The Dream Catcher (book 1 of the Arcana series)

Prodigal

2am

The Chief knocked on the front door firmly holding me by my shoulder. Jacob opened the door revealing a distraught Hannah tucked under his arm. As soon as she lay her eyes on me, she flew out the door and hugged me tightly.

"You found her!" She exclaimed, stroking my hair "Oh sweetheart we were so worried"

She held me fondly, like a prodigal that had finally returned home. I, however, was in no mood for her sickening performances and brushed her off. She shot a glare at me as if to warn me of what would happen if I didn't play my part.

"And what of the boy?" Asked Jacob the worry lines creased perfectly across his forehead.

The Chief removed his ten gallon hat with remorse. I rolled my eyes. Clearly the Obadia's weren't the only ones putting on an act tonight.

"We... we ran into problems with your boy-"

Hannah let out a sob interrupting him. She dug her demon nails into my arms clinging to me like a leech. I could feel the hot angry tears well up in my eyes. Jacob seemed to notice this and thankfully removed the now hysterical Hannah away from my arms.

The Chief cleared his throat before continuing "We attempted to peacefully engage with him but that kid made an ordinary fight look like a prayer meetin'. Sir, I did what I had to. Not only to protect my men, but for the safety and wellbeing for everyone in the surrounding area"

"Malachi's always been a difficult kid" Jacob let a tear trail dramatically down his chin "Ya know his mom was locked up for drug dealin'. We always reckoned he prolly wasn't all there. Yahweh knows we did our best with that one. No matter though, he was always a bad influence on our other, brighter kids" Jacob motioned to me.

I felt a hot fire of hatred blaze through my entire being. Malachi wasn't some half-wit and he certainly wasn't a bad influence. Ever since day one, he was a protector. Not only for me and my sister but for anyone new to the farm. He would take the blame and beatings from the Obadia's. He would give away his food to those who were getting used to the strict diet we were kept on. The only thing that made him a 'difficult' kid was the fact that he was always looking for a way to escape. Over the years I'd watch him attempt it so many times only to get caught and locked in the cellar as punishment for days on end.

The men had apparently moved to discussing the matters of Malachi's autopsy because Hannah pulled me out of my thoughts and into the doorway of the house
"Oh I simply can't listen to this. Eden you must be worn out, thank the Chief and let's head to bed"

"Thanks" I growled, then under my breath I added "For killing my brother"

Hannah said her thanks and I attempted to sneak away to my room before she noticed. I had just reached the staircase when I heard the door close. I watched as her shadow twisted and contorted into her hideous true form.

I'll give credit to the townsfolk assuming they were angels. That was partially true, they were technically angels. If you've ever actually read the Bible you'd notice that every time an angel of the lord appears to a human they immediately have to comfort them with "BE NOT AFRAID". If you've ever stopped to wonder why the angels have to announce this, have I got some news for you. Rather than the beautifully winged, halo wearing creatures made of light that Christians like to foolishly fantasize them as, angels are actually terrifying beings. There are also many different types of angels, most (if any) are not comforting to look upon. The Obadia's were true, by the books, freaks of nature that would strike the fear of the lord into any man. They would be categorized as Nephilim or fallen angels. They were giant creatures with gnarled horns where their halos used to sit. Inside their gaping black hole of a mouth sat three sets of needled teeth that I can only compare to the horror of the angler fish's pearly whites. A small set of wings protruded from their eye sockets. Folded, the wings appeared normal. However, when needed, the wings would open revealing hundreds of glowing red eyes. Their bodies were gaunt and thin, like skin stretched over an empty skeleton. They held hideous heavy black wings upon their backs and the smell of death followed them everywhere. When people were around they disguised themselves as the sweet older couple but when we were alone they reverted to their 'more comfortable' forms. If ever came the need, like today when the Chief visited this house of horror, they'd use those glowing eyes to cast a hypnotic glamour. This could disguise the house as something beautiful with pictures hanging from the walls, instead of chains. Or my room, disguised as a spoiled teens' instead of the cell it actually was.

Hannah sauntered into the room dragging her knuckles and wings on the wood floor. She towered over me even though I was standing closer to the top of the stairs. She grabbed my face with a skeletal hand, forcing me to look into her ghastly eyes as the wings on her face opened.

"You're going to do as I say" She said, the eyes shrieking like cicadas.

"Yes master" I responded already in a trance.

"Get dressed in your nightgown, then meet us outside. We're going to have a bonfire to celebrate you coming home"

3am

I made my way to the fire pit, still stuck in the almost dream-like state. Dozens of children stood hazily around the giant bonfire. I could tell by their glazed over eyes, disheveled appearance, and blank expressions that they too had been hypnotized. Looming eerily at the head of the fire were the grotesque forms of Jacob and Hannah.

"Come here" they demand.

I promptly obeyed, knocking into whatever or whoever was in my path. I finally joined them at the head of the bonfire.

"In the Holy word given to us by Yahweh "-if a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety nine on the hills and go look for the one that wandered off?" Our little sheep has been found! And for that we must celebrate" Hannah screeched allowing the dozens of children to applaud. "However, the holy word also says "honor thy mother and father" as well as "and if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better to lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell". Eden has sinned against our family tonight by running away to spread lies about her mother and father. That is not honoring us. So we must discipline her, we do this because we love her and care about her soul. Just as we love and care for each and every one of you! We are going to make an example of her tonight, in case any of our other lambs want to try to leave" Hannah then turned to me "Eden, go walk among the coals. With each burn to your feet remember a step you took away from this house"

I walked to the edge of the fire, the heat searing my skin. Every cell in my body pleaded with my mind to stop what it was about to do. But I couldn't stop. She had given me a command and I had no choice but to obey. My leg extended and I dipped my foot into the hot coals. Everything in me wanted to scream in agony but it was as if my mouth had been sewn shut. Not allowing even a peep out of me. The coals sizzled as they ate through my flesh with no mercy. I wanted to kill myself rather than go through this. The pain seemed never ending and with each step brought a raw excruciating burn. The coals soon tore into my muscles and fat before making their way to my nervous system. The smell was sickening and haunting. It was the metallic smell of blood, blended with burning flesh, and singed hair. I wanted to cry, scream, and throw up. All I could do was dance along with the flames around me. My peers, meanwhile, watched on with horror. Not able to help, or even look away, as I continued to torture myself. Hannah and Jacob cheered me on. Their sick taunting laughs rang in my ears.