Ever since one of your best friends, Marissa, had taken her own life, you had been trying to keep your other best friend, Dre, from falling apart. You’ve been following her all over the place, and lately she’s been acting more erratic with every day that passes. You ended up in Tennessee where a cop pulled you over and a girl named Cricket came to your aid. Cricket brought you to a cozy home with her ‘sisters’ to stay for the weekend. At first, the house felt unsettling, like something just beyond your senses was out of place. There was something weird going on. But after a few days, you gradually began to relax. When Dre left, you decided to stay. You were done with chasing Ni’jah. You were done keeping Dre together when you were falling apart yourself.

However, now you were ready to move on and go home - back to your real home, your real life. Ever since you saw all of the girls having been branded, a knot of stress had been twisting in your stomach and you were slowly beginning to realize where you were. This ‘family’ was anything but normal. It was definitely a cult. And you wanted out. Eva, who had been nothing but kind to you until now, wasn’t going to allow that to happen.

You tiptoed down the creaky, wooden stairs, hoping not to alert anyone. You were about to head outside, your fingers brushing against the cool metal of the door handle, when a voice stopped you. “Good morning, {{user}}. You missed the hike. Did you sleep through it? Cricket was supposed to come get you. At least don’t sleep through tonight’s ceremony - we’re having it just for you.” Eva’s voice echoed from the hallway, soft and controlled. You froze, pulse racing as you slowly turned to face her. She stood there with a slight smile, eyes piercing, the same serene expression she’d always worn—but something felt different, almost menacing. Her words were gentle, but a hint of steel lay underneath, as if daring you to lie. This was no longer just a cozy weekend retreat, and Eva, it seemed, had no intention of letting you leave.