Page 7 of Serpent In White

I’m not a nosy person either, I swear, but there’s something about seeing the darkness in Darian’s eyes, when he’s in need of hissolitude. And then seeing him the next day, eyes alit with crystalline blue-gray, clouds and wind. It’s fascinating.

He’sfascinating.

Once we’re done with cleanup, us Domestics get to eat, and I was right; the casserole is delicious. As is my bread, but we already knew that. Head Priest said so.

It’s delicious.A chill runs across my skin.

When my shift is over, I go to the nightly reflection. There’s a massive fire pit built in the center of the giant circle that is Regnum housing, and everyone meets here at night to reflect on the day. It’s a great time to catch up with the family, and once a week, Jordan and I will perform a song, which we’ll be doing tomorrow.

Tonight, I’m keeping it low-key. Feeling a bit introspective, I suppose. I watch as my best friend cuddles up to a new girl. I smile when Gina and Paul nestle together at the end of a hard day’s work. I force a smile when Kinsey waves at me from across the fire.

Searching, Mother. Just searching.

Leaving early, I sneak off to go home. And as I wander through the woods, back toward my trailer, I see the eyes of a serpent, glowing at me in the dark.

Weekly sermons are one of my favorite things.

If I’m ever feeling down, maybe a little lost, I can always count on Head Priest’s words to reaffirm my faith; in the plan, in Mother’s gifts.

In a bigger picture and a higher power.

Walking into temple, however, my excitement is dampened as Kinsey grabs my arm.

“Hi, Abdiel!” She squeals in my ear while I cringe. “You look great.” Her cheeks flush as she bites her lip, and I force myself to smile.

“Thanks, Kins. So do you.”

Her face lights up, and I swallow, worrying I might’ve given the wrong impression with that completely innocuous response.

“I was hoping you’d… maybe… like to sit with me?” Kinsey asks, stuttering as she does.

It makes me feel guilty. Guilty for not finding her as attractive or interesting as she apparently finds me. Guilty for not wanting to sit with her as badly as she clearly wants me to. Guilty for all of the zeal inside me that has nothing to do with her.

I hate feeling guilty.

So I shove it away and use the manners that have been instilled in me since I was small, giving her another forced smile. “I’d love to.”

She squeals again, thankfully quieter this time, and drags me inside the temple. We wave hello to our family as everyone gets seated. Usually, teenagers have a tendency to slink around in the back, but to my surprise, Kinsey tugs me up the aisle to the front row of seats. It’s a mixed bag of feelings about it, since I do love sitting close, although I tend to stay away from the front. I like to avoid being seen or called upon by Head Priest during his sermons. It’s too nerve-racking. I don’t want to embarrass myself.

And yet here we are, front and damn center. My stomach is already churning away while we get settled, the doors behind us closing as, right on schedule, all noise comes to a halt.

Knowing he’ll be here in just a moment has my pulse rapping. I can’t help glancing around me to see if anyone else is having a similar reaction. Sure enough, everyone in the room looks equally eager to see him, to be enraptured by his presence and his thoughtful words. Still, I’m not sure any of these people are asanxiousas I am.

When my head tilts left, I see Drake, sitting in the pew reserved for him and the wives. He’s draped in white linen garb, his usual attire for sermons and special holidays. White, a symbol of cleansing and rebirth.

My eyes linger on his black hair, combed back messily, as if done with his fingers, or someone else’s. Drake is another who loves to enjoy the company of many partners. It’s not a big deal in the slightest, since free love is a belief of The Principality. We condone all types of relationships, and sex is celebrated, safely of course.

But aside from Head Priest, Drake is the most mysterious person on the Expanse, with his smoldering looks, high cheekbones and a jawline that could cut glass certainly contributing to the enigma. Tall with skin white like alabaster and a way about him that justfeelssinful, even if you don’t reallyknowhim, which I think none of us truly do.

And then there are the snake eyes. It’s not an exaggeration either. His eyes are two different shades, dark, almost black with rings of amber yellow. They’re probably hazel, but the way they look, like marbles, remind you of a snake’s eyes. Which is fitting, since he’s called theSerpent.

Always lurking in the shadows…

I’m startled when those strange eyes point in my direction. Drake is looking at me now; he’s caught me staring at him. I gulp and quickly look away, though some force compels me to peek at him once more, only to find him still staring at me, smirking while he blinks slowly; studiously.Like a snake.

The hairs on my arms stand up straight, and I focus my vision on my lap, ignoring the strange sensation slinking around inside me.

Movement up at the podium distracts me, and my chin jerks as Head Priest saunters in, confident and poised, ready to address his Regnum. Warmth seeps into my veins.