Angel had asked me what I’d do if I weren’t afraid, and now I know.
I’m not afraid anymore.
The drive to the collaring ceremony goes by in a blur. Jaeger edges me to a frenzy in the car and leads me in with his fingers shackled around my wrist. He whispers that someelitaceremonies require the Fraternitas member to fuck his chosen infront of everyone. But he won’t do that because he doesn’t want anyone to see me naked. “No one but me.”
My friends are allowed to come to the club to watch the first half of the ceremony, the part that’s held at Club Empire. They don’t understand everything about this dark world, but they’re here to support me, and I love them for it.
Jaeger leads me out in front of the crowd and has me kneel. It’s surreal, being in the center of the ceremony after watching one the night of Pandemonium. I feel small and vulnerable, surrounded by the tall, menacing members of Fraternitas. But I’m wet. My fear and arousal seem to go hand in hand.
Jaeger takes his place in front of me, and the flutters in my stomach calm. But my pussy throbs all the harder.
Beyond Jaeger, I catch a glimpse of my friends. Honey is wide-eyed, staring at the masked men. Daria has her arms crossed over her chest. Angel gives me a little wave.
And then St. James steps onto the platform with me and Jaeger, and I tense.Run away!A little voice screams in the back of my head. But it’s too late.
As if he knows I’m freaking out, Jaeger reaches down and cups the side of my neck. He lifts my head until I’m holding his gaze.
And the rest of the ceremony washes over me, with me staring into Jaeger’s stormy eyes.
“Do you vow to love and honor yourelita?Will you care for her and keep her, and cherish her above others? Will you fight to protect her, and put her safety before all else, even your own life?”
“I so vow.” Jaeger holds my gaze. A jolt runs through me, and there’s a great rushing sound in my ears, drowning out a few of St. James’ next words. Jaeger explained that the vows are changed, depending on the willingness of theelita.
“And you, Elodie.”
I startle when he says my name.
“Do you vow to submit to Jaeger, and wear his collar as a sign of your loyalty and love? Will you honor and obey him, and give yourself over to him in full and complete surrender?”
Jaeger warned me what was coming, but nothing could prepare me for how the ground feels like it’s dropped away. Only Jaeger’s gaze anchors me, keeps me from falling.
But I want him too much to turn back now.Surrender.
I say, on a shaky breath, “I do.”
Jaeger leans in and seals it with a kiss.
A minute later, I’m wearing his collar. The white gold is a comforting weight around my neck and already feels like a part of me.
My friends approach and give me brief hugs, whispering congratulations before being ushered away. The collaring ceremony was only the first part of the night. The second part is only for members of Fraternitas.
Once again, I’m blindfolded and led to the underworld. When the blindfold lifts, I’m standing in the vast sanctuary in front of a crowd of robed figures. The flames flicker in the walls, casting eerie shadows over the hooded faces of Fraternitas.
Lucy’s here along with Father Francis and the leadership of Fraternitas. But I barely notice them because Jaeger’s standing close to me.
I lean on one of the crutches Kaiser had given me and let the ritual wash over me.
The last time I was here, I didn’t know what was going on. Now I do. Father Francis speaks the ritual in Latin, but Jaeger explained the vows to me earlier.
You vow loyalty to Fraternitas and all its members.
You vow to uphold the rule of the Devil and his Seven.
Above all, you commit your life to the one you have chosen. You will be bound together by water, by fire, by death, and by blood. So shall you vow.
“Yes, I so vow,” Jaeger speaks first. After a pause, I echo it. I’m not as loud as him, but the cavernous chamber carries my voice to the back of the room.
A set of doors in the back slam open, and Kaiser and another masked executioner drag a man toward the ritual pool.
