Nothing could mask the fear of terror in her eyes when everyone in the arena cast their glares at her as she stepped through the archway. The silence of the room gave way to an eerie feeling—like being frozen in an alternate universe. Senses heightened. The only sound Ari heard was the thrumming of blood coursing through her ears. The pulsing sound intensified when Dylan turned and faced her like the others.
Tardiness didn’t warrant this type of mutiny. What kind of situation had she walked into? More to the point, what could cause Dylan’s eyes to be filled with such fear? Ari willed her feet to move but they remained glued to the carpet.
“Our sweet Ariel, or should we say, Dylan’s sweet Ariel. Come join us on stage. We’d like to have a little chat.” Maxi gestured as her voice seemed strangely cool, absent of anger.
The chill of it caused Ari to pause, taking in the sea of stunned faces between them. Once she gathered enough courage to step forward, she locked onto Dylan’s eyes that silently told her to run.
No one quits. They are simply never seen again.
This story was much more than a lack of consent. Women had disappeared. Something far more sinister went on under the surface of Adytum. The only way Ari could uncover the truth was to face Maxi’s wrath.
“Come on, don’t be shy. We’ve all seen you with and without clothes.” Maxi urged her forward, again waving her toward the stage.
THE REST OF THIS POST IS AVAILABLE FOR USERS WHO HAVE PAID FOR BACKROOM ACCESS. IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONTINUE, PLEASE VISIT OUR REGISTRATION PAGE TO RECEIVE YOUR TICKET TO PARADISE.