Free The Sifting by Azure Boone Page B

instinct stilled him. He’d never had one like it. Wait, it said. A plan would surface.
    Micah heeded , telling the instinct the plan would have to be fucking perfect or he would cause Sarah a world of suffering. He was a master at execution. And if he couldn’t save her from death, he’d see to it she died instantly in a non-ceremonious fashion. They wouldn’t be able to use her blood. Or hurt her.
    Micah held Sarah’s arm in a death grip and opened the ritual circle. He stepped forward, pausing long enough to allow the Hounds to surround them for the escort. Sarah’s terror came out in stifled whimpers as she clutched him tightly. The man she loved—murderer and savior—escorted her into a darkness that planned to snuff out her beautiful light forever.
    At the sifting chambers, they were both led into the outer room and the door was locked. The first phase room. There were several rooms of torture, each evolving in horror as you went, the final one leading into The Sacrifice Hall.
    The moment they were locked in, Micah immediately pushed her into a corner and kissed her with a desperate hunger and fear. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” he gasped, “please forgive me Sarah, please, I thought I could get them to let me Sift then maybe I could fake it and now, fuck now...”
    Sarah grasped Micah’s face and held it before her. “Shh, shhh listen to me, ” she cried, “I knew when I met you that it was a one way ticket. I knew there were risks and I will never be sorry I took them.”
    He shook his head, turmoil building in his chest until he wanted to scream at her god. Instead he wept on her shoulder, his fury nothing compared to the crippling terror. “Why didn’t your god warn you? Why?” he gasped. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he recognized that she’d resurrected his dead cold heart and it was shattered inside him. Because he would be fucking responsible for her death. He couldn’t bear this.
    “He did sweetie, he showed me.”
    He lifted his gaze to hers. “Showed you?”
    She nodded through her own tears. “ He showed me you needed me.”
    Pain stole his breath. “I didn’t need you,” he said, tears streaming, “I didn’t fucking need you.” He grabbed her and embraced her tight. “I needed a sacrifice, oh God.”
    “I know you thought that, ” she whispered in his ear. “But I saw beyond your game. I saw your heart, your soul. You needed me, Micah. And you still do.”
    “But look what I’ve done,” he sobbed, pulling away, “I’ve led you to hell and your god let me!”
    She shook her head then closed her eyes. “Yes, he did.” She leveled a strong teary gaze on him. “And I trust him. He led me here for a reason.”
    “Why?” Micah didn’t care that he sounded like a broken child, betrayed. Why would her loving god do this to her?
    She shook her head , her chin trembling. “I’m not entirely sure, I won’t lie. But I know this much,” she nodded, stroking his face. “I trust him. With my life, and my soul. They are his to keep, Micah,” she whispered. “They will always be his to keep.”
    Micah collapsed to his knees, sobbing quietly, shaking his head. Sarah dropped down next to him and rocked him in a hug.
    Micah heard the outer door and quickly whispered in her ear. “ Fuck, they’re beginning. Listen to me. I’ll find a way to get you out. Be ready. Watching. Waiting,” he gasped. “Everything is in a form of sevens. As mediator, I’m allowed to be with you, to monitor your resolve, offer you a way out. The entire ritual lasts thirty-four hours.” 

Chapter Twelve
     
    The door opened.
    Sarah waited for the fear but it didn’t come. “I’m ready.”
    A robed man led them through a doorway. Micah said all the Siftings were tailored to each individual, playing on their fears and weaknesses. But usually, they all had a common denominator. Sarah entered the small room and the man gestured to a table. “Your first test comes with all the riches you