Chapter 11

chapter

eleven

The car rolled to a stop,the gravel beneath its tires crunching like bones in the quiet. Cal killed the engine, and for a moment, they just sat there, the weight of their mission pressing down on them like the thick silence of the surrounding woods.

"Here we are," Cal murmured, his gaze lingering on Ellie, her silhouette haloed by the morning sun streaming through the car window. He noted the way her curly blond hair framed her face, the freckles on her cheeks more pronounced from the reflection of light. Her blue eyes, usually so full of joy, were now steely with a stubborn resolve that reminded him why he'd fallen for her. The woman who loved facts and danced through life was ready to dance into danger.

Jesus, this was a stupid idea.

He turned to face her. "Elle, we don't have to— there are other ways to?—"

"Let's do this." She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and sucked in a deep breath before stepping out of the car.

Fuck.

Cal dropped his forehead to the steering wheel and cursed at himself for agreeing to this. While wrapped in the familiar safety of the town, it seemed like a great idea. They were both intelligent, logical people, so he'd thought there was no chance of them falling for the cult's line of bullshit. He thought they'd simply spend the few days of the retreat poking around and then go back to Ash with some solid proof that something nefarious was happening up here. But he'd spent the last few days reading everything he could find on cults, and now he wasn't so sure. Intelligent, logical people got sucked into them all the time.In fact, most cults wanted intelligent, well-educated people.

Heaving a sigh, Cal climbed out of the car, squinting against the bright morning light. There was a peaceful serenity to this place that unnerved him. All was quiet except for a gurgling brook somewhere nearby and the rustle of leaves overhead. A half dozen buildings painted a cheerful yellow, rose from the middle of an emerald sea of grass. Farther away, he could see what appeared to be a large garden, a neat array of brightly colored flowers forming a kaleidoscope against the backdrop of the towering Redwood trees surrounding them.

A breeze lifted his hair, and for a fleeting second, he allowed himself to be awed by the undisturbed beauty of the mountainside.

But every paradise had its snake.

As they approached the commune, a group emerged from the main building. All of them wore light blue robes, and their smiles were as bright as the sun. They opened their arms to embrace Ellie first and then Cal, like a long-lost family. There was an ease to their gait, a tranquility in their eyes that made Cal's inner Golden Retriever want to trust them.

No. Down, boy.

"Welcome!" they chimed in unison, a chorus so perfectly pitched it sent a shiver down his spine.

"Hello," Ellie responded with a stilted smile. Nobody here would see the tension in it, but only because they'd never been blinded by her real smile, the one that made her eyes twinkle, her cheeks rosy, and warmed his soul—the one that he'd fallen for, the one he yearned to see every day.

The cult members surrounded them with a buzz of conversation, the air thick with the scent of lavender and something else, something Cal couldn't quite place. Something that spoke of earth and growth but also carried a note of something... else. Something ugly. Something hidden just beneath the surface, like the subtle hint of decay beneath a bed of roses.

A woman stepped forward from the group. Her long golden hair cascaded down to her waist, reflecting the morning sun like a halo. She was in her mid-twenties and radiated tranquility as if she were part of the landscape itself. "My name is Serenity. I'm here to ensure your journey within our community is enlightening, so do not hesitate to seek my guidance." She spoke with a gentle smile. "You must be Calvin and Elena Miller."

Cal glanced at Ellie. Her posture, rigid with tension, contrasted sharply against Serenity's calm demeanor. He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Ellie's in a silent reassurance. She gripped his hand and seemed to relax a tiny bit.

"Yes, I'm Ellie, and this is my"— there was a slight hitch in her voice— "husband, Cal. I hope we're not late."

"Oh, no. You're right on time. Come," Serenity beckoned, turning to lead them toward the cluster of yellow buildings. "Let me show you around."

As they followed their ethereal guide down a wooded path. They passed more people in robes along the way—some were green, but most were brown.

"What is the significance of the robes?" Cal asked.

Ellie's grip tightened on his. Her hand was cold, and he could feel her pulse thrumming like a trapped bird beneath his touch. She needed reassurance, comfort. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze in return, rubbing his thumb soothingly over the back of her knuckles.

Serenity smiled back at them. If she was startled by the question, she didn't show even a flicker of it. "It's the path we all follow to enlightenment. The lighter the color, the closer you are to Mother God."

"So you think God is female?"

"I know she is. Women are creators of life." Serenity swept a hand toward a field of wildflowers spilling down the mountain from the edge of the compound. "A man couldn't create this kind of beauty. He couldn't even dream it."

