Alister
It takes a minute after I open my eyes to realize I'm tied up in the trunk of a car.
I stared into the dark for a moment longer, as if it would bring back some kind of explanation. But there was nothing. Just a gaping hole where recollection should've been.
The first thing I felt wasn't fear. It was shame.Then disappointment.
I hadn't been kidnapped since Miranda. And that was… different. I was a kid. But after that, never again. People tried, sure. But no one ever got close.
But now? This? This wasn't a slip. This was a fall. And if that isn't a sign I'm getting weaker, then I don't know what is.
And then, I feel a bag beside my feet. The rattling and clanking of the guns inside it causes recognition to settle in with a sick twist. This is my car.
"Hey!" I yelled and knocked the back of my head against the wall with as much force as I could manage.
The car stopped, engine fading into silence. A door creaked open, followed by footsteps, too casual for my liking.
The trunk popped open, flooding me with blinding light. My skull throbbed as I squinted through the glare at the shadow looming over me.
"Bonjour, monsieur," Steph drawled, smug behind oversized sunglasses. Grinning wickedly, she propped an elbow on her knee, boot braced on the trunk's edge as if admiring art. A very specific, tightly bound, and furious piece of art.
If I had the ability to kill people with a single look instead, I wish she'd have dropped dead by now.
"You…" I growled, forcing myself upright despite the burn in my shoulders.
"Is he okay?" a softer voice asked from the side, concern cutting through my anger.
Clara rounded the car, lips parted, eyes scanning me for injury with a stun gun in hand. Her sapphire skirt billowed in the dusty highway breeze, vivid against the bleak backdrop.
Another door creaked, footsteps circling to the back. "Sorry, dude," Zach said with his usual half-smile. "Knocking you out and tying you up seemed safest."
Of course it was him. The ropes biting into my skin made perfect sense now.
Still, I understand why they did it. Leora had taken over me. I felt the cold silence, the fall inward, and then voices calling until they cut off.
None of them seem to be injured or have so much as a scratch. Had they taken me down that quickly? Before she could do anything?
"Get these ropes—" I started.
"What?! No!" The panicked voice jolted us. I turned to see Simon lurking at Stephanie's side.
The panicked voice startled all of us. I twisted my neck and saw Simon, wide-eyed and pale, standing to the right. I hadn't even noticed him before.
"Isn't it safer if he…" His voice trailed off as he clutched her arm, cowering.
Stephanie smirked, tilting her head. "Should I? I'm not exactly eager to see your dumb face in the car again."
Maybe I should pretend to be possessed and kill her off. Then move onto Simon.
Clara crossed her arms, staring at the ground, muttering something about not being able to see my face.
"How about this. A peaceful solution to everyone's problems." Zach stepped forward, as always, offering diplomacy like it was homemade pie. I just want these idiots to cut the ropes already. "Stephanie and I will ride in the back with him. If he starts twitching or saying weird stuff, I can just break his fingers and knock him out again. Easy. No big deal. We've got the goblet, so he'd heal in no time."
There was a pause. We all stared at him in stunned silence.
Zach blinked. "Don't worry. Those things will break like breadsticks. It won't be hard."
I don't think that's what everyone was concerned about. Still, my fingers curled on reflex.
"Shut up and cut these ropes," I muttered, rolling my eyes. He grinned and revealed my knife hidden behind him.
Simon groaned, fanning himself. "Can we just get back in the car? I'm melting."
"It's a bit better than being suffocated by Clara's perfume, isn't it?" Steph snorts.
Clara arched a brow. "At least I don't smell like I just walked out of a gym, drenched in sweat."
Zach sighs as he slices the ropes tying my ankles. "Here we go again."
"I was at the gym when you called," Stephanie said, tilting her head with an amused grin. "Which is someplace you should probably start visiting if you ever want to fix that sad frame of yours."
Clara's expression barely twitched, but her chin lifted, and spine straightens. Her skin shimmered faintly with sweat, causing the thin white blouse she wore to stick to her skin, cheeks flushed from sun—or bickering, maybe both.
I don't know what Steph's talking about. How does one 'fix' perfection?
Clara smirked, venom in her eyes, grip tight on the stun gun. "Better than that rude tongue of yours. No wonder your brother didn't—"
"Enough!" I yelled, cutting her off before her words could wound Steph and spark a fight that would waste time.
"If you don't get your act together, I'm leaving you all stranded. This is my car, after all. Understand?" I said as the rope around my legs was cut.
A collective groan rose as Zach chuckles. "Okay, back inside, everyone."
As they shuffled toward the car, I sighed, rolling my neck to let the tension ease before it burned through my spine.
