Melanie answers, "Of course, I'm his sister. Why would you think otherwise?""I don't know. If I'm honest, your entire family seems like frauds. I asked Lisa at the spa. She doesn't think the Knights are related. After she said that, I couldn't erase that thought.""Lisa's opinion is her opinion, but like you, Lisa is a visitor who fell in love with the "island" and refused to leave. I'd take her words with a grain of salt. But I'm not here to discuss rumors. Jude said to tell you he will see you soon. Do you need money?"Embarrassed, I nod. Melanie hands me a stack of one-hundred-dollar bills, saying, "This should cover you until I contact you again."Melanie leaves, and I feel lost. Several days later, Jude's mark is completely healed, and I feel alone in this world.Because everyone's curious about my personal life, Mrs. Freer doesn't even reprimand me. I returned to work as if nothing happened. My aunt, Drusilla, and I had a heart-to-heart, so things are back to normal.It's been
Knight's Island is a dismal place. As we drive to the villa, several mansions and lake homes are burnt to the ground. The island's landscape is overrun with greenery. Even my house needs significant work. After releasing a loud sigh, Mama whispers, "No, Jude, be excited. This is a new beginning." Most of our family is gone. Only Mama, myself, Andrew, Toro, Micah, Deena, and Melanie will live here for now. Deena refuses to come anywhere near me, which is terrific. However, I'm curious why she's still a part of our family. To break the silence, I ask, "So Deena's more dedicated than Marisol, Blanca, or Sammy?" Deena folds her arms, sighing. Looking back at me, Mama answers, "Yes. Too, Rogelio loves Marisol. She's the only person besides you that he clings to." We pull up to the villa, and it's untouched. Locking her arm with mine, Mama says, "We can clean tomorrow. We will eat as a family tonight and start rebuilding our strong nucleus." Everyone goes to their respective rooms, bu
Shaking my head, I storm out of Mama's room, but she chases me. Grabbing my arm, she says, "I'm not evil, Jude. I use my powers for good and can teach you to do the same."Snatching away, I ask, "Was I born this way, or did you curse me?""Oh no! You're pure through and through."As she caresses my back and arm, my head is throbbing. Massaging my temples, I say, "I need to think.""Jude, you are a gift—a wonder on this earth. Please don't allow your father, Uncle Julius, or Bruce's finite beliefs to make you despise what you are."I rush to the entrance without acknowledging her and jog toward my lakehouse. Thankfully, it's still standing. After I shower, I lie on the couch, thinking. What should I believe? Was I born the alpha, or has Mama's ritual conjured this monster? And if so, can it be removed?The anger and betrayal I feel are causing me to change, but I calm myself. Then, my mind returned to the first time I visited Bruce's ministry. It was a Sunday, and I went to the villa fo
While my father sits cringing, I ask, "What are you talking about? Changed into a what? A junkie."Now looking into my eyes, he answers, "Her change is what made her a junkie.""Okay, so what did she change into?""Something unholy, and then it consumed her.""Dad, stop being dramatic and tell me what happened to her. It may help me.""You don't need to know because I'm not claiming that. You accepted Christ already, so that will never happen to you. I've already prayed about it. So end of discussion.""Who accepted Christ? Oh, you think a kid deciding due to her parents' belief is valid? That won't stand in any court of the law. ...Fine, keep your secret. I'll pray with you that I'm nothing like either of you!I'm tired. It's been a long day. I'll pay one more night for the hotel, then be on your way. As you see, I've made it much further in life with both of you dead or absent. Don't call me if you're ever feeling guilty or need money. Mom died, and now I've had enough of you. Never
Winnie and I converse a little longer, and then she leaves. I hate I told her Jude attacked me, so I refused to share more. Jude was furious Phyllis betrayed him, but would he allow himself to murder her? I'm pacing the floors all night, thinking of scenarios to make this okay, but it's far from okay. Suddenly, my phone rings. It's a miscellaneous number. I answer, and it's Melanie. She wants to come over. I reply, "Let's meet at a public location?"I choose a gas station. She pulls up and gets into my car. I ask, "What's going on?""I need your help. I think I found my mother.""Oh wow, Melanie. I never knew you were estranged from your mom.""You were right, Ajay. We're all estranged from our parents on Knight Island. We're related, but just not in the traditional way.""I'm confused.""Outside of Mama and Uncle Julius, we're all young. We were either abandoned, adopted, or willfully given to Mama to raise. Mama adopted me because she thinks I'm Jude's sister."Pausing, she glance
Being with Melanie leaves me desperate for more answers. Plus, she didn't call the next morning as she promised. The following week, I returned to work. Mrs. Freer isn't here, so I can ask questions in peace tonight. Winnie sees me and says, "Didn't expect to see you this soon.""Sitting at home isn't helping. I need answers. Have you heard anything else on Phyllis?""It's definitely not your guy.""Wow. That's great. How is she, and how'd they find out?""Phyllis was ripped to pieces, Ajay. She wasn't in Vermont but went to a funeral and was mauled to death by wild boars or something."In shock, I stand blinking her way. "Ajay, you okay? Why are you looking like that?"Unable to shake myself, I stood a few more seconds before I gasped, "Huh?""What's going on, Ajay? What'd I say to make you react this way?""Uh, nothing. What a way to go, huh? ...You say she was at a funeral. Do you know who died?""I don't know, but that's the information I need. I'll never visit there." She chuckl
