Cult of The Moon (Completed)

Chapter 2

The sound of voices speaking in a fake hush outside her door pulled Aaliyah out of her sleep. Aaliyah peeled her eyelids open and swung out of bed then made her way into the bathroom. To her surprise, a clean white dress was sitting on the counter. She took a sniff and realized how badly she needed a shower. After Aaliyah had showered and pulled on the dress she left her room. By the time she made it into the hallway whoever had woken her up was long gone.

"Yo! Anyone there?" she called down the hallway.

"Didn't I tell you not to be loud?" Eden asked from right behind her. Aaliyah yelped and sprang forward before spinning around furiously.

"Eden what the hell?!" Aaliyah growled. Eden laughed as she crossed in front of Aaliyah and continued down the hall.

"Come along hon," Eden said sarcastically, waving her hand so that Aaliyah followed her. Aaliyah sighed then followed Eden, barely keeping pace, as they walked through the seemingly endless corridors. After a few minutes of Eden's shoes clicking, they arrived at a dining room, a large open space with a huge dark wooden table as it's center piece. The table looked as if it could easily seat 100 people, and about half of the chairs were already filled with women.

"This is the main dining room, it is where you will be having most of your meals," Eden explained as she crossed the room and sat at the head of the table.

"Sit here." Eden gestured to the seat on her right. Aaliyah took her seat and put the napkin sitting in front of her on her lap. The gold plated silverware sitting on the table along with the crystalline wine glasses un-eased her. She wasn't used to such luxury. After a few minutes, the table filled and servant woman entered from the swinging doors to the left of the table and placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of everyone.

"If you need anything don't hesitate to ask," one whispered as she placed the food in front of Aaliyah. Aaliyah nodded and began to eat as the glasses were filled. She had orange juice and noticed that Eden had chosen a mimosa.

"Do you always drink in the mornings?" Aaliyah asked.

"Only when the insufferable daughter of my ex-best friend that betrayed me shows up at my door." All conversation suddenly stopped, as if they were all waiting for Eden to say that. Eden simply ignored the silence and continued talking, after taking a sip of her drink.

"You know of your mother's complete and utter betrayal, yes?" Eden smirked.

"She did what she felt like she had too." Aaliyah glared at Eden.

"Of course she did. Stealing you best friend's prophesized true love and running away with him is so necessary. I completely understand now." Eden said sarcastically. When Aaliyah just started at Eden in shock Eden raised her chin as if to incline it was Aaliyah's move.

"Well, obviously he didn't choose you. And now I can see why." Aaliyah hissed.

"Interesting," Eden said, her eyes squinting slightly as they scanned Aaliyah. The room finished eating in silence, no one daring to break the ice between Eden and Aaliyah. When she finished eating Aaliyah stood up and made the longest walk of her life to the door. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, but mostly she could feel Eden watching her every step. She held her head high and sauntered with a confidence that she had never felt before. After what felt like an eternity she finally pushed into the hall. She continued in the same manner until she heard the door slam close. Then she ran. All the way back to her room, she threw the door open and dropped onto the bed. She stretched out along the entire length of the bed, thinking about her new life.

"What makes you think you could run out on me?" Eden asked, tilting her head slightly to the left. Aaliyah looked up. Eden was leaning against the wall across from her bed, looking almost amused. Aaliyah stood up and stalked over to Eden when she stopped walking they were so close that their noses were almost touching. She could feel Eden's breath on her face. It made her more confident. It must have, otherwise, she never would have been able to say what she did.