Souls Unfractured (Hades Hangmen, #3)
Tillie Cole
Dedication
For Thessa, the original Flame Whore. You begged me for this story.
Your wish is my command.
Author’s Note
Souls Unfractured begins immediately after Heart Recaptured ends. To fully enjoy this novel, Book 1, It Ain’t Me, Babe, and Book 2, Heart Recaptured, should be read first.
As is the theme with the Hades Hangmen Series, Souls Unfractured features religious beliefs and practices that, although may seem extreme and shocking to many, are inspired by real ideologies from existing, or pre-existing Christian cults and sects. This novel also includes the growing, and very controversial practice of serpent handling and poison consumption in religious services. Again, this was inspired by the ideology of existing Christian sects. Some scenes have been exaggerated for the purpose of the story, especially in how the male protagonist, Flame, uniquely views the world, and in particular, these controversial practices.
I would also like to note that many people around the world exist in these particular sects and never abuse the doctrines or sermons preached. Many follow these sects peacefully, safely and devotedly just like any other faith. This novel explores the abuse of these practices only.
Please also be aware that Souls Unfractured contains scenes of severe sexual abuse, taboo topics, violence and sexual assault.
Glossary (Not in alphabetical order) The Order Terminology The Order: Apocalyptic New Religious Movement. Beliefs based on selected Christian teachings, strongly believe the apocalypse is imminent. Previously led by Prophet David (declared himself to be a Prophet of God and a descendant of King David), the elders and the disciples. Succeeded by Prophet Cain (nephew of Prophet David).
The members live together in a secluded commune; based on traditional and modest living, polygamy and unorthodox religious practices. Believe the ‘outside world’ is sinful and evil. Have no contact with non-members.
Commune: Property owned by The Order and controlled by Prophet Cain. Segregated living community. Policed by disciples and elders and stocked with weapons in case of an outside world attack. Men and women kept in separate areas of the commune. The Cursed kept away from all men (except the elders) in their own private quarters. Land protected by a large perimeter fence.
New Zion: New Commune of The Order. Created after the previous commune was destroyed in the battle against The Hades Hangmen.
The Order’s Elders: Comprises four men: Gabriel (deceased), Moses (Deceased), Noah (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Charged with the day to day running of the commune. Second in Command to Prophet David (deceased). Responsible for schooling the Cursed.
New Zion Council Elders: Comprises three men: Brother Luke, Brother Isaiah (deceased), Brother Micah (deceased).
Prophet’s Hand: Position held by Judah, Cain’s twin brother.
Second in command to Prophet Cain. Shares in the running of New Zion and any religious, political or military decisions concerning The Order.
Prophet’s Advisor: Third in command to Prophet Cain. Position held by Brother Luke (former New Zion Council Member). Advises in religious, political and military matters. Works with Prophet’s Hand.
Disciple Guards: Male members of The Order. Tasked with the protection of the commune lands and the members of The Order.
Lords Sharing: Ritual sexual act performed between male and female members of The Order. Believed to help the male get steadily closer to the Lord. Performed in mass ceremonies. Narcotics often used for a transcendental experience. Females are forbidden from experiencing pleasure as punishment for carrying the original sin of Eve and must perform the act when required as part of their sisterly duties.
Awakened: Rite of Passage in The Order. On a girl’s eighth birthday, she is to be sexually ‘awakened’ by a commune member or, on special occasions, an Elder.
Sacred Circle: Religious practice exploring the notion of ‘free love’. Sexual intercourse and behavior with many partners in a public setting.
Sacred Sister: A chosen woman of The Order, tasked with leaving the commune to spread The Order’s message by sexual means.
The Cursed: Women/Girls in The Order deemed too naturally beautiful and inherently sinful. Live separately from the rest of commune. Seen as too tempting to men. The Cursed are believed to be significantly more likely to sway men from the righteous path.
Original Sin: Augustine Christian doctrine that says mankind is born sinful and have an innate urge to disobey God. Original Sin is the result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God when they ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. In The Order’s doctrines (created by Prophet David), Eve is blamed for tempting Adam to sin, thus sisters of The Order are seen as born seductresses and temptresses and must therefore obey men.
Sheol: Old Testament word meaning ‘the pit’ or ‘the grave’ or ‘the Underworld’. Place of the dead.
Glossolalia: Incomprehensible speech displayed by religious believers during an episode of religious ecstasy. Embracing the Holy Spirit.
Diaspora: The dispersion of people from their original homeland.
Hill of Perdition: Hill on the outskirts of the commune. Used for seclusions of New Zion’s inhabitants and for punishments.
Devil’s Men: Reference to the Hades Hangmen MC.
Hades Hangmen Terminology Hades Hangmen: One-percenter Outlaw MC. Founded in Austin, Texas, 1969.