Work Text:
Theo was led by his father through the compound - ahem, Church - to a secret room behind the bookshelf in his father's office. Back there in the secret room was a crying girl handcuffed to the floor.
“I'M SORRY! Please, Father, forgive my sins! I swear I-”
The “Father” in question kicked the girl as Theo shut the door behind them. “You will be silent, sinner!” He turned to Theo and gave him a knife. “She must repent for her sins. Help her.”
Theo’s eyes widened and he took a hesitant step back. “But, Father-”
“DO IT! Or I'll make sure you're next!”
Theo's shaky hands grabbed the knife and he took a few fearful steps forward as he whispered, “I'm so sorry...”
The “Father” stood at the door, tall and imposing. “For the sin of kissing a man before marriage, your punishment shall be to have your tongue removed.”
Both Theo and the girl's face twisted in shock and horror. “Please, Father-” the girl started again, tears spilling from her eyes.
“SILENCE! You will repent for your sins and you will not argue.” “Father” gestured to the girl. “Do it, Theo.”
Theo shook as he crouched in front of the girl, tears welling up in his own eyes. “I'm so sorry... Please forgive me...” he mouthed, grabbing the girl's face with a shaky hand.
The girl shook her head frantically and screamed, kicking Theo and making him scramble backwards to get away.
“Father” himself took out a second hidden knife and came up behind the girl, holding it to her neck. The girl's movements suddenly stopped, her tears flowing heavier.
“Do it, Theodore! NOW!”
Theo slowly got up and crawled to the girl, sitting in front of her. He muttered one last apology and prayer before the girl was forced to open her mouth and stick out her tongue.
In one quick swipe, the girl's tongue had fallen to the floor with a wet splat. What was left of her tongue was left bleeding profusely and Theo felt himself sick - he immediately got up and ran back to the door, retching in the corner.
His father let the girl go before prowling over and smacking Theo over the head. “Theodore! You'd better stop that crap or I'll slit your throat myself! This is God's Will and you will stop being so opposed to it.”
Theo didn't bother responding as he threw the bloody knife to the floor and ran out the door.