It was surreal. I was sitting at the feet of the Horde King. Ryder had yet to show up, and my world was crashing down, endless waves rushing up to crush my dreams in one solid move. I could hear my siblings thinking—thinking that I was doomed. He’d take me to his bed tonight, and I was sure I wouldn’t walk away from it. I could see his anticipation in his lustrous eyes.
How could I have been stupid enough to think I could do this? I couldn’t kill the Horde King! He’d know it before I even tried. Hell, he’d know it before the thought crossed my mind. He was ten times more powerful than Ryder; ten times more brutal and deadly. I had to get him out of here before Ryder showed, and tried to kill this creature in front of me, and we all died from it. I felt myself shaking inside and prayed that others couldn’t see it.
“You belong to me now,” he said as I stared, mesmerized by his brands that pulsed with power on his pale skin.
“I do,” I whispered as I swallowed a lump down.
“I want your oath before this entire gathering that you belong to me,” he said, watching me as I inhaled, and let it out on a shuddering breath.
I held out my hand, knowing he would manifest a knife that would sever tissue easily. He probably had thousands of them. My brain whirred in panic with thoughts of how to get him out of here before Ryder showed up. I loved him! I couldn’t stand here and watch him die. The hand that reached for mine was surprisingly gentle, the blade pierced my skin, but it was shallow. It wasn’t the damaging slice I’d thought this monster would do.
His large hand came down to compress with mine, and I repeated the words he gave me.
“I am yours. I belong to no other. I am yours to do as you wish, until a time of your choosing, I am given,” I whispered and listened as the terrifying beautiful creature laughed wickedly. The wards on the walls lit up crimson and a multitude of other colors, as the verbal contract was sealed in blood.