Page 49 of Claimed By Her Monsters

The kiss was soft at first, but as it continued to linger, I felt the sudden warmth and emotional rollercoaster that ran through my senses.

My eyes widened as the place he kissed burned with power, while the other markings across my body began to burn with their own energy as if to validate the final piece of the puzzle that was being formed at this very moment.

When he broke the kiss to look back down at me, I was speechless as I felt his emotions hit me all at once.

His disappointment in himself for failing me.

His sadness for realizing the pain I’d gone through.

His anger that the worshippers had belittled me and plotted against those he cared about.

The pure happiness that I was not only safe but still willing to love him and his godly comrades.

He didn’t need to say anything for me to understand what he’d done but proceeded to encourage me to turn so I had no choice but to face him and display the new mark on my forehead.

“May I apologies, Sweet Nyx,” he whispered first. “For taking so long to claim you. For putting my ego first than my intense emotions to love you. There’s so much that needs to be said, but I know you can feel the truth. Feel my intentions and my regrets.”

Gently resting his hands on my shoulders, he leaned down until his forehead pressed against mine.

“So allow me the privilege to not only claim you and make this bond official but give me the privilege to start over. To allow me, Regis, Aloisium, and Fenriz, the opportunity to court you properly and earn the right to make you our bride.”

“R…Regis,” I whispered as he pulled back and proceeded to lift my left hand. Closing his eyes, he whistled a soft melody that triggered a string of purple to ignore from his body and begin to spin around my ring finger.

My eyes widened to take in the beauty of the glowing band as it solidified into a beautiful metallic ring that shifted between purple and blue.

“May this be a symbol of the promise made today, and that we may only marry you when we’ve proven our adoration and commitment to our Goddess.”

Lowering his lips to the chosen finger seemed to seal the deal as the ring pulsed with purpose and sent goosebumps through me.

“Now you are claimed,” he declared as his eyes met my astonished ones. “And we can now go together to defeat the one who wished to ruin us all.”

“Regis…” I smiled with eyes of hope as I slowly nodded. “I have an idea that I think can work.”

“Then?” he questioned. “Lead the way, Sweet Nyx.”

I couldn’t feel more complete as we turned together to face the lagoon of blood.

With his hand now in mine, I took a moment to embrace the wholeness that vibrated through my body before I mentally prepared myself for the final battle.

I’m claimed…and ready to take back what’s mine.

* * *

“SING LOUDER!”

Struggled hymns attempted to fill the tainted space of stone while the woman in all black pranced around in a manic movement.

"Goddess Danica. We’ve been singing for three da—AHH!” The worshipper began but was left screaming as her body was ignited in black flames that consumed her until she was nothing but ash.

The other worshippers trembled and cried for mercy while others attempted to continue singing the hymns that were meant for the approaching ceremony.

“You begged for a Goddess of ruthlessness that could give you everything you desire, did you not?!” she screamed as her eyes were bloodshot and glared at the rows of worshipers that looked at her with eyes of dread and regret.

“This was your decision. What we agreed upon, and yet I’ve yet to see my CHILD! You promised me, my child, in exchange for Athena! The previous Goddess of Darkness which you’ll use to summon Lucifer and finish the deal with the humans. I did my portion! I killed her and took the blame at the expense of my light magic!” she seethed and glared at the worshippers who trembled uncountably.

“SO WHERE IS MY CHILD?!”

“W-We’ve prayed to our Dark Gods!” a worshipper spoke up. “They promised to deliver. Promise to bring the child. The woman will arrive in a black cloak through the lagoon of blood next to the altar. We just have to be patien—AHH!”

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