Jacob drummed his fingers nervously on the steering wheel as he navigated his beat-up Honda Civic through the winding roads of the Oregon countryside. In the passenger seat, Emily stared out the window, her eyes following the gentle rolls of the hills and farmland scenery. She’d never been this far away from home before, and she wondered if she would even miss her parents. An uneasy knot twisted in Jacob's stomach as he g...

The dark-robed figure loomed over Jacob, his face obscured by his hood. His raspy voice seemed to emanate from everywhere at once. "Brother Jacob, you stand before the sacred waters, ready to begin your purification. Say yes, and I shall guide you along the path." Jacob swallowed hard, chest tightening. Across the moonlit clearing, he could see Emily being led away by George. "I...yes. I'll do whatever is required." "Wise...