I’ve always been drawn to the shadows, todanger.
That was how I met Beast, why I always wandered the forest after dark, and why I can’t seem to stop myself from holding Master Pillar’s intense gaze now.
His nostrils flare as I press the chalice to my lips.
Then I tilt my head backward and tip the contents into my mouth.
I instantly wince at the saccharine taste. It’s like swallowing a spoonful of liquified sugar.
Too sweet, I think, fighting a gag and wishing someone were here with me to hand me a glass of water.
Alas, I’m alone. Like always.
Janice and Ralph—I don’t dare refer to them as Mom and Dad—work in a different home. I see them once every few months. It’s been that way since I turned twelve.
The day Baroness Clarice purchased me from the Farmington household.
I push the memory from my mind and take a deep breath, then I steel my spine, ready to complete the ritual. A simple look will lead to a quick dismissal, and I’ll be on my way.
Only, Master Pillar doesn’t say a word.
He’s staring down at me with a feral expression, his dark irises rimmed with violence.
I swallow, suddenly wishing I hadn’t been so bold. Because this male—thispowerfulman—looks like he’s about to teach me my place. And I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy that lesson.
An apology lingers on my lips, yet I’m not quite sure what to apologize for. Maintaining eye contact? Delaying the ritual? Something else entirely?
The sentries are staring at me as well, only with widened gazes that project surprise with a hint of fear.
How bizarre,I think. Most superiors barely look my way. But these two are acting as though I’ve shocked them.
Except they’re running their gazes over my body, not staring at my face.
My brow furrows as I glance down, half expecting to find that my gown has ripped.
But no.
The fabric still clings to me like a second skin. However, it’sglowing.
Wait, no, that’s not my dress.
It’s… it’s me.
My eyes widen.
I’mthe source of the glowing.
I lift my arms to see the golden shimmer dancing across my skin to my fingertips, and instinctively drop the chalice. It falls to the floor and shatters against the marble, Master Pillar having released it at the same time.
Yet I barely hear the crash.
There’s a roaring in my ears, one that sounds like a wind tunnel but might be the approach of a speed train.
I…
I don’t understand what’s happening.
Master Pillar finally says something, the word “Omega” leaving his mouth. But I can’t understand the rest. It’s too far away. It’s too foreign. It’s toowrong.
