Page 137 of Ruthless Legacy

I didn’t receive an alert about a meeting. If I hadn’t of been trailing Vincent Malone, I wouldn’t know anything about it. The orator opens with the league oath, then turns control over to tonight’s leader. A member of the challenge committee. The side door opens, and the newest prospects walk in wearing white robes. Is this an in-chamber challenge?

I thought for sure only third-year prospects and above could watch. I think back to my first few months as a prospect, trying to remember if I saw any other first or second year prospects during my in-chamber challenges.

The newbies line up facing the room, with their mentors behind them. My jaw clenches as I realize Thea’s the only one without a mentor. We know Deacon won his challenge, but he’s not authorized to be here until he’s officially announced and approved as her mentor. She’ll be going through this alone.

Tonight’s challenge leader says, “You may now open your notes. With the exception of the prospects being tested, all masks will stay on until the assigned task is complete.”

Thea’s spine is ramrod straight. She and three other newbies look upset about whatever is on their notes. “When the first alarm rings, you may go to your designated starting points on your notes.”

The tallest guy on the right says, “My note doesn’t have a starting point listed.”

“We play in the shadows, but the league does not hide its secrets or delights from itself.”

Someone else asks, “What does that mean?”

“It means we are always watching, and tonight you get your first taste of that.” He laughs, an ominous sound in the cavernous room. “It means if there is no starting location listed,thisis the room.”

The first alarm rings and all but four prospects leave through the same door they used to enter the room. When it closes again, the leader says, “Prospects, you may disrobe.”

They do. The guys are standing there in boxers, and nothing else. Thea has on some kind of nightgown. It might as well be wet tissue for how sheer it is.

“When your name is called, you will approach the dais for closer appraisal. You will have two minutes to prepare. Your challenge begins when the lights turn off and continues until the lights come on or you voice that you no longer wish to continue.” His gaze sweeps over the room. “You must be able to vocalize to end your challenge. Is that understood?”

They all nod, and respond, “Yes, sir.”

“Oh, and one other thing. You are forbidden from interacting with anyone who is not robed and masked to complete the challenge.” One of the guys curses.

The spot in the middle of the dais shifts and an altar ascends from the floor. “In thirty seconds, we will begin. Do you have what it takes to endure?”

Endure what?

The first name is called, and I watch as the guy steps to the front of the room and onto the dais. The lights go out. There’s a spotlight over where he’s standing, casting just enough light that I can make him out, and the masked league members walking his way.

A masked league member enters from the side door and climbs onto the marble altar, stretching out against the stone. The only sounds in the room are of the masked member moaning as he jacks off while the newbie kisses up and down his body.

The lights come on, and his challenge ends. He returns to his place in line. The next guy is called to the altar. The person who approaches him is a woman. She’s masked, so I can’t make out her features. His challenge goes much like the first guys. He goes down on her, but the lights don’t come on when he’s done. Instead, she drops to her knees and sucks him off. Then his challenge ends.

The third prospect gives head, making the same woman come quickly. She reciprocates, and he holds her head down, forcefully face fucking her until she gags on his load. His lights still don’t come on. A second-year prospect shoves past me and approaches the altar. He pushes the newbie to his knees and shoving his dick in his mouth.

My gaze swings to Thea as I go over what’s happened so far. My blood turns to ice in my veins, realization dawning. Each person’s challenge is more sexual than the one before.

Can she do it? Can she go through with letting some stranger fuck her? I’m glad Finn and Holden aren’t here. If they were, they’d be losing their shit.

I eye the other prospects. Nobody seems surprised about what’s going on. Some are focused on the scene playing out in front of the altar, others are staring at Thea like she’s fresh meat.

Another second year prospect wades through the crowd. He shoves the newbie’s pants down his hips, and spits on his fingers before sliding them between the cheeks of his ass.

The selectee’s voice comes quickly. “I no longer wish to continue.” The person behind him steps back and three third years approach, pushing their masks to the top of their heads.

Two hold the newbie between them, the third slams his fist in his face. Repeatedly. The beating doesn’t end until the prospect hangs limply between them. They drag him across the floor, depositing him on the floor at his mentor’s feet.

Thea’s next. I watch as she takes up her position in front of the altar. She reads her note and closes her eyes, mentally preparing for whatever comes next. When she opens them, she turns to face the council members.

The lights drop and I find myself moving. Moving towards the front of the room. Moving towards her. I’m not the only one. I shove through the bodies, out of the way, the first to reach her side. Her note is face up on the altar.

Number of body parts to be penetrated. Three.

Extra points for sexual completion.

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