All of a sudden, Larious looks like he's been hit by a petrification beam. His gaunt cheekbones and dark circles under his eyes make him look like a skeleton glowing in the darkness.

"Ah, Miss Salem," he calls with undeniable venom seeping through his teeth. This man is doing his best to keep his composure, yet, as he looks at Miranda, his features sour as if he has taken a direct bite of a lemon. "Were you perhaps eavesdropping on our conversation?"

Miranda gracefully struts from the shadow into the light filtering through the stained glass windows. "What a dangerous thing to say aloud," she muses. She throws her golden curls over her shoulder and her sleek hair glistens like a halo on top. She places her hand on her hip – the sass radiating from this woman is diabolical. "It seems like our current leader does not have an awful lot of faith for our Lord and Saviour."

Larious is silent for a moment. Then, much to my surprise, he smiles. It looks alien on his face – so deceitful and twisted. He cradles his fingertips together and an ominous shadow passes upon his features.

"Are you perhaps threatening me?" he asks. “Interesting you feel that you are in a position to do that.”

Miranda's smile vanishes instantly. "The judgment of God is not quite as direct a threat as your one about dungeons is it, Larious?"" she spits.

Larious' brow twitches. He closes his eyes and then mutters what might be a prayer for patience under his breath.

"Oh you do misunderstand me, Miss Salem," he drawls. His upper lip peels back as he beams. "For you see, we are very much blessed to have two of our Lord due to him ripping his soul into two to make the sun. The one we know is very much an avatar, an imperfect image made for interacting with the imperfect. The real God of creation, the truly omnipotent one, is the literal sun himself. That is who I worship."

Is that allowed? Can he really speak of Apollo like that without there being repercussions? If that was me or Miranda he'd kill us! Sure, I suspect there may be people who do not like our current iteration of God in terms of how chaotic he can be, but that doesn't mean you can say you don't worship him. He's still our Lord, imperfections be damned!

Miranda's lips tighten and her features constrict into a glower. "Don't speak about him like that," she warns.

If Miranda has had no encounter with Apollo then she's convinced she has – that was absolutely personal. I blink and examine my friend's face thoroughly as if seeking to examine the imperfections of a counterfeit. I can tell by the creases wrinkling Larious's brow that he catches how uncharacteristic this is also. Why is she suddenly so interested in God all of a sudden? Until the death of our leader, she refused to even call him her God. Was her encounter with Apollo really that grand?

"Ohh, I see how it is," Larious mutters, thoughtfully stroking his chin. "Miss Salem, I think I am starting to understand the relation between you and our Lord."

Miranda's skin pales. She swallows and reconstructs her glower. What does he mean? Why does she look so startled?

Larious smirks, spreading his arms wide as he paces forward. "My, my, our Lord is a master storyteller, isn't he? I must admit, even a dull man like myself could become enchanted by the epic he is weaving. This will definitely be interesting."

He steps behind me and a shudder runs down my spine. As his icy hands seize my shoulders, I feel as though the very soul has been sucked out of me. His gnarly shadow towers over mine like a demonic rake.

"Lorelei, how familiar are you with the forbidden scripture?" he asks.

Trick question. I shouldn't be familiar with the forbidden scripture at all because it's forbidden. Yet, the thought of it makes my skin itch with want – I just know there's stuff about me in there. Or at least, who I'm said to be.

"I haven't read the forbidden scripture, sir," I blurt. My foot taps nervously; given my affinity for the forbidden section of the library I'd read it if I could – I just hope he doesn't figure that out.

"Lorelei," Larious half whispers, half hisses. His nails dig into my shoulders. "The scripture says there are two prophets."

My eyes widen. What do you mean there are two prophets? A ball forms in my stomach. This is all I have.

Larious continues. "Well, to be more precise, there is a true prophet and a false one.”

I feel heat cling to my palms. I've had anxieties my whole life that I wasn't up to this task. You mean to tell me that there's a chance I was right? That my only chance of salvation… the only opportunity to repent for my many sins, might not even exist?

My mind is racing. I give myself a shake just as a beat of sweat begins to form on my brow. No, first of all, what does false prophet even mean?

Larious seems to read my mind. Just when I feel like I'm about to sweat out every inch of moisture in my body, he drops a bombshell revelation.

"One of you two will bring the church to salvation and one to ruin,' he states thoughtfully. "The question is, who is who?”

I search Miranda's eyes who gaze pleadingly back at me. I can tell by the hurt lashing her features that she knows I don't trust her.

"Lorelei, he's trying to brainwash you," she insists. "If Apollo finds out that you're planning to manipulate him for the church's gain, you're finished. Don't you see how dangerous this is for you?" Her eyebrows knit together as her voice grows louder. "He's trying to phase Apollo out of his own religion!"

