Page 44 of Briar

Biting down on my lip, I scan the rest of the room. Several armchairs sit against the wall to my right, each of them facing the bed, and my body flushes at the idea of them sitting there. Watching me.

It all suddenly feels very… real.

Did you think this was a game, Briar?

The cameras we discussed are clearly visible. One sits in the corner, and the other I find after stepping closer to the bed. The small light blinks at me, meticulously placed to give me a direct view of what happens here tonight.

I’ll be able to watch myself losing my own virginity.

It’s a weird, if titillating thought. I wonder how many people can say the same.

“Okay,” I mutter, placing my hands on my waist. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

The bathroom is pristine and pretty, a copper bath with deep green tiles covering the walls taking up the majority of the room. It takes me some time to go through my bag, clean my teeth and freshen up before returning to the bedroom.

River asked if I’d be comfortable wearing something they chose. It’s laid out on the bed already, and I stroke my finger over the smooth fabric. The set is a beautiful shade of dark green – not underwear, but more nightwear. Shorts edged with lace, and a matching vest with thin straps.

The silk is weightless against my skin. I cross to stand in front of the gold, full-length mirror, assessing myself. My cheeks are rosy with color, my eyes bright.

I look… exhilarated. Excited.Alive.

Reaching up, I unclip my hair, letting it tumble down around my shoulders and combing it out until the tips brush my lower back.

Three things left.

I cross to the door, testing the doorknob. It opens smoothly under my touch, and I close it quickly, careful not to make a noise.

Picking up the water, I take one sip to wet my throat before picking up the tablets.

My choice. This ismychoice.

“To making choices.” I tip my glass in an imaginary toast as I push the tablets into my mouth, chasing them down with the water before I can think twice. “And whatever they may lead to.”

Done. It’s… done.

And soon, they’ll be here.

I slip under the sheets, wriggling until I’m on my back. I test out positions for a few minutes until my churning thoughts begin to slow.

No going back now.

I blink once, my eyelids heavy.

Twice.

And then nothing at all.

Jenson

The three of us exchange glances. It’s after eleven.

This is it. Every discussion, every tick on that form, every interaction we’ve had with Briar has led us here.

But it’s still her decision. If the door is locked, we’ll retreat, and that will be the end of it.

The end of her, here at Ravenfall with us.

My shoulders tense at the thought. But my fears are unfounded.