Tess

“Opportunities don’t come often.”

He urged. Iliya pressed his lips together firmly. Rus, bothered by his habit of biting his lips, unconsciously reached out his hand. Just as his fingertips were about to touch Iliya’s lips, Iliya quickly turned his head. For a moment, he had been dazedly watching Rus’s hand approach. Iliya himself didn’t know why. Suddenly, his face felt hot.

Rus gave a meaningful look at Iliya, who was covering his lips with the back of his hand. Very faintly, he could sense an omega’s scent. The enclosed space made it more detectable. But it was too early to be certain. What if this man was hiding the fact that he was an omega? To confirm, he could release his pheromones. It would be quickly verified. But was it appropriate to use pheromones just to test his suspicion? If he had a good reason for hiding it, Rus had no right to pry. If he wasn’t being abused within the Holy Church, if he wasn’t requesting help, Rus couldn’t force it.

“Actually… the truth is…”

Was it because Rus’s expression was serious? Iliya slowly opened his mouth. Should he tell him about the note Mrs. Rollins had left? How far could this alpha help? Just as he was about to say more, the intercom beeped.

– Briane? Is there a problem inside?

It was the police chief’s startled voice. Rus sighed heavily. Though he couldn’t hear anything, the elevator’s interior would be visible on the surveillance screen.

“I’m sorry. I seem to have pressed the wrong button.”

He responded immediately and pressed the operation button again. The elevator started moving with a sound. The opportunity had flown away. Iliya felt as if his body was endlessly sinking downward. The presence of the man standing so close felt incredibly distant.

*

*

An article appeared announcing that the matter had been smoothly resolved, highlighting the sincere apologies of the Spiritual Church believers. It repeatedly emphasized that they were good citizens unrelated to terrorism. Nevertheless, some public opinion remained skeptical. They had to at least pretend to investigate the Spiritual Church. A team composed of city council members, police, businessmen, and journalists was scheduled to visit Holyland. And among them was Josh, the journalist who had agreed to cooperate with Andrew.

Upon checking the investigation team list, Andrew wore an “I told you so” expression. It consisted of people suspected of having connections to the Spiritual Church. The outcome of this show was predictable. Josh was included merely for appearances’ sake. That would make it look more credible.

Before the investigation team’s visit, there was underground contact. At first, they attempted persuasion rather than intimidation. Josh slyly accepted the money they offered. However, he didn’t immediately pretend to give in. Using his father as an excuse, he kept them on edge. They hinted that on the day he came to Holyland, there would be a gift that wouldn’t disappoint.

Finally, the day arrived, and everyone gathered at Holyland. Cameras or communication equipment could not be brought in. They claimed this was to maintain strict confidentiality. Uncertain what accidents might occur in such a closed place, Josh was tense. He could only hope that the miniature camera Andrew had given him wouldn’t be discovered.

*

Leaving only the journalists behind, the city council members and police entered the village first. They were probably making a final check to ensure nothing incriminating was visible. Trust needed to be built to become accomplices, so they wouldn’t show their hand from the beginning.

“Sigh…”

Though waiting was routine, he couldn’t help feeling bored. He briefly stepped out of the car and put a cigarette in his mouth. From the outside, the village looked perfectly peaceful. Occasionally, passing believers glanced at him but showed no interest in outsiders. As he was about to light his cigarette, someone next to him lit it with their lighter.

“I don’t recognize your face. Is this your first time?”

“Yes, I received an invitation.”

“Hmph, if you expected to hit the jackpot, you’ll be going home empty-handed. It’s no different from following the bigwigs around and writing promotional material for them.”

“Still, it pays quite well, doesn’t it?”

When Josh meaningfully cast his bait, the man understood his meaning and nodded.

“Without that, who would do this? Journalists don’t live by digging the ground. Hah, I wish I could have a woman by my side and throw money around once.”

“Why don’t you start your own emerging religion?”

The man chuckled at the flippant joke.

