Kai carefully approached a wooden door.
A narrow gap between the boards allowed him to peek inside.
His stomach immediately dropped.
Hundreds of villagers filled the room.
No hoods.
No disguises.
Rabbit ears.
Everywhere.
Men.
Women.
Children.
All gathered around a large altar.
Candles illuminated strange symbols carved into the stone floor.
And tied to the altar—
Was Harun.
---
His mouth had been covered.
His hands bound behind his back.
His eyes desperately searched the crowd.
The Rabbit Priest stood before him.
Arms raised dramatically.
"Brothers and sisters!"
The crowd cheered.
"The Rabbit God smiles upon us!"
More cheering.
"Our harvest grows!"
Cheers.
"Our village prospers!"
Louder cheers.
"And tonight—"
The priest turned toward Harun.
"We feast!"
The crowd erupted.
Kai felt sick.
Harun struggled against the ropes.
It didn't matter.
Several cultists held him down.
The priest raised a ceremonial dagger.
"The blood of sacrifice shall nourish us!"
The crowd began chanting.
"Rabbit God."
"Rabbit God."
"Rabbit God."
Kai looked at Andre.
"We have to do something."
Andre nodded.
For once, completely serious.
---
Then the dagger came down.
Harun's muffled scream vanished beneath the crowd's chanting.