Page 43 of Strange Love

She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “Fighting for my life every day - it was terrifying,” she admits. “You were fighting hard, too, around that time,” she says softly. “For a different life.”

A wave of admiration washes over me. Despite everything she has been through, she always tries to understand and empathize with others. “You amaze me, Ivy,” I tell her sincerely.

She finally meets my gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I’ve learned not to make excuses for anything,” she shrugs before continuing.

“The scariest day for me wasn’t the day I was taken or even the day I found out my role in Auron’s plan. Auron was the leader of the cult that abducted me,” she says by way of explanation. “It was the day I woke up and didn’t question where I was. The fear and despair had been replaced by a numbness that consumed me. I put on the same clothes I had worn forever, mechanically going through the motions of another day in captivity. Deep down, I was a shell of my former self, drained by Auron’s manipulation and psychological warfare. Worst of all, I was starting to believe everything he said, that there was no hope for me and no one cared about me anymore.”

I don’t respond with words, but our touch speaks volumes -our fingers intertwine as we sit under the starry sky. It’s a small gesture, but hopefully, it brings her a sense of comfort.

As she pours her heart out about those final days, her hand quivers in mine. Side by side, we gaze up at the infinite universe above us, connected by the grip of our entwined hands and words that flow from her heart.

Chapter 24

“Sister Christian”

Ivy - Age 16, 1986

The days after I reached out for help were filled with anxious anticipation. Will the FBI come storming in, releasing us all from this living hell? Will Auron find out and punish me?

But as time passes, nothing happens. Life goes on as usual, or as normal as it can be. There is a strange buzz about the compound. Tensions are high, and patience is at a minimum. Security detail has increased, and those in charge seem especially energized and frenetic. Those who are captives sense a shift, but we’re too afraid to ask too many questions.

Today, I’m working in the main building, surrounded by the men in expensive suits who always show up to speak to Auron. I lead them to his office. The hallway is lined with moving boxes filled with God knows what, but I am strictly forbidden from going near them.

The visitors’ predatory gazes follow me to Auron’s office, making my skin crawl. I heave a sigh of relief once I’m back at my desk, but it’s short-lived.

Auron calls me into his office just a few minutes later. My heart races with fear and uncertainty as I enter the room to find the three men sitting casually on the couch, eyeing me while Auron leans against his desk.

“Ivy,” he greets me with a smile that does not reach his eyes. “I have some news.”

My throat tightens as I struggle to swallow. “What is it?” I manage to ask, trying to maintain a calm facade.

“I have heard from The Voice,” Auron announces. “It is time for you to move on from this place and fulfill a higher purpose.”

My hands begin to tremble at my sides as tears prick at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over.

“What does that mean?” I ask. I don’t even recognize my voice. It sounds so small and helpless.

“Starting very soon, you will begin to visit the medicinal cleansing tent. You are ready to ascend to your next level of consciousness.”

My eyes narrow as I look at these men, so ready to destroy what’s left of my young life. An emotion I haven’t allowed myself to feel in a long time overtakes me: anger.

“No,” I say firmly.

Auron cocks his head to the side before speaking. “Gentlemen, leave us alone, please.”

The men exit the room as Auron comes to stand before me. “Ivy, you don’t want to disobey The Voice, do you?” he asks smoothly.

“I don’t want to go into that tent,” I say firmly.

“But you have to go in there. The Voice says it’s so.”

“And then what happens?” I ask.

“Then we see what the voice commands.”

“Does that have something to do with your men?”

“I don’t like this questioning, Ivy. I’ve shown you extraordinary patience and love since you arrived, and this is how you repay me?”