Phoebe’s POV
I never imagined I’d have the strength to watch this, but tradition demanded I keep my eyes open. Looking away would dishonor the ritual Perry was enduring for .
So I forced myself to stay strong and witness his branding ceremony.
Perry had removed his shirt, baring his chest as he knelt before . Timothy stood behind him, gripping a glowing iron rod.
The gamma shot a playful wink, trying to ease the tension, but nothing could calm the storm raging inside . Every fiber of my being wanted to shove Timothy aside and pull Perry to his feet. This wasn’t necessary.
But protesting now was pointless. I couldn’t change his mind before the ceremony began, and I certainly couldn’t stop him now.
"The moon goddess blesses this union..." Timothy began the prayer before pressing the scorching tal to Perry’s shoulder.
I missed the rest of his words, my focus locked entirely on Perry. I silently begged for this nightmare to end quickly.
"For the kingdom!" Timothy’s voice bood, and the crowd responded in unison.
"For the Kingdom!"
"For the Kingdom!"
Timothy pressed the iron against Perry’s left shoulder. Sally gasped when she heard the sound of burning flesh, and I felt the sa revulsion course through . It took everything in not to rush forward and stop this barbaric ritual.
Only Perry’s steady gaze kept rooted in place, preventing any reckless action. Despite the agony, his expression remained unchanged.
Timothy lifted the rod and grabbed a fresh one, continuing the prayer.
"For the union!"
The guests chanted again.
"For the union!"
"For the union!"
My hands clenched into fists as my breathing turned ragged.
One more. Just one more and this would be over.
"For the sacred mate bond!"
"For the sacred mate bond!"
"For the sacred mate bond!"
The final rod seared into his skin.
Three burned marks now scarred his body - left shoulder, right shoulder, and between his shoulder blades.
The ceremony was complete.
***
The mont I could slip away from the temple, I rushed to check on Perry.
The branding ritual earned him so ti to rest before the next event began.
I was supposed to mingle with guests, accepting their congratulations and well-wishes.
But everyone knew socializing wasn’t my strength, and using my voice issues as an excuse, Timothy and elder Tricia took over hosting duties.
I headed straight to Perry’s room the instant I had the chance, finding him with Marcela.
The healer was applying oil to his shoulders and back. The wounds had closed, but scars would definitely remain.
"My queen," Marcela said respectfully, bowing her head. I held out my hand for the ointnt, and she handed it over. "The wounds are healed, but I’ve applied salve to prevent infection."
After her brief explanation, Marcela left us alone.
Once we had privacy, I continued her work. I winced seeing the damage up close. Tears threatened to spill as I dabbed on the salve.
But Perry caught my hand and pulled in front of him. "Did I make you cry again?"
He brushed away the tears streaming down my cheeks. I hadn’t even realized I was crying. "You’re such a crybaby."
I pushed his hand away and resud treating his wounds. After covering them with salve, I kissed his arms and neck, making him hiss.
"Don’t do that. I don’t want to ss up your beautiful dress."
He pulled onto his lap. Though still shirtless, I could feel his hardness pressing against , and I shot him a glare.
"Don’t bla - you’re the one tempting ." Perry raised his eyebrows innocently as he began licking my neck, his hand cupping my breast.
Minutes ago he worried about ruining my dress, yet now he was doing exactly that.
"Your scent is intoxicating, Phoebe." He hiked up my dress to touch my inner thigh, making spread my legs wider for easier access. "You’re being very cooperative now."
His hand moved higher but didn’t touch directly, fingers hovering over my damp panties, driving crazy with impatience.
"What? What do you want, my queen? Tell what you desire and I’ll gladly oblige." His hot breath against my neck sent shivers down my spine.
He knew I couldn’t speak, but this was his subtle way of trying to make .
Instead of speaking, I grabbed his hand and pushed it where I needed it most. His fingers found my sweet spot, making stars explode behind my eyes.
"You’re so bold, my queen," Perry said helplessly. "So this is what you want?" He lifted his head to et my gaze.
My throat felt dry and breathing beca difficult as Perry continued stroking my core.
I nodded.
"I have a better idea. Why don’t we try my way?"
Alarm shot through at his words, especially when Perry flipped over and pushed onto the bed.
My back hit the mattress as Perry lifted my legs until my knees touched my chest, exposing completely to his view.
Perry smirked before lowering his head and removing my panties with his teeth. He licked and sucked my most sensitive spot.
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