A Dissenter's Promise COTL x Reader)

Chapter 5

They didn't understand what or why this was happening. They did everything they could to try and make sure the new recruit was at least comfortable being part of the new cult. But no matter what, they would just push them away or give them a dirty look. Like they have or want nothing to do with them whatsoever. It was frustrating them to no end.

The Lamb was frustrated about the newest follower, (Y/n) was their name, that they had just recruited into the cult. The amount of times The Lamb would try to talk to them, only for them to exchange a few words before excusing themselves away from The Lamb. There were even times they didn't even want or did talk to The Lamb whenever they tried to strike up a conversation with them. Even for small talk. The Lamb knew that they didn't have to talk to their people, but they wanted to get to know the people of their village/cult. And the fact that the newest member is making it difficult, it almost drove them insane.

It also didn't help that they would avoid them at whatever cost, making it difficult for the prophet to get anywhere near them only for another follower had called for their attention. The Lamb just wanted to see their thoughts and why they were even acting like this. It aggravated them like hell and back. The other villagers showed their dislike towards them as well. At least, how they are treating The Lamb. One of them had previously come up to them expressing their concern about the actions and mannerisms they've shown.

The heresy they brought into the village while they judged everyone's way of life. Not to mention The Lamb themselves. It made their eyebrows twitch as they motioned for them to continue. The follower mentions how for days, the (f/c) cat would deliberately ignore the bell that would ring from the temple signifying that a sermon or ritual would take place. How they would never pray their devotion into the statue that was in the middle of the village. It was another reason for The Lamb to be frustrated. Because something like this has happened before.

The previous dissenter was the reason why imprisonment and re-education was here to begin with. The Lamb grew tired of the previous one spewing out accusations and doubt. It had gotten to the point The Lamb looked to the statue for some sort of divine inspiration to help with dealing with said dissenter. Of course, they are no longer one. Now that follower roams around the village happily with the other followers. Praying their life into both the statue and to The Lamb whenever a prayer or ritual is done. But now they had to deal with another one yet again.

It tires them out, it really did. Knowing that this was the only way that wouldn't harm the follower. The other options being they killed them off by sacrificing them. Or letting them continue to spread the rumors before stealing and leaving the cult. But there are times where The Lamb had to put their hoof down and do something for both the cult and themselves. They didn't want anything to happen, especially if the consequences angered The One Who Waits. The Lamb breathed a deep sigh before they turned their direction to the cat once more, watching as they planted a red seed into the tilled soil they worked on earlier.

It was unfortunate that it had to come to this, it really was. But some things like this aren't tolerated. They had to worry about making sure to keep the faith the cult had for the cult. Even if it meant they had to get their hands dirty. The Lamb had gone off to find two different followers. Ones that had gone up to them personally and suggested this form of punishment to the newest follower of the cult. And a suggestion that The Lamb will follow through.

It was later in the evening when The Lamb and the two followers they asked to come with went to seek out the (f/c) cat. There was nothing but silence between the three as they found them under the tree. They were in the middle of cutting down the tree, the blade hacking into the wood. Chips flying off from impact before landing on the ground soon to be forgotten. The near-deity presses their lips into a thin line as they approach (Y/n). They speak out loud, calling their name causing them to stop after the last impact of the axe onto the tree. They could see their ears twitch in their direction before their head follows right after.