>>20379573Cassie continues speaking, keeping her cousin sandwiched between her own body and the wall. “I just wanted to see how you’d react.” She stares deep into Lexi's eyes. “Sadly, my sister Nikki always failed my little tests. But you… horrible acting aside…” Cassie raises the gun, holding it up between Lexi’s face and her own, “… you were drawn to this. You wanted me to know that you knew it was there, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” Lexi replies, breathing heavily.
“Why?”
Lexi hesitates. A few minutes ago she thought she was in control. The revelation that Cassie was playing her from the moment she walked through the door dashed those delusions. Her cousin was formidable, and she had underestimated her. No wonder The Foremother was interested in her.
Lexi makes a decision. Trying to lie to this woman would be unwise, potentially fatal. But suddenly trying to explain their family’s origins, and their duty to do The Foremother’s bidding likely wouldn’t go over well. She needed to tell the truth, but not *the truth*.
Lexi takes a deep breath and even in her current position, tries to compose herself and forces a smile.
“Cassie, I… I saw the rumours about you, you know, about you being involved in some shady stuff. And I… I’ve always been drawn to excitement. Danger, even. So when I saw the gun I just wanted to be a part of that side of your life.” Lexi blinks hard and bites a lip. It may not have been her primary motivation, but her attraction to danger was very real, as was the consequent natural appeal of Cassie’s lifestyle to her.
Cassie grins. “If danger is what you want…” She presses the gun against Lexi’s head.
A look of terror crosses Lexi's face, and she squeezes her eyes shut. “Oh mother please, please, not like this! Not by one of our own. Please save me... I’ve only ever tried to carry out your will,” Lexi whimpers.
Cassie chuckles. “I don't know what you're on about, but most people appeal to God,” she replies, before pulling the trigger.
