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“My will, and my body, offering them freely to my lord.”

The pleasure of those words on her lips is so sharp that it makes my knees grow weak. My God, I’m going to have fun withthis one. And she’ll be mine for two and a half months. All mine. And after?

I’ll think about that later. I’ll probably be bored with her by then anyway.

I step even closer, lowering my voice to a murmur. “Domine serviam tibi.”

She wrinkles her nose, and my lips twitch. That inquisitive mind of hers is probably trying to figure out the language.

“Is that Latin?” she asks.

I clench my jaw, though I’m no less amused than I was a moment ago. “Do you need to know to repeat it?”

She lowers her gaze. “No.Domine…” She frowns, and then her eyes grow wide. She looks appalled that she forgot the words already. She’s not used to the effect fear has on the brain.

I fight the urge to touch her. Now is not the time to offer her the carrot. To show her how much I’d rather hold her than scare her. “Domine serviam tibi,” I repeat.

She says the words, her voice barely above a whisper.

My blood thrums. My grip on the blade tightens.

She’s mine.

And now it’s time she learns what that really means.

I crouch down in front of her. “Tomorrow night, you’ll come with me to a small party. Just the inner circle of Thornecroft.” I set my hand on her nape and press my thumb against the base of her skull. “You’ll do what I say. No hesitation.”

Her lips part. Is she going to object?

She lets out a shaky breath and closes her lips.

Good girl.

“You’ll be on my lap.” My voice is softer now. “I want them to see what belongs to me.”

Her eyes flick up to meet mine—wide, storm-gray, and burning.

It sends a jolt straight to my cock.

Oh fuck. She’s going to fight me every step of the way, my righteous little angel.

I’m going to enjoy her fall.

Ava

It’s been twenty-four hours since my “interview”, and I’m starting to question my sanity.

I was terrified of Damian that night in the conservatory. Thought for sure his threats were real. But after that interrogation…

It certainly felt scary at the time, but it was also a lot of spectacle—the knife, blindfold, and blood oath. Is it possible that these are just a bunch of cruel rich boys pretending to be in a cult?

I just don’t know. And it’s that lack of certainty that made me come to the castle tonight.

Or is it something else entirely? A pull I don’t want to name—part fear, part fascination, and a thrill I’m ashamed to admit is even there.

I take a deep breath as I walk through the giant hallway. This dress clings like I was sewn into it. White silk edged with lace. The back entirely bare. The kind of thing I’d never choose for myself.

It fits me perfectly. Where did Damian get it on such short notice? How did he know my size?