At the break of dawn, before even the faintest light of morning touched the sky, Monica and Annie pulled me out of bed to prepare for the pre-dawn prayer ceremony.
Not that I was complaining. I hadn't slept well anyway. Thoughts tangled like thorned vines in my mind all night, and not once did peace find me.
What I was worried about, however, was what kind of scheme Jasper might be brewing next. I'd already run through multiple scenarios in my head, mentally arming myself with responses and exit strategies.
But, to my surprise, the morning prayer went smoothly. Suspiciously smoothly.
No psychological manipulation masquerading as divine miracles. No glowing eyes or dramatic declarations. Just a standard prayer session.
He didn't even force me to sit on the "throne" beside him like before. This time, I was seated among the other followers, just another face in the sea of white robes.
