Page 112 of A Debt of Darkness

She moans and her breathing slows as she sinks into sleep before I even reach the bed. I stand in the middle of my bedroom, cradling my wife, left wondering what I’ve done to deserve such perfection.

31

I HAVE YOU

IVY

The sunset colors fade into night's deep violets and midnight blues, as the stars shine through the darkness. They dance across the sky as I watch them from the window while I pass the minutes until this evening starts.

Mia turns me around and starts brushing my hair, working my long blond locks into a braid that keeps it up and exposes my neck. It’s modern but elegant, not too fussy but not messy—and she fixes it in place with enough pins and hairspray to make sure it isn’t going anywhere.

She smiles and I smile back, nervous.

She places ornamental pins in my hair and I sigh, uncertain.

She rests her hands on my shoulders and I stiffen, tensingwhen I should relax.

“Nerves?” she asks.

I nod meekly.

Today’s ceremony sounds so simple, so straightforward. All I have to do is get dressed up, walk into a room, kneel at Henry’s feet, and let him put a collar around my neck. I don’t have to recite any prayers or repeat any vows. I don’t have to perform any complicated ritual, and my dress has been chosen to make this easy.

Henry promised everything would be fine.

But fine never means fine and I’m growing more nervous by the second. I know I’m working myself into a state and I can’t stop myself. I’m spiraling and Henry isn’t here to calm me.

“He wouldn’t do this if he wasn’t sure, Ivy,” Mia says gently.

I glance at the heavens and wish I had his confidence.

This isn’t just a ceremony.

It’s a very public test of our relationship and I don’t feel ready for it. I’d be better prepared if I knew what the collar looked like, but Henry insisted he wanted it to be a surprise. He’s refused to show me it, and the only thing he’s said about it is that it’s been made for me.

Specifically for me.

“I can’t wait to see your collar,” she says, smiling as she tries to reassure me. “Tell me what it’s like, Ivy. It’ll be a secret between us girls.”

The color drains from my face and I stare at her blankly, finally shrugging my shoulders.

Mia stiffens for a moment, now aware that what she thought would be a fun and reassuring conversation has highlighted the reason I’m so damn nervous.

“He hasn’t shown you, has he?”

I shake my head.

“That’s bold, even for Henry.” Mia smiles as she selects a brush and starts applying makeup. “He had it made for you, Ivy. It’ll be perfect. He won’t let it be anything else. Not when it’s you.”

The powder catches in my nose and I sneeze.

“He wouldn’t take the risk if he wasn’t sure about you, Ivy. He trusts you. Absolutely. You need to trust him as much as he trusts you. You’re his mate. He’s yours. You’re meant for each other.”

I smile weakly, closing my eyes so she can continue painting my face. Mia’s good and she takes her time, making sure it’s done right. Making sure I’m comfortable and it's not forced on me. Making sure it’s enjoyable and it’s what I want.

“It’s perfect,” she says, leaving not one shadow of a doubt that it’s true. “Shall we get you into your dress?”

I shake my head and she stiffens. I offer her a faint smile and the look of concern on her face deepens.

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