A man stepped into their path then. Tall and broad-shouldered, he carried himself with a military bearing and assessed them with an unmistakable wariness. He was the only one they'd seen so far not wearing a robe. Instead, he wore tactical pants and a tight black shirt that showed off his heavily muscled arms.

"Vigil," he grunted by way of introduction, extending a firm hand towards Cal. "Head of security."

Cal shook the offered hand, clamping down on the urge to grimace at the vice-like grip. If this guy thought he could be bullied, he was dumber than he looked.

"Calvin," he answered with an easy smile. "Friends call me Cal."

Vigil didn't seem to like that he wasn't intimidated. His lips thinned into a hard line, his dark brown eyes flitting to Ellie, then back to Cal."A pleasure," he said, voice just this side of polite. "If you have any cell phones or other recording devices, you need to leave them with me."

"Our phones?" Ellie's eyebrows shot up, and her hand twitched toward the pocket of her jeans, where her phone was tucked away.

They'd expected this. Had planned for it, bringing along phones that matched their cover stories. No way they were going to hand over their real phones for someone to snoop through.

Stay the course, Elle.

Cal squeezed her hand again, but his gaze never left Vigil's. Something about the man had all of his internal alarm bells clanging.

"No problem," he replied smoothly, reaching into his pocket to retrieve his phone.

Ellie still didn't move.

He nudged her. "Sweetheart? I know you're glued to that thing, but that's part of our problem, isn't it? We already decided no phones this week."

"But I didn't know we had to actually give them up! What if?—"

"Honey…" He made sure to inject a bit of exasperation into his tone. "We discussed this. Give the man your phone. You can live without it for a few days."

Reluctantly, Ellie withdrew her phone from her pocket and handed it over.

Vigil inspected each phone once over before putting them inside a metal box that he carried. "Thank you for your cooperation," he said flatly, sliding the box shut with a clunk. His gaze lingered on Ellie a moment longer before he turned and disappeared into one of the yellow buildings.

"We do things a little differently here." Serenity's voice was soft, her blue eyes full of what seemed to be genuine sympathy. "We believe in connection and presence, not virtual distractions. Our community is based on transparency, trust, and understanding. We believe that by disconnecting from the technology of the world, you grow as a person and as a couple. And that's why you're here, isn't it?"

"Yes," Ellie admitted grumpily and glanced at Cal. "I guess so. This was his idea." Her words had a slight accusatory tone that was hard to miss.

Okay, so she was going for a good cop, bad cop approach and painting herself as the skeptic. He could play the part of the eager potential convert.

"I've done some reading about this place. About how it helps people communicate again. To feel again." He rubbed Ellie's back soothingly even as he met Serenity's gaze like they shared a secret. "We're here to find a way forward. To reconnect with each other."

Serenity nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "That is precisely what we aim to achieve. We hope you will find the experience transformative."

As they moved further into the compound, Cal's eyes swept the area, taking in every detail—the layout, the people. He noticed one building in the center of the compound that wasn't dusty yellow like all the others but painted a bright white with gold trim. It reminded him of a smaller version of the ornate Mormon temples he'd seen while visiting a law school friend in Salt Lake City last year. "What's that over there? Looks fancy."

Serenity's gaze followed his pointing finger. "That's our sacred space. It's off-limits except to a select few."

In the communal garden, they passed another woman in a blue robe. With round cheeks and loose, gray-streaked hair falling over her shoulders, she gave off cozy grandma vibes—not really what Cal pictured when he thought of a cult member. She was tending to a cluster of herbs, and the scent of rosemary and thyme drifted on the breeze, mingling with the rich aroma of freshly turned earth.

"This is Remedy," Serenity introduced. "Our healer."

At his side, Ellie sneezed.

"Sorry," she apologized. "Must be allergies."

With a gesture that was at once gracious and soothing, Remedy lifted her stained hands from their work and approached them. "Perhaps a cup of nettle tea might help? It has wonderful anti-allergic properties."

"Oh. Um… I've never had nettle tea."

"You're in luck. I happen to have some brewing now." She wiped her hands on her apron and crossed to a kettle hanging over the small fire pit. She poured steaming liquid into two small, handmade cups and handed one to Cal and one to Ellie. "Just one sip, and I promise you'll feel better."

Ellie looked at the cup for a moment, then up at Cal. Part of him wanted to knock it out of her hands. After all, they had no idea what was really in the cup. But the commune wanted to impress them, right? By offering these retreats, they were hoping for converts, so it was unlikely they'd put anything harmful in there. He finally lifted a shoulder, silently telling her it was her choice.

