Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Has it occurred to you that I’m not doing any of this because I want to? Honestly, you can keep your secrets. I can’t decipher them anyways.”
Ignoring my objection, she and Nicolette took a seat on either side of me and gently reopened the book. "Let’s start with the basics, our guiding principles and the teachings that shape our lives,” Esther began. “The name of our religion is Impío, which translates to ungodly.”
“And unholy,” Nicolette added, earning an admonishing look from her friend.
“It signifies our departure from traditional beliefs and our embrace of a different path."
“Are you like…Satanists?” I asked, the images on the pages flashing through my mind.
“We are most certainly not,” Esther replied with a giggle. “Our reverence transcends typical notions of devil worship. While Impío has symbolisms that can be associated with satanism, our beliefs and practices are drawn from unique traditions, beliefs, and rituals. To merely label us as satanists would be a gross oversimplification and misunderstanding of our deeply rooted faith in the Lord of the Flesh.”
My brows slammed together. “Lord of the Flesh?”
Nicolette chimed in, her tone holding a touch of impishness.
"We worship a different kind of entity, one that isn't bound by notions of mercy or empathy and exists in the flesh.”
“Can you explain that in a way I would understand?”
“Diabolus is our Carnalis Dominus. He embodies a darkness that empowers him to lead without hesitation or restraint.”
That was more confusing than the last explanation. All I understood was that they worshipped a man with a skewed moral compass. Of course, that’s who kidnapped me, of all people.
They continued to explain portions of the doctrine and I listened intently, their words painting a vivid picture of a belief system that greatly diverged from the conventional. It was a world where power and dominance reigned supreme. Men were deemed superior in many aspects, but there was an inherent acknowledgment that they couldn’t thrive, or even exist, without their cherished women.
The duality showcased a balance between dominance and reverence. Their religion was one where the most depraved of sins were celebrated and the pursuit of carnal pleasure was paramount. It was overwhelming to comprehend, yet disturbingly fascinating.
As they continued turning the pages, the text revealed convoluted rituals, complex ceremonies, and stories that showcased the triumphs and struggles of their faith. It was all such a stark contrast to everything I had ever known, challenging the very foundation of my beliefs and morality. I wanted to rebuke and object to what they were teaching, but a part of me was deeply intrigued by all of this.
"And the Rite I experienced?" I questioned, remembering the intense night before and the brand now on my shoulder.
"That was a transitional ceremony," Esther explained gently. “It marks the journey from being an initiate to becoming a more integral part of our community.”
“Is everyone branded?”
“No,” Nicolette answered, shaking her head. “That only happens to women who have been chosen as a man’s Electi.”
“Have you gone through it?”
Her expression immediately shuttered. She was quick to cover it with a light laugh and slight smile.
“I have a brand, but it’s not quite the same. Mine marks me as a member of the Ilse and Impío, whereas yours is considered an honor, since you’re wearing the emblem of your family on your body. I won’t receive one of that degree until I’ve taken the vows that bind me to my master.”
That sounded so hollow and rehearsed, the word master still grating on my nerves. I felt a pang of sympathy for her.
Esther cleared her throat softly and continued with her explanation. “The ceremony cemented your place as Diabolus' mistress. The final ceremony will occur when he makes you his Sponsa Diaboli. His bride.”
“Wait, wait. Do you mean bride as in white dress with church bells ringing?”
They shared a look, and I could tell they were holding back laughter for my benefit.
“Well. You’ll wear a dress, but it won’t be white,” Nicolette mused.
“And the bells that ring will be from a chapel,” Esther added playfully. “Ah, I’m so excited! I can’t believe you’re finally here.”
I loathed I couldn’t despise her for being so joyful. Esther radiated a kind of happiness that was hard to hate or ignore, but it couldn’t overshadow how insane this all was. My place in their society had been decided for me against my will, long before I had ever met any of them or knew of their existence. It was a narrative I hadn’t chosen and seemed to be unfolding with dizzying speed.
I’d never been anyone’s mistress. I’d barely dated. Yet I was expected to marry my captor, a man I barely knew and who was esteemed as the devil. And I couldn’t forget the part where I carried his tiny Diabolus heirs.
Nicolette picked up where Esther had left off before I interrupted, her tone gentle and not at all mocking. "His previous bride gives her blessing during your transition from mistress to wife.”