Join. The word echoed through Darelle’s consciousness, repeating with each step she took. Colette led her into the torch-lit corridor and turned her in the direction of the great hall. The erotic mosaics on the walls, gleaming in the shadowy light, only served to heighten the sound of the word repeating in her mind, as did her vivid awareness of Gareth and Kane close behind her. Unbidden, she thought of the large, bedlike couch in the great hall, the one covered in a multitude of silken pillows, inviting lovers’ bodies to entwine in carnal pleasure.
Understanding sifted deeper into her consciousness. This couch was to be the place of her s****l union with her guardians. The arrangement of smaller couches in front of hers was for the other Coeurs Éternels, who would witness the act of love
