Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
The disgust was fading, slowly replaced by a kind of numbness, and even deeper than that—a strange, creeping admiration. The beauty in the horror, the art in the destruction. Phoenix’s handiwork was more than just a symbol of the power we held. It was a reminder of the lengths we’d go to protect it.
I was still horrified, yes, but there was something else now—something that told me I could live with it. That I wanted to live with it.
I looked up at Alexander, my pulse racing but not out of fear anymore. “I understand,” I said quietly, my voice stronger this time.
His eyes gleamed with satisfaction; a dark promise reflected in them. "You’re starting to, carissima. But you’ll understand even more as time goes on."
I held onto Alexander a little tighter, savoring the feel of his body against mine. “I really did miss you.”
His smile was warm and satisfied as he glanced down at me, his hand slipping just a bit lower on my waist, possessive. "After tonight, you’ll never have to miss me again."
We finished our dance just as the music swelled, and as we came to a stop, the announcement echoed through the Chapel:
“Diabolus et Sponsa Diaboli.”
The words sent a ripple of pride through me, a strange sense of belonging that I never expected to feel. It was official now—I was bound to him in every feasible way before everyone who mattered. The rest of the evening unfolded in a blur, but the heaviness I'd felt earlier had been lifted. Alexander remained at my side, watching everything and everyone with those sharp, calculating eyes, while I found myself enjoying the revelry more than I could have anticipated.
When dinner was served, I didn’t blink twice at the meat on my plate, though I knew deep down what it was. It was part of the life I had chosen, part of the world I now embraced. I ate, savoring the flavors without hesitation, and found Alexander’s gaze fixed on me with approval. The night wore on, and I was passed from one dance partner to the next. Draven, stoic, and commanding led me across the floor with an ease that belied his intensity.
His strength radiated from him, making me feel both protected and slightly intimidated. But there was a gentleness to him as well, a quiet assurance in his touch. When Bishop took over, his grin was wide and wicked, a playful contrast to Draven’s intensity. “You look beautiful tonight, Sponsa Diaboli,” he teased, his voice low enough that only I could hear. I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling lighter in his presence, even as I remained aware of the dark undertones lurking beneath.
Emilio followed next, his movements smooth and confident. “Welcome to the family,” he whispered, though there was something more in his tone, something secretive and knowing. After the men, I danced with Esther, Beatrice, and Adelita, each of them offering soft words of encouragement or praise. It was strange, the way this night felt like a celebration of something both holy and profane.
The conversations flowed as the evening wound down, and I found myself speaking with people I hadn’t met before. Each of them greeted me with respect, their words careful and reverent, as though they were addressing something sacred. And perhaps, in their eyes, they were.
But as the night began to draw to a close, I saw Alexander approaching from across the room, his eyes locked onto mine with that familiar intensity. My heart raced, and even before he spoke, I knew what was coming next.
“The cleanse,” he murmured, his voice low but unmistakable. It wasn’t a request, but I didn’t need him to ask. I knew what it meant, though I had only read about it. Esther appeared at my side, gently taking my arm.
"It’s time," she said, her tone soothing as she led me away from the main hall.
She took me to a small side room off the Chapel where a black gown of tulle awaited me. It was lighter than the dress I had worn earlier, simple yet elegant, with sheer layers that draped across my body in flowing waves. Esther helped me change, her fingers deft as she adjusted the fabric, making sure it settled perfectly.
When I was ready, she gave me a quiet nod, and together we stepped out onto the path that led away from the Chapel. The night air was cool, a gentle breeze brushing against my skin as we walked toward the lake. I could already see people gathered at the water’s edge; their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Alexander waited, his presence commanding even in the dim light. He reached for me as I approached, his hand warm and firm as he took mine.
Without a word, he led me into the cool lake water, the gentle waves lapping at my feet as we waded deeper. The water climbed higher, enveloping me in its embrace, but I didn’t feel fear—only an overwhelming sense of anticipation.