The Apostate Trials

Chapter 3

       Nothing of immediate importance stood out about the building they found themselves taking shelter within. Long, narrow hallways, marbled floors, maroon walls neatly decorated by framed canvases of animals─a dog playing catch in the backyard, cats lounging around in a house, hummingbirds dancing over flowers─they all seemed so kind and vibrant at first. The further they went down the line, the more grotesque the pictures became─a pack of wolves hunting a deer, cheetahs violently tearing into a gazelle, the dark side of nature many often turn a blind eye to, a side Noah and the others witnessed firsthand not too long ago.

       A majority collapsed on the living room's welcoming carpet and couches as the first few signs of the storm began to hit, the consistent strokes of lightning and crashes of thunder, that lovely sound of rain against roof-tiles which had an almost mystic effect that put a few to sleep instantly. It was still technically morning. Most had been too disturbed by the events that so abruptly unfolded to get a decent sleep─others felt all too relieved to finally be free of their cramped cells, to finally be able to get a proper rest for once under the shelter of a roof. Those weeks spent struggling to survive in cages were tough.

       Noah took a seat in the far corner distant of everyone else who huddled around the warmth of the recently lit fireplace, attentive as Rylan laid out a plan. Despite his warning prior to their engagement, they were still caught in the rain; Noah felt the chill begin to work its way through his body which, combined with winter, practically froze him solid. He took off his trench coat and hung it on the arm sleeve of a nearby chair, exposing the pecs of his bare chest and torso. He wasn't fortunate enough in his earlier endeavor to land a shirt, not that it really mattered in the first place. The trench coat was more than just warm─it had been extremely comfortable. He truly hated parting with it, no matter how temporary it would be.

       He slipped off his boots and gave a weary eye to his fresh, soft socks. For a moment, the feeling of comfort they brought felt so surreal, like his feet had melted off and flew to foot heaven, if there was such a thing. Noah shook his head at how stupid the expression sounded in his head. Put simply, after all those weeks spent cold, dirty, and bare to the bone, he felt reborn, even if he couldn't experience the warmth of the fire firsthand. Rylan had even begun distributing rations to those in his circle; fruits and other assortments, Rosary close at his side, whispering sweet nothings into his ear. It was clear she took a particular liking to him.

       One boy, Parker, as Noah believed he was called, poured a few cans of beef stew into a kettle that simmered perfectly over the fireplace, patiently awaiting as the sweet smell of real food began to work its way into the noses of everyone around, a conversation of stomachs following shortly after. Even Noah felt his mouth water but bit his lip in reversion, deciding that it was probably for the best to rest up as well. He'd need every bit of energy he could possibly muster if he was to strike out on his own as soon as the storm passed over. From the disapproving glares to the hostile grimaces, it was pretty evident that people didn't want him around─nor did he feel compelled to stay. He survived while locked in a cage for a month with no one to rely on but himself. Compared to that, everything else felt like a walk in the park.

       Noah brought his knees up close and began to hug himself, silently listening on as laughter and chatter eventually began to overtake the stillness of the house. He closed his eyes in a transitory attempt to forget it all, to stare profoundly into that abyss that governed his memories, one that stared back deeply into his soul, began to absorb him; he jumped when something eventually shook him free of the nightmare, watched as a bowl of stew was eagerly presented before him, the vibrant bluish gaze that ushered him to take it. Noah did so, taking careful sips as he felt the liquid gradually begin to warm his insides, a sensation he savored with each sip.