77

ORCHID

The anticipation is pure torture.

We are standing in the dark, in the wide corridor of what must have been a luxurious hotel. The only light comes from the candles held by Orch on my right and another omega named Hannah on my left. Ahead of us, closed and locked, are a pair of elegant double doors that are stained and weathered.

"How much longer?" I whisper.

“Any minute now,” Orch replies. “Just try to be patient.”

I nod and look down at my body.

After the meeting, I was rushed to the hot baths that are provided by underground springs to cleanse my body in preparation for the upcoming ceremony. It was the first real bath I'd had since arriving in the Zone several days ago, and it was a welcome luxury. The steaming water washed away the grime and sweat of the last few days and relaxed my muscles.

But that can't wash away the nervousness of what I'm about to do.

What I have to do.

Now my body is dressed in a transparent white dress. It covers my breasts and my sex, but the high s