Page 142 of Bride By Initiation

Valentina smiles in approval. "Excellent choice, although nothing is wrong with Water and Flames." She turns to Amalia. "And you? What would you choose? And there's no right or wrong."

Amalia looks at the men with just as much interest as Maria. She states, "Binding of Flesh. There's no other choice."

Valentina's tone grows stern. "But there is a choice. It'syourchoice. You're not being forced to do anything."

Amalia snaps, "There is no choice between water or men. I will always choose men and the force they can bring into my body. I look forward to my initiation." She lifts her chin, her eyes drifting over the seven suitors, then pins a challenging stare on Valentina.

"Well said, sister," Maria praises, then licks her lips, glancing at the men.

More shock fills me.

Valentina turns toward me. She announces, "It's time to choose, Zara.Who is the traitor? Who is worthy to wear the skull and vie for a table seat, even though they may never get there?"

A flash of nausea passes through me. I look at Valentina. "I don't know. I can't decide. Please, do it for me."

"No." She lifts her chin and squares her shoulders. "Youmust do it. This comes from the Omni, not me. You must learn to rely on your gut and trust in it."

"Valentina—"

She puts her finger on my lips. "No more objections. Now, choose."

A claw scrapes in my gut. I step before Maria, studying her for what feels like forever. She never flinches, pinning her arrogant gaze on my anxiety-riddled one.

I move in front of Amalia, spending just as much time studying her. She gives me the same expression, but something passes in her eyes at some point, and I realize it's guilt.

Valentina asks, "Who will it be?"

I don't hesitate. I point at Amalia. "It's her. She's the guilty one."

"I am not!" she protests.

Valentina's face erupts in satisfaction and pride. "Good job. You are correct."

"I am?" I say with relief.

"Yes." She raises her arm and snaps her finger in the air.

A man appears with a Glock. He hands it to her.

Fear fills me.

Please, please, please! No!

She holds it out. "Now, kill her."

"Why me?" I question.

She gives me a sympathetic look. "Zara, I don't make the rules. This comes from the Omni."

Amalia takes several steps back, crying out, "I'm innocent! She's wrong!"

Valentina scoffs. "I know exactly what you've done, and Zara's one hundred percent correct." She turns back to me. "Now, shoot her."

Without thinking further, I point the Glock, pull the trigger, and shoot Amalia right in the heart.

She drops to the floor. Her blood stains her white dress, pooling all around her.

I stare at her in shock, feeling numb, wondering how I could do something so horrible once again.

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