Page 49
Story: Indulgent
“It’s just super weird being back here.” Her hand presses against her chest. “So many memories.”
“Take a deep breath,” I say, trying to channel Silas. “I’m nervous too, but what we’re doing here is the right thing.” She nods, following my instructions and inhaling. Silas would distract her, and I point to the Main House in the distance. “Anex has expanded a lot since you left. That’s his house.”
“A mansion?” She snorts. “God, if Timothy isn’t a predictable, pretentious, asshole, I don’t know what he is.”
The open way she slanders Anex still feels alarming—blasphemous—but there’s no time to process my emotions on this. The conversation between us doesn’t really ease the tension, but it gets her moving. We pass the donums, the housing area, the community center, and the new childcare facility. In the distance are the fields and barn. On the open field is where the ceremony will be held. A small tent is set to the side and that is where our escort guides us.
I realize then we aren’t the only guests from outside Serendee.
Everyone is wearing identical clothing—they must have been sent outfits as well. I scan the area and recognize a woman. She’d been at Camille’s house that morning—Kayla’s sister: Gabi.
She and Camille do not acknowledge one another. Maybe they don’t see one another but my skin starts to itch. Something feels off—like maybe I’m not the only one with a plan today.
“Anyone know what’s supposed to happen here?” This comes from an older man. Probably someone’s father. Did he really allow in family members? The ones pushing for contact with their loved ones?
“Some kind of ceremony,” Gabi says. “Celebrating the equinox, I guess?”
Her voice is even. Calm. Too calm for someone so desperate to see her sister.
“Yes, the residents of Serendee celebrate each of the seasons.” Every eye in the tent swings in my direction. “It’s a way to thank the earth for a bountiful harvest.” Elon shifts next to me. “Part of the event will be what people outside the community refer to as a wedding. Couples will be bound and blessed.”
“A group wedding?” the guy asks.
I shrug. “It’s just a way for everyone to celebrate efficiently. Everything in Serendee is shared resources. We already have the music, food, and guests.” I point to the small group in the tent. “Why not knock out more than one celebration at once.”
Camille gives me a curious look—probably wondering why I’m defending the ceremony. I’m just trying to keep things moving forward. The last thing we—or these people—need is to get kicked out before it even begins.
The flaps open, held out by two other smiling residents. These I recognize. They’re Anex’s guards. They’ve just dropped the black clothing for the day and their weapons are obscured by the loose fabric. Elon’s eyes narrow, and his hand taps his lower back, confirming that, yes, they’re armed. No way Anex allows visitors in without protection.
Before I can react further, he walks in the room, Margaret a step behind.
Bowing on instinct, I elbow Elon halfway down. We’re here to grovel. To prove we want back in. That we can be trusted. Anex has to know we mean it, even if Camille thinks we don’t. The truth is that in my soul, I’m still conflicted. When Anex’s eyes drift over me that aching need for approval surges in my chest.
But he’s not interested in me or Elon. He briefly nods and greets the outsiders, but then leaves Margaret to entertain the guests. Anex doesn’t stop moving until he’s a foot from Camille. He smiles warmly, offering his hand. “Camille.”
Her throat bobs with a thick swallow, but she doesn’t reach out to touch him. “Timothy.”
His name rings in the quiet tent—Margaret’s eyes darting over. Even Elon stiffens, but Anex, ever charming, just clasps his hands in front of his body and says, “I’ve always thought you looked lovely in blue.”
Hence him picking it out for her to wear. Not for her—forhim.
“Margaret, dear,” he calls, beckoning her with his hand. She comes dutifully. Camille is focused on Margaret’s stomach. “I’d like you to meet my old friend—”
“And partner,” Camille adds.
“Yes, and partner, Camille Montgomery. Imogene’s mother.”
Margaret leans against Anex, belly jutting out. She grins wide, showing her perfect, straight teeth. “It’s wonderful to meet you. Imogene has become such a dear friend of mine—more like a sister.”
Something dark washes over Camille’s face, but she pulls it back, ignores Margaret, and turns her attention back to Anex.
“Can I see her?”
Although she’s addressing Anex, she asks the question loud enough for the others to hear. The slight tensing in his jaw reveals that he’s aware of the entire room watching. All the other guests, the families there to check up on their loved ones, the people noticing their bank accounts dwindling.
“Of course,” his teeth grit. “After the ceremony. There’s not enough time now.”
“I’m her mother, and I’d like to wish her good luck on this special day.” She reaches under the collar of her dress and pulls a necklace. “I’d like to give her this—it was my grandmother’s.”
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