The Silence Contract

It bound the town through witnesses who were never asked.

Claire cut the page into strips and gave one to every resident.

“A contract without consent is not binding,” Daniel said.

The residents read the strips aloud.

The contract lost its power.

Everett's voice came from beneath the altar.

“You are destroying the town.”

Claire answered, “We are separating the town from you.”

The altar opened.

Room Thirty-Four waited below.