I hurl, "It's complete. Let us go."
"The ceremony is not complete," he announces.
The hairs on my arms rise. I grit through teeth, "What else do you want from us?"
"From you? Nothing. Valentina, go stand on the X," he directs.
I glance at the X in the middle of the stage floor.
Valentina squeezes her eyes shut, then takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders, and lifts her head. She steps onto the X.
The robed man lifts his hands. "The Scarlett Seal is completed. Renew the bond of blood and loyalty!"
Silence fills the arena so quickly, a chill runs down my spine. It lasts about a minute, then frantic whispers break out. They get so loud they vibrate through my chest.
Valentina stands, her hands shaking, staring straight at the crowd.
I rush over to her and grab her hand.
She looks up at me.
I squeeze her hand and stare straight ahead.
The whispers don't let up, and it goes on and on, until one thing is clear. It gets sealed deep inside me.
I will burn this entire fucking Underworld to the ground.
11
Valentina
The whispers don't stop. They crawl across my skin, acting as fresh kindling for the shame I can't escape.
I knew this day was coming. It was only a matter of time until they'd color my scarred flesh scarlet, solidifying the mark that will never be hidden. And I'll see it every day in my reflection. No matter what I wear to hide it, the members of the Underworld will never forget it. It'll shine bright in the eyes of all who look at me.
My parents would be so disappointed.
Brax's mumble is full of fresh rage. "I'll burn this entire fucking Underworld to the ground."
I want to tell him to be quiet. They're always listening, and every ripple in the air has ears. But my mouth won't open. The pain inside me is greater than the hours I spent under a needle, and if I speak, I might not survive the night.
The world blurs at the edges, and the next thing I know, someone pushes us toward the tunnels. The arena fades behind us. The torches disappear. The chanting dies.
Everything inside me is numb. I'm moving, but I don't feel my feet. I only stay upright because Brax keeps his arm around my waist, leading me away from the predators.
We reach the hallway, and something closes in my chest. Brax helps me into my dress, then puts on his clothes. He tries to guide me, but my knees give out.
Before I fall, he catches me, then picks me up. I put my face against his chest, wishing I could hide.
I'll never be able to.
The blur of the sconces dances through the side of my wet gaze, twisting with us through the tunnels.
Brax speaks, but I can't comprehend it.
The next conscious moment is the familiar scent of air freshener. Then the gentle press of leather against my legs as I lower into the seat.
I blink.
