I had agreed, though I had no idea how to even begin to think of taking them out. I was tired of the violence and too consumed with just the idea of how to even be all that my people wanted me to be.

But worst of all, The Hangmen had the Cursed women of Eve. They had her… Salome, the woman revealed by the Lord to Prophet David to save our people and to secure their place in paradise by the union of marriage. The woman who must be my wife. The woman who nightly tormented my dreams, but all the while lay promiscuously with him, Styx. The man I hated most. She was mine. Mae should be with me, by my side.

Ridding my mind of all thoughts, I met Judah’s expectant gaze and smiled. “Brother, it is perfect. It is truly perfect for what we have planned, as a sanctuary for both our people and the Lord’s cause.”

Judah’s expression reflected his relief, tears of joy glistening in his eyes. “I am humbled to hear you say such words.”

“Judah, there is no need for ceremony with me. I am your twin. You are the one person who does not need to seek my approval. I need you. You’re all I have.”

Judah sighed and asked, “And your quarters?”

“They are more than I could ever dream.”

“That pleases me greatly, brother.”

For the past two weeks, I’d been kept in seclusion from all except Judah and the elder council at The Pasture to ensure my protection while the new commune was secured. New Zion was an ex-military base sold to us by a Chosen who lived undercover within the political mainframe. The base was perfect for The Order’s new home. It was secure, already had a mass of housing, communal areas, and we could become self-sufficient by using the many acres of arable land… but best of all, it wasn’t too far from our old commune, from all our alliances, yet it was far enough to be unsuspecting and off the common public’s radar.

“Are the people gathering to move here now, from all of the overseas communes?” I asked, nerves suddenly racking my body at the thought.

“The elders are organizing them as we speak. They are all very anxious to meet you, to be united, and to hear the Lord’s words spill from your mouth.”

I cast my eyes down so my twin did not see my fear. “I am sure they are. It has been a very difficult time for them of late. They need guidance and strong leadership. They need a new goal, a new hope… They need comfort that our dead will be avenged. We all need to finally band together, without fear of the outside world.”

“And you will be that hope, that solider for them,” Judah said with conviction. I could see the excitement of our revenge burning brightly in his brown eyes. Judah was determined to bring the wrath of Lord on all who wronged us… and I was right behind him.

“Prophet Cain? Brother Judah? We are ready. The people have begun their journeys from afar and they are eager for the future ascension. It is a monumental time for us all! The diaspora is over; our unification is here!”

Turning, I smiled at my council of elders as they approached. They were handpicked by Judah. They had seniority, loyalty, and best of all, absolute faith in our cause. And I could not relate in any way to most of them.

“Brother Luke, Isaiah,” I greeted the more senior in age first, out of respect. I then turned to the disciple I talked with most and spread my arms. “Brother Micah!” Micah embraced me and then stepped back.

Micah was Brother Luke’s son. They had been overseeing some of the international communes for Prophet David for most of their lives, but when Judah had put out the call for the communes to unite, they’d been the first to respond, immediately traveling to this base. They had been rocks in bringing everything together.

The commune had been split into four sites, with New Zion being the biggest. All were close to Zion, so if one fell to an outside and evil intrusion, our sect would remain and our holy soldiers would be readily available to fight and defend their faith.

“Are you ready, sir?” Micah asked and laid a hand on Judah’s shoulder. The three of us were of a similar age, and he had grown into someone I could trust.

“I am ready for what lies ahead,” I replied, but could not help but feel suffocated by all of the pressure lying at my feet. Micah regarded me strangely and I panicked that he could see my inner struggle on my face, the severe doubt I had in my ability to fit into this role.

“Please give me a moment for private prayer. I have much to prepare,” I said and saw relief spread on his face.

The elders respected my wishes and walked away, as did Judah.

Drinking in the fading sunset, I steeled my nerves and tried to assure myself that I was right where I was supposed to be. This was always my destiny; it was always my path in life.

But Mae’s light blue eyes flashed across my mind and I lowered my head, feeling dread seep into my bones. I had no choice but to do this. I wanted to prove myself as worthy to the Lord. I wanted to be a good leader.

I had no other choice.

Taking a deep breath, I dropped to my knees in prayer, asking the Lord to guide me, and to fill me the unshakable passion I witnessed daily in Judah and the elders.

For within the next couple of months, our people would unite and I would ascend to a living conduit of the Lord…

Then the real test of my faith would truly begin.

Chapter Six

Lilah

I had been sitting upon this bed for four hours. Sleep had not come to me. I tossed and turned, unable to find any comfort in this stifling room and on these too-soft sheets.

In commune, we were only ever granted the barest of amenities. Our beds were mattresses on the floor, linen rough on our skin. As the Lord’s people, we should live as Jesus did, live as he lived and renounce all luxuries.

This apartment of Styx’s, though not overly endowed with fineries, was luxury beyond anything I had ever been accustomed to, than any of the Cursed had ever become accustomed to. It was proving difficult to adjust.

But I confessed to myself that the rich sheets and cushioned bed were not the reason for my lack of sleep. Oh no, that honor went to the pair of bright-blue eyes, the head of long blond hair, and the physique made for sin that pervaded my every thought.

I’ll be here in the morning. Be ready!

He would be here this morning, and I had to be ready.

Ready for what? I did not know. He said he was going to teach me about the world outside, but I did not want to be taught so, did not want to step outside of these walls… especially with him! I was to be rescued by my people. I just knew it. And fraternizing with a sinner was not what I wanted to be doing while I awaited their rescue.