Page 180 of The Order

He leans over me as I look at him with contempt.

“Whether you realize it or not, I’m in your corner,” he begins, leaning closer. “And I've done more than you know to keep it that way, so you're going to put on that goddamn dress and give them all something to be afraid of,” he spits, his eyes narrowed.

“You want them to be afraid of me?” I question shakily. His chin dips in a nod.

“Fucking petrified.” His hand clutches my side. “This society was built on a glass floor. I want nothing more than to watch it shatter.”

I think of Adam and the hungry eyes of every Official that lingered up there watching as people lost their lives tonight.

Feeling his hands on me, an idea enters my mind.

The only way I get my friends out of here is if I play his game.

“I refuse to let anyone else touch me if I go out there. You can show me off like a prized pet, but I won't be treated like one,” I whisper, his hold tightening.

“A pet?” he questions, his lips close to my own. “God, you don't see what I do, do you?” His hands run up my sides. “It's easy, Forest,” he begins, pausing at my upper body. “If anyone comes near you, I'll kill them. I’m not showing you off like an animal they can ridicule,'' he says, his eyes snapping to my own. “I’m hanging a temptation in their face and savoring it right in front of them. There's not a thing anyone can do about it,” he whispers, his lips by my ear.

Turning his way, our noses brush, my stomach churning, begging me to escape him.

Just one slip into his mind is what I need. Just one connection and I have control.

Leaning closer, I brace myself to brush his lips.

Backing away in a blur, he creates space, moving once more in the blink of an eye. Breathing heavily, he covers his mouth. His body, which was once hanging over me, is now across the room.

“What-”

“Don't you ever try and do that again,” he commands, touching his throat in small strokes. “If you try to slip into my mind again, I will kill everyone you love.”

I close my gaping mouth, watching him slip past the old door, closing it and locking it behind him. Looking around the space, I grow frustrated, unable to stop the rage from overtaking me.

After flipping the table full of dresses and breaking several of the chairs in the room, I finally collapse to my knees and sit amongst all the broken and battered pieces.

The dress’s material is thin and made of luxurious satin that shimmers under the light. The bodice is made of a plunging neckline that dips low, exposing the top and sides of my breasts, accentuating my curves The thin, spaghetti straps add just enough support while adding to the overall seductive appearance. It gathers just above my waist before pooling down my legs which are exposed by two slits along my thighs. There is a thin mesh material over the skirt, adding to the ethereal look of it. My hair is down, styled in loose waves that fall to my lower back. I look at myself in the mirror, noticing the silver locks that now overpower the dyed brown pieces.

Opening the door, the Teller peers inside, taking her time to inspect her handiwork.

“Look at you,” she coos, glancing behind her.

“He's ready for you.”

I nod my head and move myself past her. While she wraps her hand around my arm, her other quickly tucks a small blade beneath the waistline of the dress. Her delicate fingers work quickly, the weapon is small, meant to be concealed.

“I’ve never seen anyone from the Lottery leave this place,” she whispers, her hand pressed over my heart. “I do hope you change that.”

“Why are you helping me?”.

“Call it foolish hope,” she says, as the sound of others approaching grows. “I pray my faith in you is not misplaced.” She urges me out of the room and into the arms of the Officials, waiting to escort me to another pit of monsters.

Their faces are shielded with masks of gold, each one intricate in design, meant only to conceal the features of each guest's face, but I recognize several of them already. They stand in awe, holding their champagne glasses tightly, watching me like I'm the main attraction of tonight’s events.

Teachers, doctors, and companions of my father all surround the area, chatting amongst themselves happily and excitedly. I feel disgusted the longer I look into each of them. I have to stop myself from physically lashing out when I see Max, his once kind expression now cold and vacant. Josh stands next to him with a smile.

Xavier stands out, his face exposed. He isn’t hiding behind a mask like the others, but I guess the Commander doesn’t need to. He sits in a chair closest to the glass barrier surrounding the pit below, his hand swirling a glass of liquor, standing up once he takes notice of my presence. Some women linger by his chair. Others take their time looking over my body, the dress making it impossible to look away. Giving me a quick look up and down, Xavier’s eyes land on the two men holding me.

“I said she was free to walk without either of you touching her,” Xavier says, their hands dropping from my arms.

“Respectfully, sir, we figured-”

---