#Chapter 28: Introduction to the Hayes Court of Slaves

Archer drags me behind the stage of the auditorium. His grip is strong and bruising on my bicep. He guides me into a chair next to a bunch of other seated people. “Stay here,” he barks. Despite the alpha way he says it, I roll my eyes. He narrows his own at me before darting off. Mia stirs in my lap. She reaches to my right and I turn my head. The row of people sitting next to me are all wearing stoic, serious expressions. Each of them has the crest of the house Hayes. Some wear it on their pants, others on their tops. Each item, however, is meticulously pressed. I look down at my own garb. It’s much fancier than anything the other people are wearing. I feel slightly self-conscious of my attire. I shift Mia in my lap so she stops grabbing at the person next to me. They don’t seem to mind her but something about it doesn’t feel right. I try and take another side glance at the people next to me. Their uniformity is a bit disturbing. I wonder if I’m being inducted into a cult. The