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“What if we explored things together,” she murmurs, watching me closely. “I know you’ve said things are complicated, and you’re not comfortable with a heavy commitment. But instead… let’s figure out what you’re comfortable with, so you can work up to sex with Levi?”
I struggle to control my breath as I think about it. “Are you sure? This won’t change our friendship?” I ask.
“The only thing that’ll change is that I will struggle not to grab your ass in class when you bend over to pick something up. Oh wait, I pretty much already want to do that regularly. Your skirt tends to ride up, and that glimpse of your ass makes me want to nibble on it,” she teases.
I giggle, kissing her once more. “Yeah, I think I’m up for that,” I tell her, and she smiles, snuggling against me as we restart the movie so we can watch it.
“I’ll keep all of your secrets, Chas. You never have to worry about that,” she tells me.
Chapter25
We are so late. I rush out the entrance and down the stone steps, not bothering to latch the doors behind me. I know I will get scolded about it later, but I’d rather a tongue lashing over an actual lashing. Jonas grips my hand and pulls me down the path to the woods, to get me to move faster. Tonight is just a regular meeting, but Levi mentioned we would get an assignment.
One more week until our trials. I'm nervous, but also excited to get this over and done with. Chastity has been acting strange the past few days, and I know she’s hiding something from us.
I've been a complete open book, minus the Society things. I wish she felt she could open up and tell me anything. I would never judge her. I'm falling in love with her. Plus, I already know she's fucking Levi, so I'm not sure what else she could be hiding.
"Initiates, you're gathered here today to learn about your first trial. You will need to overcome three. The first one is a test of your will. I will disclose the others once we weed out who is the weak, and who is going to fight to join our Brotherhood.
I glance around at the other guys, but our masks keep us hidden. They all seem excited, and I find myself drawn in. For the first time in a long time, I'm starting to get excited about my future.
The man in front chants some words in Latin, that I still can't translate. I might need Jonas to start tutoring me. Then we give our pledge.
We bide by law and sacrifice.
The flesh between a woman’s legs is our price.
To honor thy Society, the truth we must seek and always our secrets we must keep.
Lies and sins we will abolish, for the cause of the Brotherhood is our promise.
To honor the Society only. Our souls given freely, I pledge to you my devotion and silence.
Everyone repeats, “That is our promise.”
We don’t have to wait long after this, because the Dragon takes a breath before addressing us. “There will be an item that is meaningful and special to someone hidden in the tunnels. You must retrieve the item and bring it back with all of your team members. The path will be treacherous, and if any of your group members do not return, you will immediately fail. I shouldn’t tell you this,” the Dragon murmurs, as he looks out at us. “But I remember what it was like when I was fighting for my Eve. This is not a random trial, or intended to bring you grief and make you curse us.” My lips curl as he says this. We have had no idea what the first challenge towards Initiation would be, and while it seems innocent enough, I know better than to believe this when it comes to the Society. There’s always a reason for what they do.
“This challenge seems like it’s insignificant, but please be aware that it will bring you one step closer to your Eve.Ad victoriam!” the Dragon yells, and we yell back, the walls echoing all around us.
Soon we’re going to get everything we've been working towards. All the hard work will be worth it, we just need to keep going.
CHASTITY
Classes today have been a nightmare, and I can't kick this headache. I know I'll get scolded for it, but my stomach is churning and I don't feel good. Deciding to leave class early, I pack up my bags. Forcing a smile, I pat Ash's arm to get his attention. Using him for support to stand, I make my way over to Levi's desk.
He looks up when I get closer and gives me a frown. I'm lightheaded and wobbly. “Father, I don't feel well. I think I'm going to go lie down, if that's okay?”
He stands and moves closer to me, where he checks my temperature by placing his palm to my forehead.
“Miss Cross, you don't feel warm, but yes, I'll give you a note,” Levi says, eyes filled with worry. We’ve come so far in such a short time, and I know he doesn’t care if I’m missing class. He’s worried about me, and it’s nice to have someone that cares.
I stop by the nurses office, and she's not a nun that I recognize. She has an attitude and tells me to drink some water then get back to class.
“You should know better than to waste my time like this, Miss Cross. My office is for people with real illnesses. I will be reporting this to Mother Superior. God doesn’t like whiners,” she says, annoyed at me.
My patience is wearing thin, so I thank her, then head to my grandmother's apartment to ask if she has any medication, since the nurse is a sycophant who seems to think I'm a drug addict or something.
I don't bother knocking and let myself in. I’m tired, my head is throbbing, and for a good portion of the school year, this was my home. I don’t want to ask for permission to enter.
