Anticipation of the Penitent

From a young age, evil pursued Alezea. At eight years old, she survives a harrowing attack while working as a runner in her family's drug empire. She fights to be free from that work and dreams of a new life, inspired by the teachings of a beloved aunt. When the aunt must leave due to a tragic incident, Alezea finds the strength to escape her family and search for a normal life.

As a young adult, Alezea achieves a glimpse of the normalcy she was searching for, but the curse of her childhood has followed her. She becomes entrapped by Satan and bears him a son, Thomas, who is raised by his father to be a killer of little girls. Alezea’s only role is to make life easy for Thomas and to not interfere with his crimes. Unable to oppose Satan, she allows herself small acts of penance in an attempt to ease her sorrow.

After sharing each other’s tragic histories, Alezea's employer guides her to the holy, mountain community of Gabriel. Alezea agrees to go only if she can take Thomas with her, for she will do all she can to free him from Satan’s hold. At Gabriel, Alezea learns that she must either fight for her own redemption or sink into total ruin trying to save her son.

While Alezea's battle rages on, Thomas attacks a young girl and escapes Gabriel. Free from the “sect,” he seeks out Rachel, who is also Alezea’s cousin. With Rachel, Thomas plans to continue his father’s lineage. Rachel learns of Thomas’s atrocious history but feels she can transform him with the help of a young prophet. Rachel’s hope in Thomas might provide an opening for God’s miracles in both of their lives. Or it may drag her fully into the devil’s realm.