There’s a short lull of silence when Mercy tosses the bouquet in the air until everyone winds back to life and lunges for the flowers. There’s a flurry of hands as the heap of people moves forward like a sentient mass, and I step backward, trying to avoid getting an elbow to the face.
A blonde I don’t recognize snatches it from midair, but her victory is short-lived when Gemini appears out of nowhere and rips the bouquet out of her grasp. Her mouth falls open in protest, but she doesn’t dare say a word as Gemini yelps in victory.
“Where’s my future wife?!” he says with the widest smile, his face still stained and bloodied, as he whips his head left and right, looking for Veil.
He finds her beaming, standing in the dispersing crowd, and pulls her into his arms for a kiss before dramatically bending her backward, lips still sealed.
My gaze slips to Mercy, standing a few steps away. There’s a ghost of a smile on her lips as she watches the new couple. Her obvious affection for Gemini will forever evade me.
It’slate into the night, and the festivities have retired to a far less formal room. It appears to have been designed just for this kind of night with its low, moody lighting and countless couches and chaises filling the space. It’s my first timeinsidethe Vorovsky estate, having only frequented the gardens and maze during the Feast of Fools.
Aside from us six—now seven—servants, everyone celebrating alongside us has been overtaken by the throes of excess, and I’m struck by how similar some of the facets of our powers are. I’ve never before stayed long enough in Vorovsky’s presence to witness it myself. I’m suddenly realizing that the lack of inhibitions among the celebrants looks a lot like being overtaken by lust. The same wide pupils. The same insatiable hunger.
Except my power is a lot more controlled, dignified. I prefer to keep that facet of my powers for my designated day during Tithe Season.
Still, it makes my throat go dry and my skin itch, as if my god were becoming restless at the sight. To distract myself, I grab a wandering soul by the collar and pull them into a kiss. They’re too drunk to protest—although I’ve never had anyone protest my affections before.
I can feel the effect instantly. The feeling is close to an orgasm, followed by a tingle of electricity from my toes all the way up to the crown of my head. I feel immediately recharged, my heart thumping with renewed energy. After having my fill, I break the kiss and shove them out of the way, now feeling a lot more social.
I scan the dark room for some familiar faces and spot Gemini, Veil, and Constantine sitting in one of the far corners. Not my first choice, but they will do for now. Reaching into my clutch purse for my pocket mirror, I retouch my red lipstick before making my way to them.
They’re in a fit of giggles when I approach, Constantine especially.
“What’s so funny?” I ask with genuine interest, still strumming with adrenaline from the kiss.
“Veil was showing me her powers,” Constantine says, breathy with excitement.
“Oh?” I respond, sitting beside her.
“Veil, now do her, do her,” Constantine presses, and I can hear the faintest of slurring in her speech.
My heart sinks when Veil turns to me, a sparkle of determination in her brown eyes.
I begin to protest. “Veil, no, don’t—” But it’s too late.
I feel my powers siphon out of me like a cold chill traversing through my bones.
I can tell the instant it dawns on her.
Veil’s smile drops, her eyes widening in horror.
There’s a beat of loaded silence.
Then, she speaks far too calmly. “I’m pregnant.”
41
VEIL
Belladonna’s alarmed expression only solidifies the pit in my stomach at the realization. I hold on to her powers for a few more seconds as my heart beats out of my chest, desperate for this confusing sense of knowledge to prove to be false.
But I’ve never been so sure in my godsdamned life.
I’mpregnant.
I let the gold thread slip, the god of lust’s powers returning to their rightful heir.
I turn to Gemini. Anger floods my veins like a raging volcano.
