Page 13

I want to drag her from heaven and soil her.

And then I want her to worship me instead of her God.

I’d thought the ritual of the virgin sacrifice would be tedious. But with Ava, it’ll feel like a coronation.

“Rhett,” I say sharply, flicking my finger to summon him. His face falls, but I don’t wait. The crowd parts as I stride toward the edge of the balcony. I don’t need to look back to know Rhett is trailing behind like a dutiful dog.

I stop near the stone railing, far enough from the others to ensure our conversation remains private.

I glance over my shoulder, scanning the balcony. Ava lingers near the table where we left her. I turn to Rhett. “She’s the one. You’re going to start working on her tonight.”

5

Ava

The second Damian walks off with Rhett, anxiety grips my chest. What on earth was that flick of his finger?

I’d hoped that all my cult fears would be doused when I got here, that I’d see a bunch of drunk frat boys and wonder how I could ever overestimate their ability to organize and keep secrets.

My fears have only grown. All because of one beautiful college boy who behaves like a medieval king.

I glance around the balcony. No one’s paying attention to me. The pretty girls who hovered nearby Damian when we got here are now laughing together, their interest clearly elsewhere.

It’s now or never.

I slip into the shadows, careful not to make a sound. My heart pounds in my chest as I edge closer to where Damian and Rhett have stopped at the edge of the balcony. I tuck myself behind one of the wide stone columns, pressing my back to the cool surface as I strain to hear.

“It won’t work.” It’s Rhett’s voice. “You have no idea how stubborn she is. If you need her for anything that will take time away from her studying, she won’t do it.”

I barely hold in my gasp. They’re talking about me. Why would Damian have any interest in me?

Damian’s laughter sends ice through my veins. It’s so dismissive. So condescending. “I’ve never had trouble with this, especially with girls like her.”

Girls like me?I clench my jaw. He knows nothing about me. Next time he tries to kiss me, I’ll knee him in the balls.

Rhett’s mumbled answer is unintelligible, and I strain my ears to listen more.

“You took an oath, Rhett.” Damian’s voice is biting. “Your opinions don’t matter. Bring her to the Michaelmas Ball.”

“It’s just…” Rhett gulps. “I wish I knew what you wanted her for.”

I do too.

“I can’t give you specifics. It’s your job to accept that.”

There’s a thick pause. “How about I make it worth your while?” Damian’s voice is like melted butter.

My pulse hammers in my ears.

“This is so much bigger than her,” Damian says. “There’s so much you still don’t know. Secrets we reveal only to our most trusted members. You could be one of them. Would you be willing to sacrifice her?”

My mouth drops open.Sacrifice?

He can’t actually mean murder, can he?

No, Rhett would never be a part of something so barbaric. He might be eager for friendship and the approval of others, but he hasn’t entirely lost his moral code in the year he’s been a member of Thornecroft.

“I can’t…” Rhett mutters, and my legs turn to jelly.