Page 14 of Wrath

I nod. “Yeah, that’s what Abel told me.”

“Get the meat. We need to head back.”

“What’s the rush?”

“We’ve been summoned to a gathering this afternoon. An announcement is coming from the forefathers.”

I head into the butchers wondering if the announcement will be about Summer. Maybe she’s pregnant with the next Sanchez slave.

We stand in a neat line, Jaycee, Anna, and me, and all the guards. Martha walks down the line, taking each of us in, occasionally straightening a collar or ribbon. I feel like an idiot dressed in a black dress with white cotton detailing. All the women are dressed the same, with a white ribbon in our hair. All the guards have their uniforms on too. I’ve seen them dressed this way before, at pregnancy announcements.It has to be about Summer.Maybe if they see I haven’t ruined her chances, they’ll reconsider sending me to work in the caves.

We’re led from the caves out onto the giant hill where all four large houses were built looking down on the village. The town hall is in the centre, and that’s where we head, joining other villagers who have gathered to see what awaits us.

The front of the town hall has been covered with a large sheet. It’s different, but then who knows what my father has planned for Summer’s announcement. He’ll want to make a show to take the focus off the antics I’ve pulled that he believes have embarrassed him.

The forefathers file out onto the steps, and my father taps the microphone on the lectern. I frown as he greets the people, wondering where Summer and the other families are. “Your time is precious,” he says as I zone back in, “and I appreciate you being here.” He clears his throat. “Some of you have been here from the start. Your families continuing to grow here, bringing generation after generation of delightfulness. And some of you joined later, coming here for a better life, one that isn’t dictatedby the British government. We strive for peace and tranquillity here in our village. Being off-grid is one of the most rewarding ways to live, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say this place is so amazing because of you. Each person here brings their own skillset, making us a success. We will always do whatever we can to keep safe what we have built here as a team. We are one big family, and like in most families, there will always be one or two who decide to work against the rest of us.” My blood freezes, and I glance around the crowd, trying to pick out Jade.

“Our peace and tranquillity have been put at risk.” There are a few gasps from the crowd. “It brings me great sadness when I am called upon to deal with such evil amongst us.” He pauses, looking around the crowd. “We promised to protect you, and to keep that promise, we have to make tough choices.” I scan the crowd again, desperately trying to find Abel. I swear, if he’s behind this . . .

“Our younger generation were being corrupted.” More gasps. “Their minds being taken over with the one thing we have forbidden from day one.” My father holds up a mobile device, and the crowd becomes unsettled, some shouting out in anger, others looking around shocked. I shrivel back slightly, praying Jade is safe. “We all know the implications of this innocent-looking device and how it corrupts and controls people’s minds. The devil himself uses modern day technology to get to our young people, and we cannot let that happen here.”

He allows the crowd some time to process before holding up his hands, commanding silence.

“We have recovered everything that made it into our peaceful village, our sanctuary.” He removes the battery and throws the mobile phone into a metal drum. Adrian steps forwards and lights inside, and when flames fan up over the top, the villagers cheer. “But it doesn’t stop there,” my father continues. “Thepeople involved had already been corrupted. We were too late to save them.” He gives a solemn look before pointing to the huge sheet covering the pillars of the town hall. “We had no choice but to put an end to the devil. Releasing them back into our world would have threatened everything we’ve worked for. And so, it’s with great sadness that I now reveal the traitorous sinners.” He holds his hand in the direction of the sheet, and it falls away.

My world stops turning as I stare into the lifeless hanging bodies of Jade and Abel. I can’t breathe, and I tug at the white collar on the dress, snapping the button to loosen it. I stare as the button bounces across the path in slow motion, coming to a stop by Martha’s foot. She glances at me, frowning. I see her mouth moving, but the ringing in my ears stops me from hearing her words. Crouching down, I dig my fingers into the stones as I painfully inhale each heavy breath.

I feel hands under my arms, and I am lifted to stand again, this time sandwiched between Jaycee and Anna. Martha stands before me, and she gently taps my face. I blink a few times. “That’s it. Come back to us,” she whispers. I look around and notice the villagers are beginning to clear away, some sobbing, some looking angry.

“I have to go and see the forefathers,” Martha explains, concern playing out in her expression. “The guards will take you back.”

“Did you know about this?” I demand. “Is that why I’m here?”

She raises a brow. “You’re here because you’re the same as the rest of us,” she says, frowning. “Welcome to our world.” And she walks away.

By the time we get back to our rooms, I’m exhausted. I don’t have any more tears left to cry after these last couple weeks, and so I stare into space until I finally fall into a disturbed sleep.

I wake with a start to find Martha staring down at me. I yelp in surprise and skuttle back until I’m half sitting against the headboard. “I trust you slept well?”

I risk a glance at the clock beside my bed. It’s almost half past six, and I should have been in the kitchen at five. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s all gone wrong this morning anyway,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Hurry up and dress. You’ll need to serve the food today as Anna is sick.” And she leaves me to dress.

By the time I get to the kitchen, the breakfasts are on the trays and Jaycee is stacking them on the trolley. “Alex is on duty today,” she whispers, offering a sad smile. “He’ll tell you what to do.”

I return her smile. “Thank you.”

I push the trolley into the guards’ hangout, where Alex is occupied with a new warrior. He glances my way and points to the keys on the table. “Just hand them each a tray. I’ve already uncuffed a hand.” I nod, grabbing the keys. “Take a prod,” he calls back over his shoulder. I stare at the device leaning against the table and wince. I hate the things, but I also don’t want to be attacked by any of these monsters. “And Wynter,” I look over to him, “don’t do anything stupid that’ll get us both hanged.” I shiver at his words.

Abraham is at his table. His ankles are chained to the wall either side of him and one wrist is also chained. He eyes me cautiously as I step in with his tray. “I have this,” I warn, holding up the hand with the prod. “Don’t make me use it.” He grunts in response, rolling his eyes. I know he could easily overpower me if he wants to, but instead, he makes a show of sitting on his hands. I swallow down the nervous energy and carefully leancloser, sliding the tray onto the table. “It doesn’t look great,” I add, staring at the plate of chicken, eggs, and rice. “Certainly not something I’d eat for breakfast.” He stares at me, and I fidget uncomfortably. “Enjoy,” I whisper, backing out. I leave as he begins to grab at the food, stuffing it in his mouth like a starved animal.

I move to Maximus’s room. As I enter, he looks agitated, and I hold the prod tighter. “Good morning,” I say politely, and he scowls at me.

“Is it?”

I almost smile. “Not really,” I agree.

“Then why say it?” he demands, snatching the tray as I slide it to him.

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