◇.......🗡.......◇
Just when I'm thankful for the chalboard-scratching song to finally be over, Stephanie presses replay for the 7th time. Her way of punishing us for letting her drive for two hours and disrupting her sleep.
I gently knock my head against the headrest of the backseat as the sound of Zach chewing on chips joins the parade, telling myself we're almost there.
The scenery outside, however, makes up for it. Golden mountains towered over the green valley, the Methow River winding like a silver thread beneath a clear blue sky.
Simon's snoring grew louder, his head flopping back onto my shoulder like a rag doll. What kind of deep sleeper doesn't notice being shuffled to the window? I groaned, eyeing the bag he clutched—stuffed with gadgets he'd bought or made for us.
And then there's the little creep, slumped on the seat to my right, staring at her phone. I expected her to gush over the bag of guns I got from Lily, but all I got was a simple nod. To distracted to care. The slight smirk on her lips tells me the events surrounding her father are going exactly as planned. Her uncle's loving it, holding press conferences. He's playing hero, clearly trying to look good in front of the cameras. I nearly destroyed my phone after hearing the things her father called her. The rage I felt—God, I could've ripped him apart. I wanted to. I still do.
Her black wig and brown contacts still looked off. The novel on her lap fluttered untouched—ignored, like me. For someone who wanted to see my face, she sure hasn't been paying much attention to it.
"We're almost there!" Zach yells suddenly, causing us to flinch.
Forested hills rose on either side, endless green brushing the sky. The flowers reminded me of our gas station trip—Clara halfway out the sunroof, hair whipping, us inches from killing each other.
Good times.
Rounding a bend, the retreat came into view—wood and stone buildings nestled in a grove, a stream winding through. Gravel crunched under the tires as we pulled in, shaded by tall trees and with few cars around. Stepping out, the sun warmed our skin as we stretched.
Footsteps drew our attention to the entrance. A woman in her early thirties appeared from the shaded path, clipboard in hand. Her flowy linen pants and simple blouse suited the retreat, but heavy makeup and a tight ponytail made her look like she was trying too hard to appear younger.
She smiled as she approached. "Good afternoon. I'm Stacy. Are you the guests we've been expecting?"
Zach stepped forward, handing over a confirmation slip. "Booked under Travis."
Glancing at her clipboard, Stacy's smile widened. "Ah, here you are. All in order. Welcome to Serenity Springs. Could I confirm your names?"
Clara gestured quickly at Simon. "That's Owen, Alec, Susan, and I'm Julia."
"Thank you for that," Stacy says, glancing up from the list. "Now, If you'll follow me to the lodge, I'll get you all set up."
She led us through the rustic wooden arch—Serenity Springs Holistic Retreat, Find Your Balance etched below. Down the cobblestone path, the main building appeared: a two-story structure with a wrap-around porch, and people enjoying tea in it. Large windows let in sunlight, and a stone chimney promised a cozy fireplace inside.
Three girls walk past. One, with short brown hair and a mole under her eye, clutched something. "Look! This might be an Ellensburg Blue!" she huffed, shoving it forward. The others barely noticed as she stumbled. The rock slipped from her fingers, tumbling toward me.
I stepped forward, bending to pick it up, while the others continued walking.
At first glance, it looked ordinary, but a faint shimmer beneath the dirt revealed a milky translucence with a hint of blue.
"This is a good find," I said, studying it. "An Ellensburg Blue, right?" Depending on quality, a stone like this could be worth a lot—and might hold deeper significance.
"Where did you find this?" I ask, brushing off some of the dirt.
Silence.
The girl stared, wide-eyed, mouth slightly open, as if she'd forgotten how to speak. Blinking rapidly, she stammered. "Uh—the creek bed, near the south trail… I was checking sediment deposits, and it was just lying there. You—you think it's real?"
I ran my thumb over the stone before handing it back. "Probably. It could be worth something if it's a good piece."
And then she just… stands there. Eyes locked onto mine, gripping the stone like it had suddenly become the most valuable thing she'd ever owned.
Not wanting the awkwardness to drag, I turned back to the tour. "Be careful next time."
I could feel her eyes on me as I walked away. Is she someone we need to watch out for? Did I make a mistake talking to her?
"Our main lodge is the heart of the retreat," she said, motioning to the building. "Check-in, meals, group events, all happen here."
She led us toward smaller buildings to the left. "Private cabins, fully equipped for a comfortable stay. That one," she pointed to the fifth, "is yours for the next two days."
"Great. I'll just lie down in there while you enjoy the tour." Clara mumbled, yawning, starting toward the cabins, until Zach grabbed her arm.
"Come on. This lady prepared the tour just for us." He said, concern in his eyes.
Stacy waved dismissively. "It's fine. Just the usual spiel. You must be tired from your journey. Go ahead and rest."
