THIRTY SIX

Michael's POV

I walked out of the cellar, my mind clouded and my movements robotic. I couldn't believe what was happening. I was under Cynthia's father's control, forced to do his bidding.

As I walked, I saw Gabriel trying to follow us, but Cynthia's father's guards were too strong. They pushed him back, and he fell to the ground.

I felt a pang of guilt and anger. I had to find a way to break free from Cynthia's father's control.

Ruth was beside me, her eyes fixed on me with a mixture of fear and determination. I knew she was trying to fight back, just like me.

We were led to a large room, filled with people. Cynthia's father stood at the front, a smile on his face.

"Welcome, my friends," he said. "Today, we embark on a new era. An era of mind control and manipulation."

I felt a chill run down my spine. I knew I had to act fast.

Suddenly, I heard a voice in my head. It was Gabriel. "Michael, fight back," he said. "Don't let him control you."

I tried to resist, but Cynthia's father's c