The Devil’s Bargain

Day 24 – After the Kill

The blood on Father Gabriel’s hands had started to dry.

But the weight of it hadn’t.

The man he had killed in the arena still lay motionless in the dirt. His eyes were wide open, staring at nothing.

The crowd had loved it.

The savages had cheered.

And Lucas Calloway?

He had just smiled.

"Didn’t think you had it in you, Father."

Gabriel didn’t answer.

Because the truth was—

Neither did he.

Calloway stood from his seat, stepping down onto the dirt floor of the makeshift arena.

The crowd slowly fell silent, waiting to see what their leader would do next.

Gabriel kept his breathing steady.

He had survived the fight.

But this?

This was the real test.

Calloway walked forward, stopping just inches from Gabriel.

The man’s voice was calm.

"Did you enjoy it?"

Gabriel met his gaze.

"You think murder is something to enjoy?"

Calloway tilted his head. "Not murder, Father."

He gestured to the dead body at their feet.

"Survival."

Gabriel clenched his fists.

"You forced me into that fight," he said.

Calloway smirked. "And yet, here you stand."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"You’ve got two choices, Father. You can keep being a prisoner."

He gestured toward the cages at the edge of the encampment—where the militia’s other captives sat huddled together, waiting for whatever fate came next.

"Or," Calloway continued, "you can be something more."

Gabriel exhaled slowly.

He already knew what was coming.

And he already knew what his answer needed to be.

Calloway folded his arms.

"I could use someone like you, Father."

Gabriel said nothing.

Calloway continued.

"You know how to talk. How to inspire."

He grinned.

"Imagine what you could do if you were on the right side."

Gabriel’s stomach turned.

But he kept his expression carefully blank.

Because this wasn’t a real choice.

If he said no?

He was back in the pit.

Or worse.

So instead—he did what he had to.

He lied.

Gabriel nodded slowly.

"I’ll do what’s necessary."

Calloway’s smirk widened.

"I thought you might say that."

He clapped a hand on Gabriel’s shoulder.

"Welcome to New Dawn, Father."

Gabriel forced a tight smile.

Because this wasn’t a victory.

This was just another battlefield.

And now?

He had to figure out how to bring this place down from the inside.