A Consummation

I will publish one chapter a week until done. Chapter 2 will be March 20.

My name is Shula. Today is my wedding day. Today is the day I die. If only it were that easy...

Through Fate, God, or Luck, I belong to Jared now. I'm thankful that he's kind to me. I'm thankful that I've escaped the demon, my would-be husband. My cruel captor.

The demon is Jared's father. He's the pillar of our community. My mother died to protect me from him.

There are old secrets, leading to newer mysteries. I may never know them. I may never want to know them. But Jared would save me from the grasp of the river Lethe, should those secrets be too horrible. I think Jared would die for me.

Having something to live for frightens me. Death has an end. I want to live with uncertainty as long as Jared is mine. Even with a demon loose.

Because I didn't know before. I didn't know I would crave such depravity. I didn't know I could be absolutely ruined with lust. It could only be a sin. I'm certain I'm not meant to use my mouth like that. I'm certain that a man isn't meant to be brought to his knees for it.

I will continue to sin.

Jared gives me strength. His desire and trust give me purpose. His love gives me the will to fight.

There's a storm brewing. I can feel it. I'll be ready. I'm done with fear.