Ellie nervously twisted the cup in her hands. "Did you know that during World War I, when traditional sources of cotton were scarce, nettles were cultivated and used as a substitute for making uniforms and other textile goods?"

Remedy chuckle. "I did not know that."

Yep, Ellie was definitely nervous. She only spouted off random facts like that when she was flustered.

Cal gave her a reassuring smile as he took a tentative sip of his own tea. It wasn't terrible, a little bitter, but not unbearable.

She watched him, then took a hesitant sip from her own cup, and her face brightened with surprise. "That's... actually really good. Kinda sweet and… earthy."

"Nettle tea is much maligned," Remedy said, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice. "But it's rather like us, don't you think? A bit weird and prickly on the outside, but warm and comforting once you get to know us."

Cal had to admit the woman was good—disarmingly so.

"Oh. Um…" Ellie seemed flustered. "I'm so sorry if I'm coming off as suspicious. I just…"

Remedy offered her a kind smile. "It's only natural. Change can be quite unsettling. But your presence here is healing already. Now, I have to return to work. The garden won't weed itself. It was very nice to meet you both." She bowed slightly to Serenity before drifting back to her garden, her bare feet silent on the grassy path.

Cal lifted his cup to his mouth again but didn't drink it. His attention snagged on the newcomer striding confidently toward them. The man exuded precision, from the crisp lines of his white tunic shirt under his blue robe to his measured gait.

"Cal, was it? I'm Merit." He extended a hand, the handshake firm and assessing. "I understand you're a man of the law. Must be fascinating work."

Cal recognized the type—men who calculated every move, every word, to maintain control. "Every day is different."

"Merit tends the community's monetary resources," Serenity explained. "He's here for your retreat fee."

"Oh, of course." Cal dug the envelope out of his pocket and tried not to wince as he passed it to the man. Defending criminals in rural California wasn't exactly a lucrative line of work, and he'd had to dip deep into his savings for the fee. Ellie had offered to pay, but he knew her financial situation was a bit more precarious than his since she and Alexis's new podcast network had yet to launch fully. "So, you're the money man?"

"Ah, it's a bit more than that. I manage all of our resources and ensure we thrive without outside dependencies." As Merit tucked the envelope into his robe, his eyes flickered with what might have been pride—or a well-disguised arrogance. "We're self-sufficient, a closed ecosystem of sorts. Our members contribute what they can, be it skills or finances, and in return, they share in the abundance we create."

"Sounds like an ideal arrangement," Cal said, choosing the words carefully to sound intrigued but not too eager.

"It is," Merit agreed, tilting his head slightly. "But enough about us—tell me, what brings a man with your background to our sanctuary?"

"Curiosity," he answered truthfully—or, at least, partially truthfully. He just didn't add that his curiosity was investigative, not spiritual."I've always been interested in different ways of life."

"Ah, a seeker then!" Merit's eyes gleamed with approval, or maybe that was anticipatory dollar signs. "Well, you'll find no shortage of new experiences here."

Serenity gently cut into the conversation. "We should let them settle in before tonight's ceremony." She gave Merit a pointed glance, earning a small, contrite nod from the man.

"Of course," Merit said. "Please excuse my curiosity. It's refreshing to have new faces around."

With that, Merit turned on his heel and departed, leaving Ellie and Cal alone with Serenity once again.

"Everyone's so nice here," Ellie said. to anyone who didn't know her, they'd take the statement at face value, but he read the subtext was clear: everyone was too nice in her opinion, and she was silently freaking out.

As they continued their tour, they got a glimpse of the commune's daily life—members tending to gardens, practicing yoga under leafy canopies, or meditating near a burbling brook. Each person exuded an air of contentment that was palpable.

"Look at them," Ellie whispered, nodding towards a group of members tending to a lush vegetable garden. "They seem truly content."

He leaned down close to her ear so as not to be overheard. "Seem is the operative word there."

"Over there is our dining hall," Serenity pointed toward a massive thatched-roof structure with open sides. "And beyond it, you'll find our guest accommodations. Let me show you to your new home."

New home.

Like Serenity was already fully expecting them to convert.

Jesus.

She led them through a maze of tiny, cookie-cutter cottages nestled among the towering redwoods. The scent of pine filled the air, along with the distant murmur of a waterfall. It looked more like one of those fashionable eco-resorts popping up all down the coast rather than a cult's hideout, and the tranquility of it almost made Cal forget they weren't here for a romantic getaway.

"We hope you find everything to your liking," Serenity said and opened the door to one of the cabins.

Ellie stepped inside and froze. "Where are our suitcases?"

