The Church (The Cloister Trilogy 3)

“Should I pop them now and bring them to the Prophet?”

“I don’t think so. Ask her, of course. She knows best.” I feign deference to Rachel. I’m on her team, sure. But I could never bow to a woman. It goes against God’s law. Once Adam is firmly on the throne, I’ll convince him to get rid of her and this jumped-up wetback. “But it could play in our favor.”

He shrugs. “I’m fine with letting them stage their little rebellion. It’ll be more fun to shoot them down than get rid of them quietly.”

I don’t know. Seeing them swing from ropes or hang on crosses sounds like justice to me, but it’s six one way, half a dozen the other. They’re a problem that must be dealt with once Adam is Prophet. We’ll use them—either as a distraction or a scapegoat—until the time is right.

“Anything else?” He tosses his cigarette onto the concrete floor and crushes it with the sole of his boot.

My gaze wanders deeper into the room to the spot where Adam cradled his dying Faith. A chill creeps through my bones. Is she here, watching me? Judging me? I wish she were still alive. Then Adam wouldn’t hate me. If it weren’t for Faith, Adam and I would still be together, maybe already ruling over Heavenly. But that child ruined it all. I should have gotten rid of her at the first sign, but I didn’t. I foolishly thought a child would bring us closer together. Stupid.

“Grace?” Castro has been speaking to me.

“Apologies. I missed it. What?”

“Do you have anything else?” His impatience riles me. Though he’s a man, he doesn’t hold any sway over me. Not with his dark skin and questionable heritage.

“Just one thing. Sunday. I want Delilah dead. She has to be a casualty. Otherwise, she threatens Rachel’s plan. That freak is able to turn Adam’s head, and she’ll lead him away from Heavenly’s future glory. She has to go.”

He shrugs. “Not a problem. I’ll handle it.” Launching off the wall, he strides past me.

The same chill creeps down my spine, and my gaze returns to the spot where Faith died. I straighten my back. She can haunt me all she wants. It doesn’t matter. I’m still alive, and I intend to stay that way. She’s just dust, and I won’t let her separate me from Adam any longer.

Chapter 21

Adam

Emily sits on her bed. Head down, eyes closed, as if she’s praying. Does she pray? I assume she doesn’t believe in God, not after what she’s seen here. The small screen flickers. I pop the side of it with the heel of my palm, and it evens out again. Noah ran the cords for it down the hall from his bedroom, under my door, and to a small monitor he set up on the dresser next to Gregory’s terrarium.

Saturday morning means she should be in class with the rest of the Maidens. But she’s alone, her fingers twining with each other, her mind troubled. But there’s no way to soothe her from here. Besides, what would I say? She’s set on her path, even though I’m going to block it, saving her in the process.

“He’s here.” Noah speaks through the door. I didn’t hear him come down the hall.

“Bring him up.” I flick off the television and sit up in bed. Looking weak isn’t an option.

Noah retreats, and I whip the blanket over my feet, hiding the bandages around my missing toes. I can’t do anything about my hands, but he’ll already know those are fucked.

Footsteps on the stairs, and then Noah opens my door. Castro enters first, his head on a swivel as he surveys the room. When he’s satisfied no one’s going to jump out from a corner, he rests his gaze on me.

“Sad to see you’re still alive, pendejo.” He doesn’t need to spit for me to feel the disdain rolling off him.

Like I give a shit. If this motherfucker makes it past Sunday service, it’ll only be because I’m dead. “Say what you came to say and then get the fuck out.”

He glowers. “I should turn you in to your father.”

“Go right ahead.” I let out a bored sigh. “See how Mom feels about that.”

His eyebrows pinch, but he doesn’t continue down that road. No point. Mom may be far more ruthless than I’d ever imagined, but she doesn’t want me crucified. I’m part of her grand scheme, after all. Besides, she’s known that I’m here ever since Noah made the deal with Grace to get Emily to his house for my visit. A costly quid pro quo, but worth it. And if Mom hasn’t spilled by now, she isn’t going to.

“Your mother has been told that this Sunday is the day. The Father of Fire will crown you Prophet once the old one is destroyed. You need to be ready to do what needs to be done.”