I'm not trying to manipulate Apollo! Larious might be trying to, but I love my God. I'm considering this because I want to be close to him. How can I be good enough for him if I'm not a god myself? And I was already starting to distrust her! Everytime we have an encounter with the killer, Miranda is there!

I grit my teeth. So many people want different things from me. Miranda wants me to help lead the church into a new era, Larious wants me to be a God that represents the church's ideals. And who can even say what Apollo wants of me. What should I do? What is it exactly that I want?

"Not phase out," Larious remarks. "We can worship multiple Gods. The forbidden scripture depicts a prophecy that the Luminous One will bring about a change in our Lord. Perhaps Lorelei will be able to force our God to a more idealised state."

A change? By me? But I… well, I know he isn't perfect, but I love Apollo as he is. The fact that he isn't perfect makes me feel better about myself. I don't want to change him at all. Is that a sign that I'm the false prophet?

“I wonder,” Larious ponders lightly, “is the one considered to be the true prophet by the church the same as the one considered to be the true prophet by Apollo?”

That is a terrifying prospect I’d never considered. Apollo likes to cause as much chaos as possible. What he considers to be an ideal prophet may not be ideal for the actual followers of his religion. If it's what the church wants, then I'm a better fit. But if the true prophet is the one that'll cause the most disruption, it's Miranda.

“Stop trying to pit us against each other!” Miranda yells.

I stare at her. I see animosity blazing through her eyes, as well as genuine love for me. Yet, I wonder if doubts twinkle back in my own. I want to believe her so badly, but everything from the hands of fate to downright bad timing, is pitting us against each other. I need to talk to my friend. I need to regain my trust in her. I stare into her eyes, trying to communicate that something is wrong, that there is something making me distrust her. But unless it is one of them, neither of these two know that the killer was here right now. I need to let them know but I don’t trust in my ability to not let them know I’m hiding something. But I must. No one else can die on my watch. My sin has wasted enough time already.

“The killer was here,” I say suddenly.

Larious’ face remains a mask as always. Definitely cold and detached enough to be up to the task, but I can see suspicion creeping through it in the slight narrowing of his eyes. I snatch my eyes away; my scrutinizing glare could burn holes through Miranda. Her eyes widen and then as she catches me staring, flicker away.

For some reason, she cannot meet my eye.

My heart sinks.

“How do you know, Lorelei?” Larious demands.

“Apollo told me in a dream. I went to go warn someone.”

That's got to be what Larious wants to hear. I am a prophet, after all. The fact that I'm trying to save my church should put me on his good side.

He steps closer. “And why didn’t you say something before now?”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“I have no proof but my intuition, and to be frank, I doubt my own abilities. I was worried people may doubt their prophet if nothing came to be.”

Shadows dance over Larious’ features as he turns to Miranda. Cold hatred steels his eyes. “And why are you out of bed?”

“I was away to meet someone,” Miranda says matter of factly.

A boyfriend? I want to slap my hands to my face. Miranda why?!

“A boy, Miss Salem?”

“Miranda stop!” I snap.

I know she's milliseconds away from telling him yes. Miranda doesn't care. But she can't say that aloud. She's a goddamn idiot!

They both look at me. I realise by the look on their faces that this was uncharacteristic of me. I can't let him think I was warning her though. I have to appear on his side.

“You're going too far,” I blurt. I try to say it pointedly, but it comes a little weak.

Miranda's brow flickers downward.

Larious stares soulessly at her.

“Well?” she asks. “What will you do now, Larious?”

My teeth puncture my lip, nerves spindling down my spine. Larious can't keep ignoring her. She's deliberately taunting him. He has to do something.

“I'm not going to do anything,” Larious replies.

“What?” Both me and Miranda speak in unison.

“Do you think I am stupid?” Larious asks lightly. “I know there is something going on between you and our Lord. I believe you when you say you were chosen by him. Why? Because you're the candidate who least represents the church's ideals. I think he likes that about you. I think he knows that making you his prophet will cause lots of problems. I also don't think our Lord could stand the idea that you didn't love him. I think he made it his duty to personally change that. But I'll never admit to knowing all this in public. And you'll never gain popularity until you start conforming to our ideals.”

That's it? He's just going to let her do as she pleases? That's hardly fair!

Miranda looks as stunned as I am.

No, something isn't right. Larious will not stand for this. He's just going to be smarter with how he deals with her.

“Miranda, Apollo is not an omnipotent God! You can't blindly depend on him for protection!” I plead.

Miranda turns. She makes her way to the great wooden doors and I rush to stop her. I snatch Miranda's hand; she shoots a glare back at me.

