I ran until my legs strained under my weight, and I found myself panting heavily. Ironically, I found myself standing in front of the ECLIPSE building. The building stood tall and firm, just like Arnold himself, the leader. The furniture and decoration inside were beautiful and composed, reflecting Alison's meticulous taste. The entrance was welcoming, much like the actual religion. Navigating the raised stone porch, I opened the glass doors and stepped through, entering the lobby. Jane, one of the members who often handled reception, greeted me with a warm smile. "Oh, hello Jordan. Why are you here at this time?"

She quickly noticed the distress etched on my face. Her expression shifted to concern as she asked, "What's wrong?" She got up from her chair, her movements swift and graceful, and began to approach me. Seeing the genuine worry in her eyes made the weight of my situation hit even harder. I suddenly felt dizzy, as if all the adrenaline that had been fueling me drained away. My knees bent, and I succumbed to the pressure, collapsing onto the cool floor.

She slapped me, and I recoiled to the side, my hand instinctively planting onto the ground to keep my bearings. My face contorted into shock as I looked up at her. Jane's expression was cold, her eyes piercing through me. "Do not mistake me," she said, swiping the air dismissively. "Arnold has placed his trust in you. We took many full measures to ensure that we would not be blamed for that incident. Get up, and stop moping." She's... right. I slowly stood up, placing a hand on my knee to steady myself. I responded, "Thanks. I needed a wake-up call." I straightened up and asked her, "Where are Olly and Allison?" Jane turned and walked back to her desk, her demeanor calm and composed. "They're in the prayer room," she replied, placing her hand on the computer to attend to some tasks. "It seems you need to partake in one." I nodded, taking her words to my oh so broken heart. I opened the first door on my left and stepped into the hallway.

I passed many doors that led to secluded rooms, where various practices were performed. Some people would call it 'satanic,' but I disagree. It's religious freedom, is all. The hallway was highly lit, the walls lined with intricate tapestries and symbols representing our beliefs. Each door I passed seemed to hum with the energy of the rituals taking place behind them. Reaching the last door at the end of the hallway, I saw the sign that read, 'Prayer Room'. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped inside. The room was adorned with countless memorabilia from our church's trips—mementos of our journey and growth as a community. The air was thick with the scent of incense, calming and familiar. I've been here a few times before.

I took off my shoes, showing respect to the sacred space. The rug under my feet was emblazoned with our motto, 'Only We Matter'. Its soft fibers were a comfort, grounding me in the present moment. I stepped a few feet further, to the middle of the room, and bowed to the rug before sitting down on my knees. In front of me, a small ledge perched two items: a knife and a bowl. These were symbols of our commitment and dedication, used in certain rituals to test one's faith. I wouldn't be using these today, though their presence reminded me of the seriousness of my vows. I reached out and rang a small bell, the sound echoing softly throughout the room. It was a bell to signify the beginning of a session, a call to focus and center oneself.

From a door that I couldn't spot, footsteps rang in my ears, echoing off the walls. They were light yet firm, with a certain grace and authority. It could only be Allison. I kept my head down, not daring to look up as she approached. "I heard you've gotten into some trouble. What is it?" she asked, her voice calm but probing. She raised her foot, and I knew what was expected of me. I leaned forward and kissed it, my lips leaving a trail of saliva.

"Someone is scheming to take me down." I informed her, my voice trembling. "They separated me from my mom," Tears began to swell in my eyes. "and I don't have anywhere to go right now." Allison stood in silence for a moment, her presence both comforting and intimidating. Then she spoke, "Many people have animosity towards us for unjustified reasons. You're a very strong person, Jordan." She patted my head, and a sense of ease settled over me. She truly is a good person. She gave me some instructions, her tone turning fierce. "We won't let you become homeless. We will set you up in a motel, and we want you to figure out who is doing this and to destroy them." The words escaped her lips with wrathful glory, each syllable dripping with intensity. I looked up at her, gratitude flooding my senses. "Thank you so much!" I said desperately

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She raised her hand off my head, her touch lingering briefly. "This prayer session is over." she declared with finality. "Our company phone will send you a text with the details of which motel establishment to go to. We will find someone willing to lend a hand." Allison turned and left the room, disappearing into whatever hidden place she had emerged from. I stood up, feeling relief. I left the prayer room, leaving the lingering scent of incense and the muted whispers of devotion behind me. The motto 'Only We Matter' echoed in my mind. We will not lose to evil!

Thinking as I walked down the hallway, the significance of ECLIPSE—Esoteric Circle for the Liberation of Inner Power and Spiritual Enlightenment—resonated within me. It truly lived up to its name, providing me with a sense of purpose and belonging in a world that often felt hostile and unwelcoming. Just as I was about to exit the building, I heard a muffled scream. I paused, my heart skipping a beat, but then shook my head. It's probably nothing.

A few minutes after walking out of the building, a notification buzzed from my phone. Oh, it's a text. I pulled the phone out of my pocket and checked my messages. One from 'ECLIPSE,' and it said, "Go to Stanford's Motel at 56th and 4th. Room 102. Key under the rug. It's stocked with food and water for three days." Ah, a first-floor room. I like those. I placed my phone back into my pocket and began running, my feet pounding against the pavement with a steady rhythm. Running would keep my mind off my mother and the turmoil at home, at least for a little while. The city streets blurred around me as I focused on my destination, the cool evening air filling my lungs. I could run for a few miles without breaking a sweat, and the exertion was a welcome distraction. The familiar burn in my muscles and the steady beat of my heart provided a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic day.

Meanwhile..

I watched Jordan leave the building, trailing him from a safe distance. He still doesn't know what I look like, and ECLIPSE wouldn't have sent him out mindlessly otherwise. Always staying a few hundred feet behind, I maintained my cover. He must not know anything. The plan to sow doubt in his relationship with his mother had worked perfectly. How do I know this? Jordan can only attend the cult's meetings during school time. He wouldn't be out like this after school hours otherwise. His habits are predictable—Jordan barely hangs out with friends once a month. Stalking his mother's Facebook account has proven that Jordan is 'blessed' by her intense scrutiny and protection. As I observed him now, his clothes were slightly torn, and I could see tear drops in his eyes. The sight fueled my revenge. You will go through much more torment, Jordan. You think this is bad? I have an infinite amount of time to stalk you, and I will make sure you feel the weight of your actions!

Twenty minutes later..

I strolled through the parking lot, nearing the motel room. The air was cool and filled with the distant hum of traffic. I quickly detoured to a vending machine on the left and took out a ten from my wallet. I got my favorite, strawberry cookies. Nothing wrong with some cookies, a little treat to lighten the mood. I stashed them into my back pocket, making sure not to crush them. In front of the room, I pulled up the rug and grasped the key. I opened the door and entered the room. The smell of fresh linens greeted me as I rested upon one of the beds, a well-earned break. The room was simple, with beige walls and a small TV mounted in the corner, but it is a bit too destitute.

You know, I'm truly grateful to ECLIPSE. They've done so much for me, providing a place to belong and a purpose to follow. But there's only so much they can do in such a sad situation like this. I can't let go of my mother from my mind, her betrayal and the pain it caused gnawing at my thoughts and sanity. Instead of losing to despair, I switched my thought process. I raised my fist to the sky. If I can just kill that snitch, my life will improve!