Chapter 24
“Listen,” I say, “it’s more likely that tiny cherubs will fly out of my ass before I take this dress off.”
June nods. “Same, but not cherubs. I’m going with oranges. It’s a healthier option.”
Mrs. Emerson lifts a brow, clearly not amused. “I don’t have time for your antics. The Order has charged me with the task of preparing you for the ceremony. I haven’t been late in my duties for over a decade, and I’m not about to start now.”
I look to June, not bothering to hide the shock that has to be written all over my face. Mrs. Emerson’s authoritative tone leaves no room for negotiation, but that’s not what has fear coiling in my gut. It’s the fact that this ceremony has been taking place for over a decade. At least.
“Look, lady,” June says, “I signed up to participate in a community event, not a nudist colony.”
Nervous laughter bubbles up in my throat and I stifle it. My discomfort over this turn of events is like champagne, making me drunk on fear.
The older woman tilts her head, her expression unfazed. “Your concerns are duly noted. However, let me be perfectly clear. You signed a contract. A legally binding one that will have you stripped of your academic funding if you refuse to follow through with your obligations.”
“You can’t do this,” Brenda says. Her voice takes on a higher pitch, filled with hysteria. “I never would’ve signed if I’d known you were going to ask me to participate while naked.”
“You won’t be nude, silly girl,” Mrs. Emerson says. “You are going to wear the proper ceremonial clothing.”
She walks over to a large armoire and pulls open the door. Inside are several white gowns. The woman selects one and holds it out from her body, her gaze darting to me.
It’s a wedding dress.
“I think this is your size.” When I don’t move to retrieve it, she thrusts it in my direction. “All you have to do is put it on. Before the event starts, you will be given a chance to get out of your contractual obligation, but until then you have to be dressed in the appropriate attire.”
A heavy silence drapes over the room like a velvet curtain, suffocating me. I drop my gaze, unable to look at June as I give into the demands weighing on my shoulders and take a step forward. This might be just a scholarship to some people, but to me it’s my entire life.
When June and Brenda also take the dresses handed to them by Mrs. Emerson, I highly suspect I’m not the only one who has much to lose.
I inhale a deep breath before removing my silver dress. The rustling of fabric echoes throughout the room as each of us complies with the unusual directive. Mrs. Emerson’s gaze stays locked on us, completely unaffected by our distress and discomfort.
The cool, pale material slides over my skin like a gentle breeze. Intricate lace patterns cascade along my arms and down my entire back, leaving me feeling exposed. The skirt only billows out slightly, providing enough room for me to walk comfortably, but still clings to my hips in an enticing manner.
“The removal of your old clothes is symbolic,” Mrs. Emerson says. “It represents you shedding your preconceived notions about control and embracing the Order’s authority over you.”
I grip handfuls of my skirt and yank on them. “Why a wedding dress? That’s pretty fucking specific.”
“You’re a bride.” When my eyes nearly pop out of my head, she waves a hand in dismissal. “Relax. The only contract you’re fulfilling is the one you signed, not a contract of marriage.”
“Let me guess,” June says, folding her arms, “the wedding dress is symbolic?”
The older woman nods. “However, not in the way you think. Yes, it’s associated with loyalty, in the way a bride must remain faithful to her husband. But it also represents the power the recruit has over you. If he claims you, he will be your master, and you will be his property.”
I make a choking noise before throwing up my hands. “I’m out, like a vegan at a fucking barbecue.”
“Same.” June marches behind me. “No scholarship is worth this shit.”
“Failure to fulfill your duties doesn’t just have repercussions within these walls.”
Mrs. Emerson’s words have me coming to a halt mid-step. I plant my feet and slowly turn to face her, my heart thundering in my chest. “What do you mean?”
“The power wielded by the Order extends far beyond the realm of academia.” The older woman’s brow furrows, a pitying expression on her face. “Did you really think you could walk away? The founding families of the Obsidian Order are no ordinary individuals. They control industries that permeate every facet of society. Technology, firearms, medicine, finance—their influence is beyond comprehension for those outside its confidentiality.”
The gravity of her revelation has my legs trembling. I reach out and grip June’s hand to keep from falling to the ground.
Mrs. Emerson continues speaking, every sentence like a guillotine above my head, getting closer and closer. “Your actions and involvement within this place are not isolated. The power behind these men is not only extensive but pervasive. You can’t escape it, no matter where you run. It’s better for you to save your energy for the chase in the Bride Hunt.”
“Chase?” I repeat the word in a whisper, barely discernible to my own ears. “What chase?”
Mrs. Emerson nods. “That is the part of the ceremony you were summoned for, bride.”
“But we’re not actually getting married, right?” Brenda asks. She wrings her hands until her skin blanches, similar to the pallor of her face. When the older woman nods, she exhales. “What about the chance to get out of this?”
“If you can make it to the forest’s edge, your contract will be null and void.” Mrs. Emerson shrugs. “It’s as simple as that.”
“And if we can’t?” I ask, my words sharp with fear.
“Then, my dear bride, your recruit will be a very happy man.”