one took its place.
Someone knocked on the door and it opened. “They’re ready for you, my lady.” Cara, the slave
who had been sick the first time Sabrina had visited the Manor, stood in the doorway with a gentle
smile on her face.
Sabrina followed Cara through the Manor and down to the Gathering Hall. The slave curtsied and
left her at the heavy white curtain.
The Hall felt empty when she walked inside, but she saw familiar faces on the raised platform.
Fire danced in the low black-stone wall that surrounded the golden eagle, making the majestic bird
seem alive. An ancient black-stone table stood to one side of the raised eagle. Sabrina swallowed as
she walked forward and studied the solemn men. Theo stood above them, taller even than Alex and a
man that looked like him, and she knew Alex was very tall. All were dressed in white, save Ethan
who wore blue. She remembered Elders wore white.
As she approached the platform, she met Chase’s eyes. He smiled lovingly, and it gave her
courage.
She was about to step up on the platform, but Chase gave a quick shake of his head. She froze,
uncertain of what to do next.
Richard approached, holding out his hand. He led Sabrina to the center of the platform and the
men and Immortal formed a semi-circle around her.
“Koriathanati, is it your desire to bind yourself to one of these men today?” Theo asked, stepping
forward.
She nodded and Theo smiled. “Speak, Daughter.”
“Y-yes.”
“Which man?”
Sabrina’s brows knit together. Why was he asking that?
Theo repeated the question, and she concluded it was part of the ritual. But did she say his name
or go to him?
“Go to him and kneel at his feet, Daughter,” Theo said gently.
Thankful that Theo could read her mind, she approached Chase and kneeled, bowing her head and
staring at his sandaled feet.
“Do you accept this gift, Elder-Son?” Theo asked.