Page 408 of Master of My Life

When the Elder-Mistresses returned to the platform, Damian turned to address the Elders. “My

brothers, white is not becoming of you any longer.” He waved his hand and the Elder robes became

as black as night to match his own. “That’s better.” A simple spell, but those in the crowd appeared

impressed.

“Now, you will show me your devotion. Go and find your sacrifice to me.”

The black-robed Elders dispersed from the platform toward the crowd of women. Damian

nodded to the guard who dragged a struggling young woman across the platform. He chained her to

the poles at the back of the platform as Damian retrieved the ceremonial knife.

“What’s that smell?” Chase whispered as he and the others climbed out of the small bus they’d driven

to the Gathering site.

Alex sniffed and crinkled his nose. “It does not smell good.”

Tom paused, his face going pale. “Oh, no!” He sprinted to the top of the hill and froze. “Oh, God.”

Chase hurried after him and stared at the carnage on the platform where he’d become an Elder-

Son six years ago.

Damian sat on a throne in the center wearing a black robe and smiled as another man in a black

robe held a naked woman against himself and swiped a knife across her throat. The man picked up the

dying woman as she choked and threw her into a bonfire in front of the platform. He looked away

when he saw the woman moving in the flames.

“What the hell is he doing?” Richard asked.

“Accepting sacrifices from his followers,” Alex answered in a low voice and spat something in

German that sounded like a curse.

“How can he do such a thing?” Peter asked, staring.

“It is necessary,” Alex said and pressed his lips together. “Blood is always necessary for a power

grab.”

The Elders and Sons watched in horror as another robed man threw a writhing woman into the

fire. Chase didn’t know whether he wanted to throw up or tackle Damian to the ground. Though Alex

had warned him his physical strength would do little against the pseudo-Immortal. His only hope was

to win over Sabrina somehow.

Chase searched the crowd for his beloved and inhaled deeply when he saw her kneeling at

Damian’s feet, watching the bloody massacre with an impassive expression.

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