Page 42 of Twisted Truths
No one will know of the deception,I repeat to myself.
A tingling sensation runs down my spine, a feeling of being watched, but I keep my head bowed. I can’t afford to bring attention to myself. Not now.
I let my thoughts drift as Guardian Solomon drones on, but this proves to be just as dangerous. Images of chestnut curls and intense brown eyes flood my subconscious, and the ghost of Nash’s tongue claiming my mouth makes my body temperature rise.
What would he think of what I’m about to do?
Zara’s brother is so sure Gabriel had something to do with her death, he won’t see reason. And while I can’t deny how safe and desired I felt wrapped up in his embrace the other day, he has a life and a career overseas which doesn’t bode well for me. As soon as he finds justice for his sister and lays his family to rest, he’ll be gone, and I’ll still be stuck here.
Gabriel and Madeline are a prime example of what happens when you let feelings dictate your actions. I’ve lived as a shell for the past three years, mourning my sister and trying to livethe life I thought she wanted. It’s time I take care of myself, and the only option I have that makes sense is to go along with Gabriel’s plan.
He promised to keep me safe. I have to trust him.
Pushing all thoughts of Nash from my mind, I tune in to Guardian Solomon’s sermon as he chants, “We are the Circle. We are the flame.”
I repeat the memorised response along with the rest of the congregation. “From the flame, we are reborn. Circle of fire, circle of light. We stand as one, through the darkest of nights.”
This is it.
Gianna reaches over and surreptitiously squeezes my hand as Gabriel joins his father at the altar. My stomach twists in a knot, and I fight the urge to rise to my feet and run.
“As you all know,” Guardian Solomon begins solemnly, “not everyone is cut out for life in the Sunfire Circle. The duties we uphold, the sacrifices we make for the good of our community … they are difficult. In time, some choose another path.”
I keep my gaze fixed on the stone floor beneath the altar, breathing deeply. In, and out. In, and out.
“They defect,” he continues, his voice echoing through the room. “Though we mourn the loss of their presence, we must respect their decision. The Circle endures.”
“The Circle endures.”
Clenching my jaw, I ignore the ringing in my ears. Zara didn’t defect. Well, okay, she did leave … but no one here knows she was murdered after leaving. Yet Guardian Solomon doesn’t acknowledge that. He doesn’t want his congregation knowing the truth—the Sunfire Circle is built on secrets.
I inhale through my nose, slow and deep. My grief cannot overwhelm me in this moment. I need to stay strong and keep this secret for now.
Guardian Solomon lifts his hands. “May those who choose to leave find peace on their journey.”
“May they find peace.”
When I say nothing, Gianna squeezes my hand again, shooting me a quizzical look when I meet her gaze. I ignore her concern. Gianna doesn’t know about my friendship with Zara, and I’m going to keep it that way. Zara’s supposed pregnancy to a Guardian meant Seraphina wanted her protected—she was not supposed to interact with any of the congregation until after the baby was born.
“While still deeply hurt by the sudden departure of his Chosen, my son understands the necessity of our divine values.” At the front of the chapel, Guardian Solomon leans in to have a murmured conversation with his son, no doubt to get the name of his Chosen.
Gabriel gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head. I hold my breath, waiting for what is to come.
After a brief glance at his wife, Guardian Solomon motions for his son to step forward. The silence in the chapel deepens. It’s charged, like the moment before a storm breaks.
Gabriel moves with the grace of someone trained since childhood to hide the uncertainty. But I see it in the tight line of his jaw, the way his shoulders resist the urge to square. He clasps his hands behind his back, keeping his expression carefully neutral.
“Hadley Jacobs.” His voice is clear as he speaks my name. “The deities have spoken, and you have been Chosen for the Awakening.”
Despite knowing it was coming, my heart thunders in my chest as I rise to my feet blocking out the whispers from the congregation.Hadley Jacobs? But she looks like … Is that Madeline’s sister?
Seraphina’s smile is tight as she watches me walk to the front of the chapel.
I bow my head, imitating reverence as I pass her to take my place next to her son.
Her husband greets me with a beaming smile, and I wonder if he’s really that good of an actor, or he honestly doesn’t know what’s going on right now. He takes my hands in his, and I resist the urge to yank them free.
His wife steps forward to place the woven veil over my face, the malice and contempt clear in her grey eyes, which match her son’s. She’s not happy about this, but as Gabriel predicted, she won’t cause a scene in front of the congregation.
