“You’re not afraid of the Sovereign Codex at all, are you?”
Bastion’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
“They’re afraid ofus.”
He wasn’t wrong. I felt it every time someone whisperedCrowlike it meant something darker.
Luca’s hand was still resting on my thigh, warm and steady.
“You asked why our family doesn’t follow the protocols,” he said softly. “It’s because we don’tneedto.”
“We don’t borrow. Webrand.”
And I knew he wasn’t just talking about business. Or dynasty law. He was talking aboutthe bride.
“I’m probably going to regret this,” I said, sliding my wine glass forward, “but what does branding actually look like?”
“For us or?—“
“Both,” I asked.
Luca answered first. “You’re branded with the dynasty crest when you turn sixteen. But only if you take the Oath.”
“What happens if you don’t?”
“You don’t get the brand. You don’t get the family. You’re out.”
“They carve it into your back. Not just ink—carve. Every line filled with blood first. The pain is part of it.”
“Four hours,” Bastion added. “You’re not allowed to move or speak once the needle touches skin.”
“You say your vows first,” Luca said. “Then silence. And after that…”
“You belong,” Bastion finished.
Belong. That word hit harder than I expected.
“And wives?” I asked softly.
“They get marked differently. But yes. Just as permanent.”
“The full crest goes across her back,” Luca added. “During the wedding, the husband’s name is tattooed shoulder to shoulder over it. The space is intentionally left blank until then.”
Bastion finger traced my shoulder, causing my blood to rush.
“And the lock-in,” Bastion said, voice lower now. “Five days in isolation. Training his pet.”
My spine stiffened. “You’re joking.”
“We’re not.”
“The thigh seal is applied during the lock in. That’s only for Crow Dynasty wives. Invisible to the public, only the husband sees it.”
I swallowed. “Like a brand?”
“A vow mark,” he said. “Kissed. Then tattooed. Placed where he chooses.”
Where he chooses. I was too shocked even shake my head.
