Page 70 of Bride By Initiation

I bite my lip, the thumping in my chest growing louder, wanting answers but unsure what I'm getting myself into.

Sylvia orders, "You will do everything Mila and Renzo instruct you to do so you are fully prepared. Do you understand, Zara?"

I glance again at Mila and Renzo. They seem harmless enough, but I'm unwilling to trust anyone I don't know.

"If you fight them on anything, showering, waxing?—"

"What do you mean?" I interject, her words sinking in. "I don't need to shower. And I had my wax last week. Not that it's any of your business."

Anger and authority fill Sylvia's voice as she declares, "You will do everything they say and not argue or fight them. If you make any trouble, you will not take part in initiation. The choice is yours. Do I make myself clear, Zara?"

My heart beats faster. I glance around the room. On any other day, it'd be every girl's pampering dream, but everything feels off about this situation. Besides, I'm not marrying someone. Sylvia can be as insistent as she wants, but there's no way I'm marrying any of those men in the binder.

Sylvia tilts her head, arches her eyebrows, and softens her voice. "Didn't you promise yourself you would do whatever it takes to find all the answers?"

My insides quiver. I'm shocked once again. It's like she can read my thoughts, but I don't understand how she can. It's a vow I hadn't spoken to anyone.

She steps closer, taunting, "Didn't you stand in that restaurant tonight, reaffirming that you would learn the truth about what your parents are hiding from you?"

My pulse quickens even further. The quivering intensifies, making me feel slightly ill.

She puts her hand on my cheek in a motherly way. "You deserve to know the truth, don't you?"

"Yes," I say without hesitation.

"Then initiation is the only way. But you must choose it," she reiterates.

Everything around me seems to amplify. The smell of the roses, the dim lights, and the strangers who study me with a sultry expression, all make my conscience tell me to run.

Sylvia's voice sharpens. "It's yes or no. You can either let Renzo and Mila help get you ready or not."

I remain silent, unable to say I'm willing to walk away from learning the truth.

Sylvia adds, "When you're done, they'll help you dress and offer you to the bidders."

A chill flies through my bones. My voice cracks when I say, "O-offer me?"

Her challenging smirk reappears. "Yes. Initiation will begin. You will continue to secure your place at the table."

More confusion floods me. "My place at the table?"

She laughs, as if once again she can read my mind. "Darling, your spot at the table gives you all the answers. That is still what you want, correct? No more secrets regarding your family members?"

I lick my dry lips and nod, unable to stop myself.

She looks satisfied with my answer. "Good. You'll be a married woman the next time you see me."

A new round of fear fills me. There's no way I'll ever commit to marrying one of the strangers in the binder. I blurt out, "I'm not marrying anyone."

She scoffs. "Of course you are. That's the only way to get through your chosen initiation ceremony."

"Chosen?"

"Yes. The Omnipotence has selected this as your initiation."

"So others get in with a different task?"

She shrugs. "Sure. We wouldn't want things to turn stale."

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