Page 18 of Monsters we Crave

A man with a commanding presence that demanded immediate respect opened the door for me and extended a gloved hand to assist me out.

I accepted and was silently urged to move forward alone. I clenched and unclenched my hands as I slowly walked up the massive steps and passed through the grand golden gates. The Lysari seemed to appear out of nowhere and fell into formation behind me, their presence both comforting and intimidating as we approached the arched double doors beyond the gates.

Inside, opulence nearly overwhelmed me.

The long corridor I entered was breathtaking, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with golden filigree, allowing streams of light to dance across the marble floor. The intricate gold detailing seemed to tell stories of triumph and legacy, a visual representation of the power held within these walls. As I reached another set of grand double doors, two more men were waiting and halted me with a silent raising of their hands.

One of the Lysari that accompanied me said softly, “We will have to wait here, but so long as you keep moving, all will be fine.”

Nothing about this would ever be fine. I held my tongue, and not a minute later, I heard my name being announced, and the murmuring in the room beyond fell silent as the doors were pulled open.

CHAPTER SIX

I stepped into a breathtaking hall. The ceiling, a masterpiece of artistry, depicted scenes of mythical creatures entwined with powerful beings, their stories playing out in vivid detail. The intricate frescoes showed battles and alliances, with figures that seemed to come to life under the glittering crystal chandeliers. But I didn’t have the luxury of taking in too much of the room.

Among the Triad’s elite and their distinguished guests, I was able to immediately find the three heirs. Jae-Hee had changed into a new suit and had the nerve to flash me a smile. I didn’t return the gesture. Mordecai Orpheus looked equally intimidating and gorgeous. One of his eyes was the color of glistening gold, while the faux one remained translucent. His rich, onyx-black hair was impeccably styled.

In the pew in front of him, sitting amongst her family and devastatingly beautiful, was Lucretia Vesper, the only woman amongst the four. Her eyes were a captivating mix of mischief and mystery, reminiscent of the inky blackness of a raven's feather, just like her family’s lineage, and the long hair that cascaded down her back in waves. Her full lips, painted a deep plum, turned up when our eyes met in what felt like a surprisingly genial gesture.

I swallowed and looked away, nearly coming to a complete stop as my eyes landed on my family. A surge of anger ignited within me at the sight of my father’s bruised face.

Thea was nowhere in sight. Gods, she had to be okay.

I couldn’t—refused—to accept something had happened to her. Nefatari was with them too, calm and composed as ever. The fact that they’d all been brought here was terrifying enough, but the guns directed at them truly struck fear into my heart and underscored the gravity of this situation.

Standing confidently at the front of the chapel in an immaculately pressed suit was Aidoneus, effortlessly exuding power and control. By his side, an older man in ceremonial robes waited patiently. He had to be The Venerant. I’d learned of them in school.

They were specifically designated to oversee and conduct important ceremonies within the Triad.

As I approached, Aidoneus' demeanor softened momentarily, his red and gold dragon-like eyes taking in my appearance. I was acutely aware his immediate family sat opposite mine, a mere few feet away. Multiple eyes were on me, their gazes sharp and assessing, making my heart race. The opulent surroundings added to my anxiety, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. I took a deep breath and forced myself to move forward, each step feeling heavier than the last. Despite the anxiety swirling within me, I knew I had to maintain my composure.

“You look beautiful, Korinna,” he murmured once I was in front of him.

Then, the older man. “Begin.”

Before I could gather my thoughts enough to speak, his order was carried out.

“We gather here to solidify a bond of old.” He turned and lifted something off the altar.

When he faced us again, there was an open obsidian box in his weathered hand, revealing a ring that left me speechless.

The soft illumination emanating from the box gave the large crimson diamond a surreal glow, amplifying its splendor.

“Do you, Korinna, vow to honor a promise foretold, to bind yourself in union with our Kyrios?” the older man questioned.

His words indicated this was something that had been decided already, deepening the void of unknowns I was being sucked into. The full significance of the night began to sink in. This wasn’t a wedding as I had begun to fear, but it might as well have been something worse. This ceremony would bind me to Aidoneus in a way that could not be undone, altering the course of my life forever.

I didn’t know why he chose me.

I didn’t know anything.

Nor did I have the liberty of piecing together the chaotic mess of a puzzle my life was becoming. My family's dire situation was my main priority right then.

I couldn’t look at them.

I didn’t want to see their faces in this moment that none of us would ever forget.

“I vow,” I monotoned, knowing I could give no other answer.

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