, but I ignore it and squeeze Abbie’s hand instead, to give her that little piece of assurance she needs that, no matter what awaits us behind those doors, I’ll be right by her side.

With new resolve, we start climbing the stairs to the mansion’s entrance.

“Honey, we’re home!” Andy shouts once we take the last steps, Harper slapping his chest in reprimand, though she’s the one who can’t stop giggling at his antics.

Just as David is about to knock, the front door swings wide open, preventing him from doing so. We all take a step back as a man in his late fifties, dressed in a butler’s costume, steps outside. His thin frame and ghostly appearance are accentuated by his glassy white eyes. Even without the ability of sight, he exudes a frightening aura.

“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you,” he greets politely.

“Did he say ‘we’?” I hear Ruby ask Mackenzie just as two young women about my age step behind him. Taken straight out of a Stephen King novel, the girls could almost pass for twins. Dressed in plaid black and gray skirts, white blouses, and knee-high socks, they stare at us with blank expressions, almost as if they can see right through us.

“My name is Henry, and I will be your guide and servant for the remainder of your stay. Five and Seven tend to the domestic chores of the household, but they are more than prepared to aidyou with whatever needs might arise during your short time with us.”

“Five and Seven? Do we even want to know what happened to Six?” Harper whispers, fear back in her voice.

“Please, come in. There is much to discuss as I’m sure you have many questions.”

We all look at each other as Henry and the creepy twins turn their backs on us to return into the house.

“Fuck this,” Big Mike utters before sprinting into a run down the long flight of stairs.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” we all hear Henry call out, causing Big Mike to halt his step and turn around.

“Yeah? What are you going to do about it, old man? Stop me?”

Henry doesn’t even flinch as he takes out a whistle from his vest pocket and blows on it. Seconds later, a dozen foaming-at-the-mouth rottweilers appear down the steps, looking like they haven’t been fed in days. Someone must have trained them not to run up the stairs, unless otherwise instructed, but something tells me that they wouldn’t think twice about tearing Big Mike limb from limb if he so much as stepped one foot on the ground.

“Well, that settles that.” Andy claps before taking Harper by the hand and leading her inside the house.

We all follow suit, throwing a last glance over at Big Mike as he continues to consider his options. He must decide the risk isn’t worth the reward, since seconds later he joins us in a large open hall, only for his jaw to drop to the floor when he encounters the same thing we do.

In complete contradiction to its outside exterior, the mansion’s entry hall boasts soaring ceilings adorned with an intricate crystal chandelier that cascades light across the marbled floor, reflecting the opulence of its surroundings. Just on the left side of the large hall is a sweeping staircase, flankedby ornate columns and lush arrangements of fresh flowers. Rich tapestries line the walls, telling stories of elegance and history, setting the tone for a home that is both inviting and magnificently luxurious.

Immediately, I’m reminded about a quote I read in a book once that said the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. From the outside we knew exactly what hell was awaiting us. But now that we’re inside the belly of the beast, it wants to trick us into believing that this is a safe space. That no devastation can come from such an illustrious home.

“Look up,” Elias whispers in my ear.

I do as he says and again admire the large chandelier hanging just above our heads.

“Not there, Roe. There,” he pulls my chin to the side.

I swallow hard when my gaze lands on cameras in every corner of the large hallway.

We’re being watched.

Of course, we are.

“Five and Seven will show you to your rooms so you can freshen up before dinner. Once you have been properly fed, we will discuss what you can expect from your stay with us.”

“If it’s all the same to you, sir, we’d all much rather know now what we’ve got ourselves into,” Lucas says politely.

But just as the question is launched at Henry’s feet, all our watches begin to vibrate and make a loud sound.

Follow Henry’s orders.

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