Chapter 29

We walk through the grounds, past the fencing, and along a path into a quaint little town. The buildings are all brick just like the packhouse. The streets are immaculate and lined with well-trimmed trees. If you stumbled on it in your travels, you’d likely think it picturesque, a simple country place with kind down-home folks—but I know better of the things that lurk here.

My heart sinks as we approach the town center and the stage the Alpha had them build comes into view. A crowd surrounds it. The Alpha stands on the platform looking out over them, down on them. I don’t see the girls, but I’ve got a sick feeling in my gut that I will soon. A row of stockades sits to Darius’—I mean the Alpha’s— left side.

A mummer falls over the crowd as they notice me. Some begin to boo and jeer. Others just whisper about the beast from cell six. It seems I’ve earned myself quite the reputation. William stops at the base of a makeshift set of stairs up to the stage and directs me to ascend.

The Al