“Don't go,” I whisper.

Please. Please don't disobey Larious like this. It won't be good. You'll be banished.

Miranda looks down. I know she can't face the desperation in my eyes. She nods her head but I don't believe her. I don't believe that she isn't going to sneak out later on.

“Hmph,” Larious heaves. It's almost like he wanted her to disobey him so he could punish her. But the threat about whatever the hell is in the dungeons looms. Miranda is way too relaxed about this whole deal. “Get Rex. Let's do a head count.”

I know his expectations on whether or not I'm up to the task of being a prophet will depend on whatever is or isn't found.

****

“You did what?!” Rex bellows.

Me, Ic and Rex are now alone. Miranda went away, supposedly to bed, but I have a feeling she's away to meet someone. All I can do is pray she heeds my warning and doesn't get caught.

Everyone in the church is accounted for. No one is dead. As much as I am glad everyone is alive, I know it isn't good for me as a prophet that my so called revelation was false. But that's an anxiety I'll have to deal with later.

I clench my eyes tightly shut. “I had to do it!’

Rex bares his teeth, psychically red. “Lorelei, you destroyed the only evidence from the killer!” he shouts, slamming his hands down on the table. “What the fuck were you thinking?!”

Ic winces. I wonder if he's disappointed in me or if simply all the yelling was distressing to him. Either way, I can't look him in the eye.

“I know!” I yelp. My eyes open. I lick my lips; the words really don't want to come out. “The killer mentioned something bad I did. I'd be finished if it got out!”

Rex and Ic look at each other. Rex takes a deep breath for composure. “Lorelei, what did you do?”

I grimace. I don't know if I can trust him. Yes, Rex is different from the church, but I shouldn't go around unnecessarily blurting things out he doesn't need to know.

Dragging his hand down his face with a sigh, he softens his tone. “Lorelei, I don't care what you did. I'm not going to tell anyone. But I need the full context in case it's relevant to the killer. I need to know why they are looking to involve you.”

I peek one eye open. I can see Ic staring at me. His eyes are gentle, a calming shade of cerulean like the sky. He gives an encouraging nod and I feel a wave of relaxation ooze through me. I feel like if Ic trusts Rex, I can too. The question is why do I value his opinion so much? Why do I feel so at ease when I look into this creature's eyes?

Not creature. Person, I correct myself.

“I was reading about mate bonds!” My voice starts off quiet then gives a sort of hysteric crack at the end. My cheeks feel as though they're on fire; the judgemental eyes cutting through me make me want to die. “N-nothing bad though! It just explained the effects scientifically and how to trigger them!”

Rex sucks in his cheeks. His lips purse as if trying to smother it, but a crooked grin explodes upon his face. Then he erupts with laughter.

“Lorelei,” Rex says with a devious grin, “if you want to know about them maybe you should ask Ic to help. Scientifically, of course. Hands on learning is always best, right?”

Ic nearly jumps out of his skin. His cheeks bloom with pink and his head shakes so fast it blurs, a pleading expression on his face. He frantically waves his hands back and forth.

“No, it's not like that!” I insist. If cringe was fatal I'd be passed out on the floor.

Rex wraps an arm around Ic and rubs his fist into his black waves. “Icky boy, you do seem rather embarrassed. So do you, Lorelei.”

Ic's cheeks redden but he shoves Rex away forcefully. His finger slices through the air and he points at me – this is the first time I've seen him look genuinely pissed off. He huddles his shoulders and clutches his arms, giving a very exaggerated shake. His actions are so over the top, like an actor in a play, that I don't think he's acting like this because he's scared, but rather, is trying to convey the fact that I am. I blink, warmth flipping through my stomach. I appreciate that Ic respects my boundaries. It's not easy being around a creature I've been told all my life will prey on me, especially when things like mate bonds come into play.

“Ic, I'm not sure what you're trying to say,” Rex admits.

Ic nudges Rex. He extends an arm with his fist bundled.

“Oh?” Rex blinks. “You have something for me?”

Ic nods. Rex opens his palm. Ic’s fist touches his palm then slowly his wrist twists around.

Ic sticks the middle finger up at him.

Rex’s mouth drops. “Don't you take that tone with me young man!”

Ic swaggers away and extends both middle fingers as he makes his way to the exit.

“Oh you think you're so big just because you can say fuck you with a gesture!” Rex snaps, hands racing to his hips. “Well guess who taught you that! You and I will be having words about this later, Icarus!”

Pausing in the doorway, Ic gives him a dubious look, arched eyebrow radiating attitude. If I had to guess I would have to assume that looks meant “with what words?”

Ic slams the door shut and leaves.

