Page 134 of Depravity

She’s gone. Move on.

Those words echoed in my head, as if Brynn was just a thing to brush under the carpet and forget about.

He has an almost bored expression on his face as he stands, draped in nothing but a black cloak. The same style cloaks as the ones from that recording.

It makes me want to strangle him.

It makes me want to lash out.

All of this is because of him.

My sacrifices are for him, and yet he has the audacity to look fucking bored?

His physical prowess is undeniable. Beyond the robes, he’s completely naked and everyone here can see exactly what he’s packing.

I glanced at Titus, and I couldn’t help but smirk at the difference.

Ahead of them lay two massive baths filled with blood. This ritual was meant to be a grim test of endurance and faith. The Blood Baptism, they called it. Many times in the past, a man had balked at this, had turned tail and run, proving they weren’t fit to lead us.

Titus had already performed his. He’d stayed under just long enough to get his hair wet, then he’d half spluttered through the second part.

Magnus on the other hand, looked almost serene as he stepped into it, as that liquid pooled around his body. The sight was grotesque. I was grateful for the mask covering my face so no one would see my grimace.

He sunk down, onto his knees, and then lay back before allowing himself to slip beneath the surface. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he failed, if he drowned in that sea of blood. Would they release Brynn, if Magnus died right here?

Somehow, I doubted it.

As Magnus was lifted back out he barely gasped, showing an unnerving control over his own body.

What would our father think if he could see him now? I know he had great plans, I know he was just as ambitious as Magnus is, and I also know that was what got them killed. Both my parents paid the price. My father wasn’t as shrewd as Magnus. He didn’t have the kind of backing Magnus has, either.

And that’s what marks him out, what makes him stand out. Magnus is destined for greatness. We can all see it. No wonder the Esau are so scared of him.

As the priest signalled that the ritual was completed, a mass of cloaks stood up as one, and I couldn’t help feeling that this whole spectacle was a farce, a waste of time that could be better spent searching for Brynn. But Magnus had forced my attendance and just like every other time, Magnus got what he wanted.

My hand gripped the dagger hidden beneath my cloak.

I could end this charade right here.

I could literally see my future flash before me, a future where I killed him, just as the Esau’s wanted.

But that future held no appeal for me.

I would be condemned, locked away, and I’d never see Brynn again.

No, I needed another way, a way to save her and ensure Magnus beats them.

This place feels hollow.Empty.

Even the screams sound off.

I know the extra guards have rather spoiled the mood, but I can’t afford to lose control of Oblivion. I won’t be the first Blake in a thousand years to allow such a thing.

This place has become my temporary home since my real one was destroyed. There’s an apartment here, fully secured. Though our recent family didn’t utilise it. It needs renovating, upgrading. But right now, all I need is a bed anyway.

As I get to my office though, I notice a small wooden box on my desk. It’s the size of a hand. I have no idea how anyone could have gotten in to leave it. I open it quickly, and my stomach turns at the sight.

Inside is a cut up piece of tongue. It’s laying on a piece of velvet, like it’s some fucked up trophy. A bloodied note falls out onto the desk, its message a chilling threat: 'you should have taught your wife to shut up.'

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