Nothing Is as It Seems

“I’ll be out making all the final preparations for the sacrifice tomorrow. I’ve asked M to keep you company today,” Zacky said. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips before disappearing through the front door.

“I can see that you don’t really want this. You’re just using it as a way to try to get out of here. You won’t escape. You’ll be turned or killed there is no alternative,” M said as soon as we were alone.

“What’s your real name?” I asked, completely ignoring his words.

“Matt.” I was actually surprised he answered.

“Well Matt, I don’t need you to keep my company. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“Tough luck. I’m sticking around to make sure you don’t do anything stupid. I know you’re trying to find a way out of here.

“Asshole,” I muttered before making my way into the library. I browsed through all of the books, finally deciding on The Catcher in the Rye.

“Holden Caulfield,” Matt said, catching me by surprise again.

“I didn’t expect you to know about books.”

“When you live forever, there’s plenty of time for reading.” He sank down into a chair across from the one I’d chosen and got comfortable.

“You’re just going to sit there and watch me read?”

“Sure. Nothing else going one.”

I rolled my eyes and opened the book. If he wanted to be bored out of his skull that was choice. I soon lost myself in the pages of the book and the next thing I knew I was being shaken awake by Zacky.

“Everything is in place. The sacrifice can go on as planned tomorrow.”

“That’s good news. So when will you be turning me?” I asked, trying my best to sound interested.

“After the ritual. I want you to see everything first. You’ll sleep for a few days after the transformation.”

I followed him out of the room and up the stairs. “Now why don’t we finish what we started yesterday to celebrate.”

My blood ran cold but I allowed him to take my hand and pull to his bed. It was the first time he’d brought me into his room. Almost everything was black. The wall, the stained wood floors, the furniture. The only spot of color was the blood red sheets and I didn’t think too hard about why he liked that color.

“Undress for me, slowly.” Trying not to show my fear, I began to take off my clothes. One piece at a time and as slow as possible. I was only prolonging the inevitable. “Perfect. Now get on the bed.”

I did as he said and then his now shirtless form straddled my hips. He slid his belt through the loops and seized both of my wrists. He bound them together with the belt then smiled at me.

“I like knowing I’m completely in control.” I could do nothing but stare up at him as he pushed his pants and underwear down his legs.

He pushed my legs apart and settled between them. I let my mind drift, desperately trying to think of anything but this. My favorite books, movies, songs, anything to keep my mind occupied so I didn’t think too much about what was happening. Every time I wanted to scream and flinch away from him I had to remind myself that this was the only way I could possibly be able to make my escape. He had to believe me.

Ten minutes later it was over and Zacky was loosening the belt to free my wrists. “Sleep, gorgeous. Tomorrow is a big day.”

I closed my eyes, grateful to be done with this day. I would never be able to sleep , knowing what was going to happen tomorrow if I failed, but I kept my eyes closed and tried my best to even out my breathing anyway. He wouldn’t bother me if I was sleeping.

-x-

The next day the house was busy, everyone running all over the place trying to get everything prepared. Everything would be set up in a clearing a short distance through the woods. That is where the ritual would take place. Maybe the thick forest would give me an advantage when I tried to run away.

“It’s time, my dear,” Zacky said, kneeling in front of where I sat on the couch. I took a deep breath and nodded. He took my hand and led me outside.

The walk was short and we entered a clearing with several chairs formed in a circle around a fire pit. There was also a wooden table with some items that I had never seen before. I took a seat in the chair Zacky pointed me to, next to Cassie who was bound to her chair with rope.

“Sir, we can’t find the final ingredient,” The Rev said as he stepped into the clearing. Zacky rolled his eyes and turned to Matt.

“Keep an eye on the girls, will you?” he asked. Matt nodded and watched Zacky disappear into the trees.

He turned in our direction and moved closer, leaning down so he could speak quietly. “We have to get out of here now.”