Page 22 of Darkness Falls

"Be ready, Momma. I mean it," I say as I slip the heels onto my feet.

We take one last glance at one another, letting silence fill the air around us. She nods before grabbing the door and leading me down the stairs. My father stands by the front door and casually looks down at his watch to ensure we didn't go over his allotted five minutes. Fucking asshole. When he’s satisfied, he opens the door, and we walk across the compound to the main building.

Everyone is inside waiting for us to enter. The wedding is set to start in a few minutes, and I can feel the panic welling up. I’m going to have to go through with this. My limbs feel numb. A static-like sensation courses through my entire body as anxiety tries to take over, and a lump forms in my throat. Keep your shit together, I remind myself.

My father waves his hand at my mother, shooing her away. She turns to enter the building, leaving my father and me alone.

He chuckles to himself. "Look at you, exactly where you were always meant to end up. Do us both a favor, and do not embarrass me today. Smile and enjoy yourself. This is a joyous day, after all."

"Congratulations. You got what you wanted. I'm here. I'm marrying Damien."

"Had you just cooperated all those yearsago, you could have had a family by now."

"And what if I don't want a family?" I can't control the sharpness in my tone.

"Don't be stupid, Callie. You will have children. That is your duty to this society, to your husband, and to me. You will have a son. I didn't spend all those years raising you for nothing."

The truth of my entire life hits me. "It'll never be enough. I will never do enough for you, and I don't understand why. You always put Rogue ahead of me. I spent my whole life trying to live up to your standards. I survived your beatings and your mental conditioning, or lessons, whatever the fuck you want to call them, but it will never be enough."

"Even now, you're still weak,” he chides. “Clearly, I didn't work hard enough. I tried so hard to mold you into the perfect legacy, but you’ll always be weak."

He won't grant me any kindness. His heart is as cold as stone. I wipe the tears from my eyes and place a blank look on my face as I turn to face the door. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing any more of my vulnerabilities.

"Let’s go," I say coldly.

He grips my arm and steps forward, knocking on the door twice. I hear the music start and take a deep breath, centering myself before I walk down the aisle to face my future.

One step at a time, we make our way down the aisle. The room is decorated in the finest white roses. Half of the big hall has been converted into a ceremony space that leads up to a smallstage in the middle. A large curtain hangs down behind it to close off the rest of the room. I'm sure the other side of the room is prepared as the reception space, and it will be just as grand.

My eyes roam over the vases filled with flowers and the candles sprinkled across the entirety of the room, giving it a romantic feel. A white runner goes the length of the aisle from the door to where Damien stands. My own personal path to hell.

White and green bows accent the seats. Whoever chose the decor made sure to not waste a dime. The room looks like it should be filled with the presence of royalty. To those in the room watching me walk down the aisle, I suppose that's exactly what I am. The daughter and future leader of Rogue, a legacy I am expected to expand.

I take another step. All around me, people are smiling and clapping. I hear their gasps as they look to the person next to them to say how beautiful I look or how stunning my dress is.

"She's like a real-life princess," I hear a little girl tell her mother as I walk past. I'm a princess living in a nightmare.

"Smile," my father grits out low enough that only I can hear him.

A tear slides down my cheek as I look up to see Damien standing there waiting for me. To anyone looking at me, they would think the tear is for the joy of the occasion, but with each step, another piece of me dies.

One step. Maxton. I'm focused on Maxton's face. It was all for nothing. He died for nothing. I'm still marrying Damien. "I loveyou, Callie," I hear him say before his face slowly slips from my memory, and I'm brought back to the current nightmare.

Another step. Avery. Another step. Kyler. Another step Barrett. Another step. Sebastian. Another step. My mother. Every step has a purpose, a focus that keeps me here in this moment, holding myself together. The guys will get me out. They said they would come for me. I just have to get through every moment until it happens.

"Mommy, I want to be like her when I get big," another little girl says as we walk by. I smile over at her. She doesn't want to be like me. I don't even want to be me.

I spot my mother and lock eyes with her. She gives me a slight nod, telling me to be brave. This is the longest walk of my life. We finally stop in front of Damien and the pastor, who stands there waiting to marry us. I don't even know his name because I had no part in planning any of this.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" Pastor no-name says.

"I do, her father," he says back to him with the biggest smile on his face. I think this is a rare moment where he is truly happy. He places my hand in Damien’s before turning to find his seat next to my mother.

"Please be seated," Pastor no-name says as everyone in the room takes their seats.

Chapter 11

Damien

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