Page 77 of Bloodmoon Ritual

Rhyder took a bite of the bread, then a sip of the wine.

And my brother turned to me and put a hand on my jaw, popping my mouth open.

Then he bent over and spit the holy matter into my mouth, making goosebumps break out all over my skin.

Not just the crumbs that were usually given to the Helpmeets.

The full Body and Blood

Mixed with his own, spit into my mouth.

A sign thatIwas worthy, Iwas righteous. Iwas blessed.

It was the highest taboo, and I almost choked as I swallowed it down.

No one said anything.

The Body and Blood was yours to distribute as you wished. The taboo Rhyder had broken meant that he saw me as equally worthy.

What would this lead to?

*

IWAS EXHAUSTED WHENI felt into bed that night.

My brain whirled with sensations. Generosity’s open hostility and violence, the disgusted, angry looks of the Congregation.

Eli’s face when Rhyder had spit the Body and Blood into my mouth.

The Prophet’s measuring look at me.

They did not like his regard for me

They mistrusted it

Feared it might make him less obedient

How far would they go to ensure the Congregation’s control over him?

It wasn’t long until I heard my brother’s footfalls, surprisingly quiet for a man of his huge stature.

The room was pitch-black with only a sliver of moonlight and I closed my eyes tightly, pretending to be asleep.

Through my slitted lids, I saw my brother slowly pull off his shirt and lay it carefully on a chair. Then his hands moved to his belt buckle and I tried to relax my body, still my breathing, even if my heart stuttered in my chest.

He slid into the bed, putting a massive hand on my belly and pulling me against his chest.

“I know you aren’t asleep,” he said, a laugh in his voice. “How are you doing?”

I didn’t want to say anything, but with his warm legs on mine, the width of his broad chest, and his fingers tight on my body I knew it was pointless to pretend.

“I feel. . . overwhelmed.”

Was it better or worse to tell Rhyder about the resentment and hatred I felt toward me in the Congregation?

“Why didn’t you climb for a Helpmeet while I was gone?” I asked, thinking about the naked envy and rage I saw on the faces of the women.

His hand stilled, then tightened on me.

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