Clara nodded, patting Zach's shoulder and taking his bag, before walking off without looking back or asking for ours. I feel the space beside me go cold, even though it's warm today.
"Something's off." I hear Leora as she materialize next to me, ruining my mood.
"What?"
I follow her gaze, but all I see are guests laughing and having a pleasant time.
"It's the people. The staff. Keep an eye out for them." She says and disappears.
It almost sounded like a genuine warning. I don't like this. Nothing good can come from that woman being concerned about something.
Further down the path, a low building sat. Faint scents of essential oils drifted through the air. "This is the healing center. There are massages, acupuncture, and other treatments," she explained.
"Sounds like something Julia would love." Stephanie smirks.
Stacy's voice softened, gesturing to a shaded pavilion by the garden. "That's where we host workshops, art classes, and other activities." She paused, then beamed. "And there's Miss Everley, the owner."
The woman leading the art session is tall and elegant, dark curls braided down her back and colorful charm bracelets catching the sunlight. When our eyes meet, she smiles warmly. Stacy waves, and Miss Everley returns it, giving a few words to the group before excusing herself and approaching us.
"Hello, you must be the 4 pm guests?" she said, hands clasped behind her back.
"We are," Zach replied. My eyes catch a tree tattoo under her sleeve.
"You can leave them with me, Stacy," she said, smiling. "Follow me. I'll fill you in on the way."
She turned on her heel, barefoot, leading us toward the main lodge as Stacy walked away. As we follow, it quickly becomes apparent how well-liked she is. Nearly every person we pass acknowledges her in some way. Some offering waves, others nodding with cheerful smiles. A few call out greetings.
"Now, we keep a structured but flexible schedule here." she explains to us, "Breakfast is served between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, though if you're an early riser, we have tea and fruit available throughout the day."
A woman with folded blankets passed, smiling. "Morning session went beautifully."
"Glad to hear it, Dani." Everley replied, then continued her explanation.
I exchanged a look with Zach. This woman had a presence that drew people in.
But that's not all. I realize just how difficult sneaking around here will be. People are everywhere. Moving between buildings, lingering in open spaces, always within earshot. Even now, as we follow Everley, I can feel the weight of passing glances.
I understand what Leora meant by something being off.
We stepped inside the lodge, where there's a faint scent of herbs and wood polish.
We need to be careful. Smart. Get the knife and get out before anyone realizes why we're here. But with eyes on us from every direction, it's going to be trickier than expected.
We stepped into Miss Everley's office. Cozy wooden tones, mandala wallpaper, golden light through a wide window, incense curling in the air. Books on healing lined the shelves and a single door was off to the side.
But none of that matters.
Because there, mounted high behind her desk, encased in glass like a priceless relic, was the Hirudin dagger.
I feel everyone go still beside me.
Well...that was easy.
Not hidden. Not locked away. Not buried under layers of security measures. It's just there. Its dark, curved blade gleamed, the obsidian handle wrapped in brittle leather.
I notice Steph's fingers twitching to just move and grab it. But we both knew we couldn't. Not yet.
But it being here feels wrong. Its power comes from leech-secreted chemicals that prevent blood from clotting. Once cut, wounds won't close. Unlike the other two, it's not magical, just deadly. Designed for murder and prolonged suffering.
"Do sit down." Everly says as she closes the door. As if trapping us here. And the four different kinds of locks on the door don't look reassuring.
We hesitate before settling down on the green cushioned chairs.
"As I was saying, dinner is at 7, followed by a gathering for storytelling, live music, or sometimes a simple bonfire where everyone can unwind." She eased into her chair, hands folded on the mahogany desk. "Would you like a copy of the full schedule?"
My mouth feels dry as I reply "That would be helpful."
"Is that yours?" Simon suddenly asks, pointing to the dagger, much to my horror. I glare at him from the corner of my eye as Everley looks up at it.
"No, it's my son's. Kids these days have strange interests." She laughed awkwardly. "I liked this design, so I hung it here until he returns."
"Where did he go?" Steph persists.
"Italy, for an internship. I think he'll be back in a couple of weeks." She said thoughtfully.
"You must miss him." Zach offered, and she smiled.
"Of course. A parent's heart is never whole when their child is away," she answered wistfully, rising and walking over to a box on the shelf. "Such is the precious bond between a parent and a child."
I'm glad Clara isn't here to hear all this.
"Now," Everley's tone shifted, businesslike. She held out a box of electronics with a firm smile. "No electronics are allowed here. This is a place to unplug and reconnect. I'll have Stacy collect your friend's phone from the cabin, don't worry." She gestured to Simon's gadget-filled bag, as if she could tell what's in it. "Put everything in this box."
She watches us closely, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as we fill up the box, hiding our unease.