Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 26760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Unfolding the note, I read:
Korinna,
The evening ahead will be long and demanding. This should tide you over until later.
— Yours Truly.
I scoffed at the sentiment.
He wasn’t anything but my captor. I may have come willingly, but it wasn’t entirely of my own free will. I took the pill, hoping it would stave off the impending headache I felt building at the base of my skull.
After taking a sip of water, I nibbled on a few crackers, their bland taste somewhat grounding me.
The car navigated through Sector 1, providing me with more glimpses of its magnificence. Meticulously designed structures, and pristine streets—Elysium was clearly Nixon City’s crown jewel. My attention was fully captured as we entered the grounds of a massive chapel—Sacellum. This was a place I’d heard of through whispers and lessons at the academy. A place only the most privileged and powerful could enter. It was surreal that I had been brought here of all people.
Towering marble columns, etched with intricate designs of mythical creatures and ancient battles, greeted me, their stories obscured by the shroud of time. Alabaster walls gleamed in the fading light. As we approached the walkway that led to the entrance, vehicles bearing insignias of other Triad families became visible, causing my stomach to twist.
A man with a commanding presence that demanded immediate respect opened the door for me and extended a gloved hand to assist me out.
I accepted and was silently urged to move forward alone. I clenched and unclenched my hands as I slowly walked up the massive steps and passed through the grand golden gates. The Lysari seemed to appear out of nowhere and fell into formation behind me, their presence both comforting and intimidating as we approached the arched double doors beyond the gates.
Inside, opulence nearly overwhelmed me.
The long corridor I entered was breathtaking, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with golden filigree, allowing streams of light to dance across the marble floor. The intricate gold detailing seemed to tell stories of triumph and legacy, a visual representation of the power held within these walls. As I reached another set of grand double doors, two more men were waiting and halted me with a silent raising of their hands.
One of the Lysari that accompanied me said softly, “We will have to wait here, but so long as you keep moving, all will be fine.”
Nothing about this would ever be fine. I held my tongue, and not a minute later, I heard my name being announced, and the murmuring in the room beyond fell silent as the doors were pulled open.
CHAPTER SIX
I stepped into a breathtaking hall. The ceiling, a masterpiece of artistry, depicted scenes of mythical creatures entwined with powerful beings, their stories playing out in vivid detail. The intricate frescoes showed battles and alliances, with figures that seemed to come to life under the glittering crystal chandeliers. But I didn’t have the luxury of taking in too much of the room.
Among the Triad’s elite and their distinguished guests, I was able to immediately find the three heirs. Jae-Hee had changed into a new suit and had the nerve to flash me a smile. I didn’t return the gesture. Mordecai Orpheus looked equally intimidating and gorgeous. One of his eyes was the color of glistening gold, while the faux one remained translucent. His rich, onyx-black hair was impeccably styled.
In the pew in front of him, sitting amongst her family and devastatingly beautiful, was Lucretia Vesper, the only woman amongst the four. Her eyes were a captivating mix of mischief and mystery, reminiscent of the inky blackness of a raven's feather, just like her family’s lineage, and the long hair that cascaded down her back in waves. Her full lips, painted a deep plum, turned up when our eyes met in what felt like a surprisingly genial gesture.
I swallowed and looked away, nearly coming to a complete stop as my eyes landed on my family. A surge of anger ignited within me at the sight of my father’s bruised face.
Thea was nowhere in sight. Gods, she had to be okay.
I couldn’t—refused—to accept something had happened to her. Nefatari was with them too, calm and composed as ever. The fact that they’d all been brought here was terrifying enough, but the guns directed at them truly struck fear into my heart and underscored the gravity of this situation.
Standing confidently at the front of the chapel in an immaculately pressed suit was Aidoneus, effortlessly exuding power and control. By his side, an older man in ceremonial robes waited patiently. He had to be The Venerant. I’d learned of them in school.
They were specifically designated to oversee and conduct important ceremonies within the Triad.
As I approached, Aidoneus' demeanor softened momentarily, his red and gold dragon-like eyes taking in my appearance. I was acutely aware his immediate family sat opposite mine, a mere few feet away. Multiple eyes were on me, their gazes sharp and assessing, making my heart race. The opulent surroundings added to my anxiety, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. I took a deep breath and forced myself to move forward, each step feeling heavier than the last. Despite the anxiety swirling within me, I knew I had to maintain my composure.