Chapter 43
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Andras
Iattempted to keep my eyes open to watch over the others, but it was impossible. And pointless. As soon as I was fully submerged, the visions took over and the secrets of my brothers flooded my mind. Our bond gave us just enough access to witness each others’ offerings.
Seraphina’s broke my heart. Not because I judged her, or that it was wrong. Because she was a lost and lonely girl desperately looking for the family she was ripped away from. For ten years, she was alone. How could I judge her for not regretting killing the man who left her behind?
When the goddess began whispering in my mind, I already knew what she would show me, what I would offer to my mates.
The ritual that killed Seraphina’s sister and mother was not actually the first attempt at capturing them. Even then, while part of me wanted to please my father and gain the power the Kings taunted us with, part of me wanted it all to end, for them to fail.
On one reconnaissance mission, I happened upon a girl who could pass for Seraphina.
She was the right age. She had two sisters, and none of them looked alike.
I discovered they were adopted. The Obscuritas Kings had them kidnapped and brought to the manor.
When it was discovered they were not the powerful creatures our fathers sought, we were punished.
Laszlo Blackbyrn ordered me to torture and kill the girl who could have been Seraphina.
She was terrified, and only mortal. And I did as he ordered.
She screamed so horrifically, lasted much longer than I anticipated.
My father watched me work, made sure I didn’t go easy on the girl. Only when he was gone did I vomit.
How did you feel when you tortured and murdered the child?
Relieved. That it wasn’t Seraphina. That it wasn’t the family my father needed. I didn’t vomit because I was appalled at what I did. I was appalled at myself for not caring about what I’d done at all.
At my confession, a weightlessness entered my body, and I had the sense that I was floating and no longer fighting for air beneath the surface of the pool. My brothers were given their own punishments that night, and we shared bits of what we endured, but never had I shared the extent of mine.
The visions continued, and I realized the next was Leviathan’s.
His story always broke my heart, the things he endured.
Samuel Delano had the ability to influence the mind, and he taught Levi similar skills.
My brother was also a beautiful man. He grew into his muscular figure as a teen, with those alluring navy eyes and soft lips.
And his father used it. Used him. Levi was forced to use his body to gain powerful allies.
To coerce men and women, old and young, to join our fathers’ secret society.
We knew of it, but Levi would never talk about it.
Never tell us what he did or how many people he was forced to perform for.
Give us your shame. Tell your brothers who it was that broke you.
The voice echoed in my mind, and I waited to hear Levi’s response. The silence lasted longer than I expected. My brother was resisting. He did not want to share, to burden us. I sent courage and acceptance through the bond, letting him know he could do this. We would never reject him.
The scene finally emerged, and bile rose in my throat. Darren Radnor, Typhon’s father, was thrusting his disgusting cock inside Levi. He couldn’t be more than seventeen. Darren was whipping him with a paddle, taunting Levi, breaking him. He ordered Levi to stroke his cock and come, to enjoy it.
Why did you hide this from your brothers? From yourself?
Levi’s shattered soul called out to my own. Because I couldn’t bear to tell Ty. And the only way I got through it…was pretending it was Typhon instead. I wanted Ty to be my first.
I expected Typhon’s rage to rattle our bonds, but in this moment, he surprised us all. Ty filled the mate bond with love and acceptance. With compassion.
We accept.