In utter shock, I stand motionless and speechless. With her mouth covered and wide-eyed, Lana heads towards me. Shaking my head, I motion for her to stop. Lana whimpers, "Oh my God, I thought you knew."Mrs. Freer rushes over, but I yell, "DO NOT touch me!""Please, Ajay." Lana pleads as I hurry away. Only two floors down, I stand in the stairwell, lifeless. Suddenly, I heard the exit door open and quickly glanced back. It's Lana. Instantly, I say, "Lana, let me regroup. I'm good. Leave me alone.""Ajay, I want to help...""Do you? Lana, you've helped enough. Now, please leave me alone. This is my last time asking."She touches me, and I grip her by the wrist and then fling her arm. Lana's not a tiny woman. Her bark is harsher than her bite, but she's five foot eight and hefty. Although she's not a brawler, she can hold her own. With her face twisted, she says, "This is why I sided with Phyllis. You're always on the defense as if everyone is against you.""Lana, shut up!""What? Bit
Today, our residents are allowed to retrieve all their belongings. It's also my funeral. Andrew and Toro enter the room dressed in all-black tailored suits, looking like supermodels. I joke, "Where's the photoshoot?"Frowning, Toro loosens his tie. Unamused, Andrew answers, "You were right. This is a dumb idea. Mourners are flocking to the villa. Mama and Micah are actors, but the rest of us aren't. Half the family isn't here, so Bruce has a trillion questions. I have a fucking headache, so I walked away." "So you two left your areas unsecured?""Mama told the people it was time for the repast. Phyllis fainted, and that's when I left."My eyes rolled up in my head, and I blew out a loud sigh.Putting his shades back on, Andrew says, "Well, we better go and make sure things are still in order."I laugh, "Shades? That's a nice mask."Lifting his, Toro says, "We're all wearing shades.""Yeah. This is Melanie's ideal. It hides our crocodile tears." Andrew chuckles."Oh, Melanie's here?" I
The same night I googled Dr. Houseman. He has a private practice across town. I schedule an appointment, but he's not available until next month. Uncomfortable going to anyone else, I keep the appointment and buy a home pregnancy test.My sweaty palms wet the box, while my trembling hand held the stick steady. I waited the instructed time, and it came back inconclusive. I run to the drugstore and purchase three more tests. They all yield the same result.Justine told me Delilah was discharged from the ICU and apologized to Zelma. Delilah told Zelma, "I've been consumed with Jude and finding his truth for so long that I haven't even lived. These days I grieve for Mama. She was so deep into this that there was no way she could walk away and live a normal life.I've had Eve only a few weeks, and I love her as my own. Mama loved Jude. She did what she thought was best. If Jude ever comes for Eve, she's his, so I'd have no choice but to return his daughter. But until then, I'll love and ra
I left Floyd perplexed. Soon, I heard Jude questioning me about the short story Eve wrote about Samuel and his brother. Plopping onto my couch, I close my eyes and concentrate, hoping to remember anything significant.Suddenly, I recall Mr. Knight saying, "I hear my mother's singing in my head and whisper, "Dreamers? No, filthy dreamers. My bloodied fingers thumb through my Bible. Weak and dying, I circle the chapter at the top of the page. My shaky hand draws an arrow, and I write, This is his name."Immediately, I rushed and opened the small suitcase I had taken from the island. It has Jude's Bible inside. I remove it, go to the table of contents, and find the Book of Jude. Jude had circled the title in blood.As I stare at the encircled name, I realize that Samuel VII and Mr. Knight are the same. Samuel is the baby's father. The story instructed the Knight's lineage to name his son and the next Alpha, Jude.Soon I'm wondering why Samuel slaughtered his students. Did he hope to be k
Paige offers to go with me to see Mrs. Freer. I decided it was best to go alone. Walking on campus was strange. It seems like eons ago this was where I spent most of my time. Upon entering the administration building, I see familiar faces. Some greet me while others walk by, oblivious to who I am. I exit the elevator on our floor and see Mrs. Freer talking with two coworkers.Seeing me, she does a double-take. Quickly, she ends her conversation and heads toward me. "Ms. Vernon. This is a bewildering surprise.""Hi, Mrs. Freer. My name's Mrs. Knight now, and yes, I'm sure seeing me is surprising.""Mrs. Knight, wow. Well, congratulations. Now, may I know why you're here?""I need to speak with a professor, preferably one knowledgeable in astronomy.""Professor Floyd was a friend of Phyllis's. She asked for the same help right before she passed.""Mrs. Freer, it's terrible what happened to Phyllis. I'll admit, I was pretty heartless in the past, but I'm a new person. If possible, I'd a
