Page 136 of Outcast’s Vow

Ethan’s murmuring to Leopold as I step inside. Both are radiating triumphant glee, barely able to hold in their grins. It’s disgusting. The two men responsible for ruining my life simply for their own ambitions. I avoid catching their glare. I pretend, for my final moments of freedom, that Ethan Thornton doesn’t exist.

The room itself is lit only by candles, with an eeriness echoing through it. Sacrifices have taken place down here. This is where the fate of nations has been decided. This chamber is where my would-be husband will be initiated. This chamber is where my fate will be sealed.

Ethan’s dressed somberly in a black suit. Behind him and Leopold stands a row of men in scarlet masks. All Castaways members, witnesses to Ethan’s ascension. Many Elders of the Order are present, lured in by the spectacle of seeing Levine’s daughter humiliated. They should be out there hunting the man killing them off, not marrying off the daughter of their leader. It’s like they’ve buried their heads in the sand, more comfortable in their petty ancient ceremonies than living in the real world where people are actually being murdered.

I’m sweating and barely able to fill my lungs with air, and not because of the tight dress. After this initiation ceremony, the Order will proceed with the marriage ritual. It’s a fast turnaround, even for the Castaways. They want to wash their hands clean of me. I’m merely a troublesome problem in their eyes.

I want to yell and scream, but, like the weak little timid girl I am, I don’t. I just stand here in the corner where I’m commanded, in my pathetic white dress, waiting to be handed off to a man I despise.

Speaking of the devil.

Ethan comes sauntering up to me from across the room. Pure smugness in human form.

“Hello, wife.”

My ex’s voice is like sick being poured into my ears.

“I’m not your wife,” I reply in a hiss.

I’m very aware of being surrounded by Castaways on all sides. Boxed in. Unable to escape.

“Not my wife yet.”

Ethan’s practically gloating.

“For a few more hours,” I manage, trying my best to remain composed and not crumble in a sobbing heap on the rocky ground.

“Exactly.”

“Why are you doing this, Ethan?” I ask, my voice unsteady. “Why are you targeting me? Isn’t it clear I don’t want you?”

“Look around, Sylvie,” he says. I do. All I see are masks. And men. And power. And danger. “I am about to be fast-tracked into becoming a member of the Castaways, something that I wouldn’t have dreamed of happening a few weeks ago, and that’s all to do with the power of your daddy. I wasn’t going to be initiated, but here I am. I’ll be a made man after tonight. No one will dare touch me. I’ll be a king. I should be thanking you.”

“I will fight you, Ethan. Every single day of this marriage. I will make you regret this.”

Ethan laughs at that.

“I’ll tell you something, Sylvie. When you’re my wife, you’re going to learn to shut your mouth and do exactly what you’re told. You can’t fight me. You walked away from me once, but now I will finally have what I’m owed.”

I pull my hands together to hide how much I’m trembling. I don’t want him to see me vulnerable.

“You cheated on me.”

Ethan takes a step toward me, very much into my personal space. And he can do this now. My ex-boyfriend and now imminent husband looms over me, his teeth shining in the candlelight. He knows what I know.

That no one here will stop him.

That no one will come to my defense.

That he’s won.

“Well, be a good wife then and keep me satisfied,” he sneers. “Or you'd better get used to it happening again and again.”

My breath hitches. I feel so damn small. Insignificant. Because, as much as I hate to think it, Ethan is telling the truth. Even when we’re married, he could go and cheat, and I won’t be able to stop him. He’ll control everything, and I’ll be nothing.

I’ll be just a wife.

I’ll be just a trophy on the arm of this man who has gotten everything he’s ever desired.