For the first time, a frown creased Serenity's brow. "You agreed to leave all earthly possessions behind when you signed up for the retreat."

Ellie whirled on him, wide-eyed. "You agreed to that?"

Cal didn't remember that in the fine print of the contract. And he'd read all of it. Twice. But he had to play his part.

"I, uh, didn't really read it."

Ellie scoffed. "I can't believe you. What will we wear?"

"You'll find fresh clothes inside, all made by us," Serenity said helpfully and crossed to the closet.

The dresses she pulled out were simple and plainly stitched in soft neutral shades. Ellie was more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of woman. Other than the dress at Alexis's wedding, he couldn't remember another time she'd worn one.

The clothes Serenity pulled out of the dresser for him weren't much better—long tunics without a belt and cotton pants. She also laid out a brown robe for each of them, then went to the door.

"Rest. Or explore, if you like. The sun is preparing to set, and a bonfire will be lit at dusk to celebrate your arrival. It's a tradition on your first night. You'll meet the other couples here for the retreat, and we'll share stories, sing songs…"

"Sounds cozy," Cal said.

"You'll love it. I promise." Serenity smiled once last time and departed, moving with an uncanny grace that made her seem like she was floating rather than walking.

As soon as the woman was beyond earshot, he shook his head. "Nobody is that smiley. Were you getting Stepford Wife vibes from her, too?"

Ellie spun towards him, her blue eyes wide behind her glasses. "What are we doing here?"

"We're trying to fix our marriage." He hoped she read the subtext in his words—they were probably being watched and recorded and until he could check their new "home" for listening devices, they needed to be careful.

She understood. Of course she did. Ellie was one of the smartest people he'd ever known.

She looked at the floor and exhaled a long, slow breath. "I'm sorry. I know why we're here." Her tone told him loud and clear that she understood. "I just... This place is weird. Really weird. I don't know what I expected but they're all so…"

"Intense?"

"No, that's not quite it," Ellie said, tapping a finger against her lips. "They're sincere. And all kind of… the same? They all walk the same way. Did you notice that? Like they're floating."

"Could be the effect of the herbal tea," he suggested with a dry chuckle, but she didn't join him in laughter.

"No, Cal, I'm serious."

Of course she was. She had an eye for detail that could rival a seasoned detective.

"Alright, what's your theory?" He asked, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back against the door frame. "I know you have one."

Ellie hesitated, biting her bottom lip. "I don't know yet. But something feels off here. The tranquility they all seem to possess... It feels too perfect."

His gaze skimmed over Ellie's worried expression, her eyes shimmering in the fading light. He impulsively lifted a hand to tuck a loose curl behind her ear, his touch causing her eyes to flicker up to his.

Ellie's breath hitched, and for a moment they were both lost in the proximity until a knock on the door jolted them apart.

A man stepped in. Unlike the others, he wore regular clothes—slacks and a polo that seemed more at home on a golf course than in a rustic commune. His sharp gaze lingered on their now widened distance with curiosity.

"Good afternoon," he said with a warm smile and held out a hand. "I'm Sincere."

Of course he was.

Cal had to cough to hide his laugh.

Ellie made bug eyes at him, then forced a smile and accepted Sincere's handshake. "I'm Ellie and this is my husband, Calvin."

"Cal," he corrected quickly. He knew she was purposely using his cover name to annoy him. He should've picked a better one, but it had been all he could think of on short notice that was close enough to his real name to be believable.

"I know," Sincere said and shook Cal's hand next. "I handle all of the applications for the retreat. I hope you're settling in well."

"We are. Thanks."

"Excellent," Sincere said, still holding onto Cal's hand for a beat longer than necessary.

"How many other couples are here?" Ellie asked, and Sincere finally dropped his hand.

"You're one of four couples joining us this time." He removed his glasses to clean them on the corner of his shirt, and Cal caught a glint of something shrewd in his gaze that hadn't been there before. "I hope you're ready for the bonfire celebration tonight. It's nothing like you've ever experienced before."

"We're excited," Ellie said, though her face claimed otherwise. She really was a shit liar.

Cal held out an arm toward the door. "And speaking of, we should get ready."

Sincere bowed his head slightly. "Of course. If you need anything during your stay, I'm always available."

"Thank you so much," Ellie said. "You've all been so kind to us already."

Sincere excused himself and as he left, Ellie spun. "He's not like the rest of them. Less… robotic. More normal. Maybe he can help us." When he didn't answer right away, she bounced on her toes. "So, what do you think?"

"I think," Cal said slowly, still staring at the door Sincere had disappeared through, "that we need to be very careful who we trust here."