I decide to wait in the car and let Justine handle everything. Once Zelma opens the door, she sees me. Instantly, she gripes, "What is she doing here?"Justine says, "She needs our help, Zelma.""From the moment I first helped her, it's been nothing but tragedy for those I love. You promised me you wouldn't go to Knight Island.""If we hadn't gone, Ajay would've been stranded there.""I don't care!" Zelma shouts."We're not like that, Zelma." Justine sighs.As much as it hurts, Zelma is right. Since the moment I stepped on Knight Island, it's been nothing but devastation and death. Once we get to their home, I retrieve my suitcase and leave. I tell Justine, "I promise I'll be in touch."Before I exit, Zelma stops me, saying, "I don't hate you, Ajay. And I understand the hold Jude has on you. I know you're worried and want to find him, but have you ever considered maybe he wants to be lost?Delilah attacked me over some books with mathematical formulas that no human could possibly deci
I'm hiding in what's left of this burned cabin when I hear voices. Realizing they're women, I rush out into the open. I see a woman running, and two chasing her. Then I hear, "Shellie, stop running!"I see Justine and cry out, "Justine! Over here!""Ajay? Is that you?" Justine shouts.Immediately, Shellie stops and runs toward me. Dottie and Justine come to me as well. They all stood staring my way, speechless. Slowly, Justine reaches to touch me and asks, "Are you okay?"The only thing I could do was cry. All three of them huddle around me. These strange sounds in the distance make Dottie say, "I think we need to go.""Are you alone? Where's Jude?" Justine asks."I'm alone, and Dottie's right. We need to leave."They have food and liquor on their boat. All three care for me until I'm no longer trembling from fear. We're miles away from the island when Justine asks, "Do you want to talk about it?"How do I explain this? Honestly, I don't know what happened myself. Coughing to clear my
Zelma doesn't know. I've been looking for Ajay forever. After I learned she practiced witchcraft, I told Zelma. Zelma warned me, "Knight Island was demonic. We just didn't know it. Dad was privy to some information but tragically learned it wasn't just superstition and ghost stories."I'd called Ajay but she never called back. Then, I decided to wait for her in the library's occult section. Afraid other students would see me and think I was a witch, I started asking about her instead.The student aid at the desk knew who she was. He told me, "Ajay is great. I haven't seen her in a minute, but sometimes she'd go to the coffee shop down the street."Cafe Sheol made me look more sketchy than sitting in the library. Only the barista and I are present. I go to the counter, order a tall latte, and ask, "Hi Cecily, I'm Justine. Do you remember a girl named Ajay being a customer?"Before I can describe her, Cecily answers, "Of course. I love Ajay. Why do you ask?"I explained how we lost cont
My life flashes before me as we drop to the ground. I open my eyes and am in the top bunk bed at my foster home. It's a clear night. As I gaze out into the stars, I think, I wish someone loved me.The Michaels have four foster children. All four of us are girls. We're all around the same age. I climb out of bed to use the toilet and overhear my foster parents discussing how one of the girls has been adopted.I hurry back to my room, crying. Now, staring into the night sky again, I whisper, "Please let someone love me." The following morning, Aunt Irene adopted me.It's my senior year of high school. My boyfriend, Benjamin, and I ditch prom and drive to the marina. We sneak in and lie in someone's boat. Lying beside each other, we gaze up into the sky, and he asks, "Do you think anyone's truly out there?"I answer, "Look how beautiful and vast the sky is. How can it not be?"Nodding, Ben says, "I agree. So, is it God or aliens?""Definitely, God. Aliens are techies, according to what t
After weeks of sailing, we find nothing. We return to Brazil, and Jude says, "Let's just go home."The closer we get to Knight Island, the more uneasy I feel. Early morning, we leave Florida. Soon, the island appears, but it's no longer the paradise I knew. It's burning wasteland. Wide-eyed, I look at Jude, but he's expressionless. I stammer, "W-What happened?"Knight Island looks exactly like the island I spent a night alone on. Had I swam all the way here and then returned to another location near Columbia? Our boat hits a rock behind this burned-down villa. Jude anchors our boat and then stretches out his hand. Nervous, I lightly place my palm in his. He helps me to shore. Once he releases me, I stare into his eyes.Exhaling, he pans across the island, saying, "They would've told my secret. I start to panic, but a still voice calmly says, "Agree with him."Through a shaky voice, I say, "You're right, babe."Jude cuts his eyes at me and says, "Come here. I'll carry you."He lifts
Mrs. Dotson taps her ruler on her desk, saying, "Sit down, students. Class is in session. It's October 30. Today we will explore stories of myths and monsters."A crisp autumn breeze gusts through the room from the opened window. The ten children are prim and proper for school, in their uniforms. Each innocent face intently gazes at Mrs. Dotson, anticipating her reading.She looks up and sees me standing in her doorway. Her eyes light up, and she says, "Kind day to you, Mr. Knight. Is there something that you need?""I'm celebrating my birthday. I hoped to leave a tad earlier. Will you see to it that my class leaves on time?""Anything for you, Mr. Knight.""Thanks."I enter my mill and chain myself in the dungeon. Everyone I love dies. It's been 500 years, and I'm still here. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, I begin my change. Though I can control my inner beast, tonight I'm frustrated and want to kill. But killing will attract unwanted attention. Once I'm transformed, I let