“Not everyone can do that. We just need to give and take appropriately, but the rich ones want more. The cult leader must be sweating to satisfy their greed.”

“Shh! If someone hears you, they might bury you here.”

“Would they even have the presence of mind for that? High on drugs, they’re not in their right…”

Realizing his slip of tongue, the man promptly closed his mouth. Josh pretended not to have heard and changed the subject. He stubbed out his cigarette, stretched widely, and wandered around the village entrance. Predators more dangerous than those in the jungle must be lurking in this seemingly quiet place. Just then, someone firmly grabbed Josh’s shoulder.

“You are not allowed to wander around freely.”

A large man blocked Josh’s path. Not just his physique, but his expression and tone were intimidating.

“Wandering? I was just looking.”

He explained with an awkward smile. Though the big man was visibly annoyed, he didn’t threaten him further. Just as Josh was relieved, a fresh shock approached him.

“Did you wait long? Please follow me.”

The moment that white face drew closer felt quite surreal. The young man, who still looked young, had a neat voice and manner. Josh followed him as if entranced, while feeling tense.

A collaborator. In that moment, that gaze reminded him of Rus. Though he hadn’t figured it out himself, there might still be a possibility.

Even if Rus wanted to tell him, he still didn’t know the man’s name.

Andrew, who had been listening quietly, interjected.

From Rus’s expression, which seemed to say ‘someone as perceptive as you should understand,’ Andrew was dumbfounded.

Andrew paused to organize his thoughts. There was no logical persuasiveness. But experience and intuition made the decision instead of reason.

When Andrew and Rus explained, Josh had complained it wasn’t helpful at all, but seeing with his own eyes, their words were accurate. With such a face, if he were a priest, his faith would be tested every time. The all-black clothing he wore reinforced this thought. Surely some people would approach him with impure intentions.

Though he glanced several times, the other person showed no awareness of his gaze. Josh thought perhaps he was used to it, but looking closely, he seemed somewhat unwell. It wasn’t just because his face was pale. There was a subtle fatigue in his mechanical movements.

“This meal is made with livestock and crops we raised ourselves.”

The believers led the group to a small building and seated them at a prepared table. The food laid out before them was also part of the promotion. Plenty of alcohol was placed next to the food.

“It’s a small token of sincerity for our visitors, so please enjoy it fully.”

With those words, a boisterous drinking party began. Josh planned to sneak out when the opportunity arose. Though the big man from earlier was scary, in a place without even streetlights, he should be able to hide adequately. The journalist he had spoken with earlier now acted friendly toward Josh. While playing along, he accepted the offered drink. Then his memory cut off. Those who had been soaked in alcohol all night woke up around noon the next day.

“Damn, how much did I drink?”

Josh had secretly disposed of some alcohol but couldn’t dump it all. Clutching his throbbing head, he tried to fix his disheveled appearance. He only remembered that the atmosphere had been full of cursing and lewd talk. While his stomach was still churning, that same journalist put his arm around Josh’s shoulder.

“You were really going wild yesterday!”

“Ugh, get away! Blegh.”

As Josh retched, the man quickly backed away. Unable to even reach the bathroom, he spent a while calming his stomach in a corner. Everyone was too disoriented to pay attention to him. No one followed him with suspicion. Seeing his chance, he turned a corner of the building and bumped right into someone. Instinctively he paused, flustered. The other person also seemed startled, hesitating on which way to go.

Looking up to see the face of the person in front of him, he was surprised a second time. The beautiful young man stood there, looking as if he might collapse, with a pale face. It was strange to encounter him like this. Just as the young man bowed his head and tried to move aside, Josh, in his urgency, grabbed his wrist.

“Excuse me, just a moment…”

The young man’s face contorted with pain. Josh released his hand in surprise.

“Ah, I-I’m sorry.”

When Josh apologized, the young man bowed to indicate it was alright. Still, Josh was reluctant to let him go.

“Just a moment.”

Even from the brief, small movements, he could tell the man was physically uncomfortable.