Rex waits until he is clearly gone and grabs me by the shoulders. Suddenly, he looks like he's about to start sobbing. “Lorelei, what did I do?” he pleads, shaking me. “What was he trying to say with those shakes and stuff?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “He's saying not to push it with the dating stuff because I'm scared of him.”

I don't see how that can't be obvious to him. They tell us Lupine will eat our souls if we get sexually involved with them. I have every right to be uncomfortable.

“Oh?” Suddenly, the desperation in Rex’s eyes is replaced with a glint. Somehow, I get the feeling he's not respecting Ic’s wishes at all.

“I see,” he muses quietly, thoughtfully stroking his chin. “You seem to understand him very well, don't you? I've known him a lot longer and even I couldn't guess that one. Most people don't even look at him, nevermind understand what he is saying.”

I look away. What is he getting at?

Rex beams a wide, toothy grin. “Lorelei, from now on, I want Ic by your side. I'll tell Larious that I want him sleeping outside your bedroom door.”

What?!

Presumably reading the outraged expression on my face, Rex waggles a finger. “Don't look at me like that,” he retorts. “You're in danger Lorelei. The killer wants to involve you and, while I wouldn't say your progress with the weapons is bad, it's not enough for me to think you're safe. I think you and Ic should deepen your friendship and work together to fight. You can ride on his back and he can help you fire the weapons. If I were you, I'd be pleased. You'll be way safer with him around.”

I slam my hand to my chest and raise my head. I intend for it to look nobel, however I accidentally slap my breasts and not only is it painful, suddenly my whole day is ruined after being reminded they exist. “I cannot be getting close to him!” I blurt, hoping Rex did not notice that. “I'm supposed to be a prophet; I can't be seen getting close with his kind!”

“His kind?” Rex asks, looking down upon me with an arch of his eyebrow. “Oh I get it. You don't want to be seen with a disabled boy.”

My mouth falls agape, half horrified, half outraged. “That is not what I meant and you know it!” I snap. “It's purely because he is Lupine!”

“Lorelei, let me tell you something,” Rex spits, prodding a finger into my face. “It is not fucking easy for him. Do you know how hard it is to make friends when you're mute? Do you know how hard it is to connect with people when they view you like a piece of furniture purely because you don't speak? Do you know how hard it is to cope in a place where they view you as a literal monster that wants to eat their souls?” He breaks eye contact and his voice drops to a horse whisper. “They tortured him here, Lorelei. Everyday here is a struggle for him. Every day he's here he is reminded of that. He needs more support than just me.”

My chin recoils into my neck. I open my mouth but nothing comes out – I am at a loss for words. When he puts it like that, there's nothing I can say that doesn't make me sound like an utter shit head.

“What did they do to him?” I whisper.

“I don't know Lorelei,” Rex says quietly. “It's not like he can exactly say, can he? Unless someone can make him say words, he'll carry that burden alone forever.”

“How do you know he was tortured if he won't say?”

“Lorelei, I found him in a dungeon being raised by a literal dog. He was shit scared entering this building. He's also shit scared of Larious and shit scared of bright lights. I think these things are all connected. If I had to guess, I think something happened that made him not want to speak.”

I drag my hand down my face. What on Earth did they do to that poor young man?

I sigh. I understand completely what it feels like to be discriminated against. If I feel like an outsider here, I can't imagine how he feels.

“I…can work together with him,” I mumble. My sad expression quickly grows pointed. “But this is not a small favour you're asking of me. I'm finished if they get the wrong idea of me and this Lupine.”

“As long as you're with Ic, you'll be safe Lorelei. And if something happens… we'll come find you. We can't let anything happen to Ic’s only friend.”

I swallow. So I'm officially Ic’s friend, I guess. I may be safe from the killer with him around, but my own brethren may turn on me purely because the two of us are close.

“Do you think Larious will allow this?”

“Well if he doesn't, we can rule him as a major suspect as he's putting your personal safety at risk. And it's not like I'm planning to have Ic sleep in your bedroom or anything; he doesn't mind the floor so outside the door will be fine.”

I sigh. “Okay. Well, I'll be going then. I can do as you ask, but me and Ic will need to train together.”

I make my leave. As I open the door, Rex calls after me.

“Oh, and one last thing, Lorelei. Just so you know… In a soul bond, you can communicate with thoughts alone. If we could get Ic a mate, he would be able to communicate with them. He would be able to have conversation with someone. He would be able to talk about his trauma. I see Ic more like my son, however, if I see anyone I think he has a good thing going with, you bet your ass I'm going to be the best damn wingman there is. Let me know if anyone comes to mind.”

I freeze. A gust of fury blasts through my body. I slam the door shut with a thunderous bang and storm like a hurricane through the corridor.

There's only so much you can ask of me, Rex.