6

Talia

“The priest is here,” my father announced, saving me from answering Ares’ strange question. Was he asking because he remembered how Val’s hair looked… or because of mine? Either way, I hadn’t been expecting it, and my nerves began to quiet, settling into something cautiously hopeful. Maybe Val and I really did look alike. More than I’d given myself credit for.

Only Father, Cesare, Ares, and I proceeded into Father's office. Our fathers would serve as witnesses to this union. I could feel Ares at my back, close enough that the heat of his gaze burned between my shoulder blades.

The door shut quietly behind me and the reality of everything set in. I would leave this room bound to a man I did not love for life. In our world, there was no such thing as divorce. Only death would be my escape. I wanted to be mad at Val for putting me in this position, but it was drowned out by a deep, gnawing fear. Whatever had made her run must be far worse than the nightmare I was walking into. Father stood next to me, placing a hand on my arm. “Make your family proud,” he mumbled.

Father Dominic cleared his throat, offering me a warm smile that felt painfully out of place. He had baptized me as a baby, led service every Sunday for as long as I could remember…. Could he tell I wasn't Valentina?

“Will the groom and bride kindly face each other?”

I shuffled closer, turning to Ares, who didn't bother to move from his spot. Up close, I could see every little detail about him: a thin scar cutting through his left eyebrow, giving his expression an edge; the subtle crook of his nose which somehow enhanced the cruel perfection of his face.

His deep brown eyes traveled slowly over my face before pausing on my hair. A flicker of irritation crossed his features and vanished just as quickly. What was his deal?

“We’re gathered here today to witness the union of our children,” Father Dominic said gently, “Valentina and Ares.”

My stomach lurched violently, bile rising to my throat. For a terrifying second, I was certain I would puke right here, at my own goddamn wedding.

“Marriage is a big deal. It shouldn't be taken lightly.” I sensed the words were aimed squarely at my father.

“They're both consenting adults,” my father countered.

I did not consent to this.

Father Dominic cast me a pitiful look before continuing. The whole process was a blur until I felt Ares’ touch. Shivers ran through my body. I convinced myself it was from how cold his hand was, and not my body reacting to his touch. If he noticed, there was no indication.

He took my hand with a firm grip, trying to slip an exquisite diamond ring onto my finger but the band was too small, and refused to slide over my knuckle.

Shit! There was no reason the ring shouldn't fit Valentina. It had probably been designed specifically for her.

His eyes flicked up to mine and for the briefest moment, I could swear I saw something threatening lurking beneath the blank mask he'd been wearing. It felt like he was waiting for me to drop to my knees and confess or beg for mercy I didn't deserve. Without breaking eye contact, he adjusted my hand and pushed the ring harder. The metal dug into my skin, drawing a sharp hiss from my lips. When it finally slid in, he dropped my hand as if it were infested, leaving me trembling.

Father Dominic cleared his throat softly. “It’s your turn, my child.”

My father stepped forward and pressed the second ring into my palm. Ares extended his hand, and I grabbed it without hesitation. Veins traced faint lines beneath his skin, and dark ink marked each finger, one letter etched onto each knuckle. D-E-A-T-H.

I trembled as I guided the ring over his skin, feeling the firmness of his hand. It fit perfectly, settling at the base of his finger. Of course it did. This ring had been made for him, unlike mine.

Father Dominic cleared his throat again, a gentle nudge back to the ceremony. “By the power vested in me,” he said solemnly, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now… kiss the bride.”

A possessive hand snatched my waist, and he pulled me closer. My chest constricted, panic coiling in my gut alongside something I wasn't willing to admit. Was he going to kiss me? My eyes fluttered close. I didn't know what I was expecting, but the disappointment that settled in my chest when I felt the graze of his lips against my cheek was something I couldn't explain.

When I opened my eyes, Ares fucking Marcelli had a terrifying smile on his face.