Counterfeit ✓

Chapter 10

PEOPLE STARED OPEN-MOUTHED at Stephen after the horrific display. He didn't seem to notice the uproar, walking past the pyre and motioning once more. The guards marched through the crowd, nodding.

Amy realized what was wrong. She tightened her grip on Mila's upper arm, forcing her to turn and flee, but they were too late. The guards grabbed their wrists, shoved the rifle into their backs, and forced them to walk to one of the empty tents.

Sweat trickled down Mila's forehead. She had not expected such a rapid shift in events. Licking her lip, she crossed her arms once they were inside the tent waiting for Stephen. Neither she nor Amy dared speak a word to each other as if any word could mean their death.

The guards formed a line in front of the door, their guns aimed at Mila and Amy. Mila shook her head, unable to believe she'd been so foolish as to trust him. She genuinely believed he wanted a better life for his people, but he had proven himself to be a monster today. In her stomach, a knot formed. Mila put her hands in her pockets as she shifted from one foot to the other.

"Girls," he said with an enthusiastic tone. "Hope you loved the spectacle."

"You're insane." Mila ran up to him, jabbing a finger against his chest.

It was exactly what Stephen wanted. Grinning, he grabbed her wrist and clicked a bracelet around it. Surprised, Mila backed away as the guards grabbed Amy and did the same to her as they did to Mila. Stephen winked. He took a remote control with just one button from his jacket pocket.

"You're too good, Mila," he said. "Of course, you can't trust me. Didn't you think it was a bit too quick to be appointed as right hand?"

"You made a promise."

He shook his head. "Let this be a clear message or you will end up at the stake. The yelling told me it wasn't a pleasant gathering."

Before Mila responded, Stephen pressed the button, and Amy screamed. Electric shocks shook her entire body, and she yanked at her hair to relieve the pain. Stephen paused for a moment before repeating everything. Amy collapsed on the ground, writhing. Mila knelt next to her and massaged her back. The electric shock recoiled at her. She quickly drew her hand back, looked at the bracelet, then at Stephen, who pressed the button again. Her stomach contents acted out.

"Stop! You're hurting her!"

"Isn't this lovely?"

For the umpteenth time, he pressed the button. This time, Amy screamed to the bone, her entire body shaking as if she were in the grip of death. The guards joined their leader as Stephen smiled. He stuffed the button into his jacket pocket after what seemed like an eternity.

"Adapt or die. Do you understand what I'm saying now? You must obey me or face the same fate," Stephen explained. "When you step outside the boundaries of our camp, you will receive automatic electric shocks. So don't even consider fleeing."

"You're a dreadful monster."

"Aren't monsters always dreadful?" Stephen burst out laughing. "By the way, I heard you're not so kind yourself. Taking medicine from an elderly lady? Not particularly sympathetic. She died in excruciating pain."

Mila's face had lost all of its colors. She couldn't figure out how he knew about her theft. Her hands trembled, and she quickly stowed them so Stephen wouldn't notice her weakness. Ignoring him, she assisted Amy in getting back to her feet. Her friend was pale, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Amy will pay for every misstep you make. Am I clear?"

"Yes."

"Take her away."