The Fallen (Annual Game Night: Sector Five Alphas #3)

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Sister Emily Agnes

Three Days Until Game Night

A s the day comes closer, the Sisters huddle together, their words uttered in harsh whispers. None of it makes any sense. According to Father Draven, we will be safe here. Honestly, the only thing I feel bad about is the other omegas outside our doors being caught unaware.

Well, that and Father Draven exiling himself to the catacombs. And for what? Because he thinks he can’t control himself? Striding over to the large windows, I look out onto the courtyard. Everything is silent and still... too silent. It’s as if a dark cloud hangs over all of us.

Shoving such morose thoughts from my head, I help prepare for Mass. My body clenches as I look over at the confessional. Though I’ve had nothing I’ve needed to confess, I do wish to have yet one more moment alone with Father Draven.

It’s impractical and wrong of me to want this. Selfish, even. Perhaps I should confess that. Unfortunately, it’s far too close to Mass, and this isn’t a grievous sin that needs utterance before I can partake. As I sit there, waiting for Father Draven to come in, I clench my fist around my rosary, trying to take my mind off of the impressive Alpha.

I should be thinking about God. That’s why I’m here. It’s why I never left. Sobs catch in my throat, silent only to my heart. I shouldn’t care this much, shouldn’t want this much. And yet, as the doors open, everything in me tenses, freezing in place as I wait to catch even one whiff of his musky scent intertwined with the incense that clings to him like a second skin.

Only, it’s not Father Draven who walks down the aisle. Mother Superior takes her place and goes through the service, never stating why she’s here in his stead. Did something happen to him? Is he okay?

Once she dismisses us, I make my way to her side. “I hope Father Draven is not ill.”

Her eyes cut to the side, looking at me with suspicion. “Should he be?”

“I cannot say. Only, he’s not here today, and-”

“The Father Confessor needed some time in peace and solitude before the most unholy of days. Now then, if you are quite done looking for gossip, I’m sure there are things I can find to occupy your time.”

“No, Mother Superior. I am quite capable of governing myself.”

“Hmph.” With a soft grunt, she walks away, leaving me to stand in the chapel space all alone.

Unbidden, I make my way to the altar, looking for even a hint of his scent. Granted, with all of us in here daily, it’s rather hard to make out the subtle differences. A heavy sigh slips from my lips as I stride over to the votive holder. Normally, I only give this spot a passing glance, but today I feel there needs to be something more.

I hold the small candle in my hand and twist it about, watching the glow of the flame flickering. So beautiful, so mesmerizing. Glancing over my shoulder, I make sure I’m alone before dipping the tip of my finger into the warm wax.

A soft giggle vibrates in my chest as I indulge in a little harmless fun, something I’ve done ever since a child. But even as I peel off the hardened wax, I know I cannot tarry. Crossing myself, I light another candle, sending up as fervent a prayer as I can that Father Draven will return to us safely.