The Reaper's Wicked Obsession
Chapter 109: The Crowning Ceremony (2)

Chapter 109: The Crowning Ceremony (2)

Isadora silenced the rest of the stares and the crowd, ensuring she kept her gaze ahead.

But her plan failed, for the moment her eyes landed on Kraven—standing at the high table, hands in his pocket, massive, with a presence that consumed the very air—she faltered.

Her lips parted, and her eyes drank the sight of him. He was dressed in a black frock coat, a white tunic beneath with a peak of his chest—marred with runic tattoos. Black leather pants and boots.

He was ravishing in his attire, simple but yet so majestic. His shaded silver hair was not braided so the strands fell on his forehead merging with his dark eyebrows.

Vanya had mentioned that Lord Raven and his commanders would not wear their braids today as an honor to the crowned warrior. She never thought the look would almost bring her to her knees.

Each step Isadora took toward him became difficult, silence overtook the entire place and she was the center of focus but yet she did not mind them. Her attention was heavily on the rousing man.

Who didn’t even look at her. Not as she expected, his gaze held hers like she was nothing more but another warrior walking down the aisles. A visible annoyance drowning his gaze as she took forever to come to him.

She had dressed for this. Certainly not for him but this moment mattered. Because she had earned her place here, she wanted to be seen by him.

Isadora gulped heavily at her own thoughts. ’Seen by him?’ she shoved that thought away.

Taking all the courage she could conjure she stood just a few feet away from him.

His eyes met hers—briefly, just another warrior before him as he spoke, his gravelly voice breaking through silence.

"You’ve proven yourself, young warrior. In the name of the seven gods, you fought well. In the name of the Raven Court, you proved yourself. Keep it that way and know you’re devoted to the cause and that your spirit burns in the dark and you’ll not be consumed, for you know who rules it, let it strengthen you and be your salvation in the time of need."

And that was it.

No flicker of amusements or lingering fascination like he usually did.

Just simple words, empty. Like he had resharshed the whole thing until it became a mantra.

Just another warrior.

Isadora mentally scolded herself, pondering why she expected something more from him. This was what should happen and how it went on for the others.

They probably looked more grandeur than she did.

Something inside her twisted at the thought. Her hands curled into her fists at her sides, emotions warring her chest.

Anger.

Disappointment.

Confusion.

"Bleed and give your loyalty." His command got her heartbeat speeding.

With shaky hands she parted the slit on her gown, revealing her thigh where her holster was strapped.

Kraven’s teeth clenched as the veins bulged beneath his jaw. In a swift move, he took her hand to stop her.

Isadora’s breathing hitched as Kraven used his own dagger to cut her palm.

She winced at the pain as blood slipped out, angling her hand, it dropped on the carved stone beneath her feet, depicting the raven crest.

The mark was crimson from other warriors that gave their loyalty.

Kraven took a step back and said. "Pledge."

Isadora glared at him, she could have done that herself, or was it traditional for him to cut her hand? Vanya did not mention that part.

"Pledge, Isadora."

Oh gods! He repeated himself and he did not look pleased by it.

The glares from the ravenites felt like holes were punctured in her body. What did she do to anger them now? It was their Lord Raven who acted up first!

Swallowing back the swears that wanted to break from her throat, she collected herself, eager to be done with this formality.

"I pledge..."

"To the Raven court."

"I pledge myself to the Raven Court."

"To the glorious purpose."

"I pledge myself to the glorious purpose." It took everything not to roll her eyes when she said those words.

The warning look in Kraven’s gaze gave her the notion he knew what she had in mind.

"To give your blood."

"I pledge myself to give my blood."

"To give your heart."

"I pledge myself to give my heart."

"To give your soul."

"I pledge myself to give my soul."

A smirk found Kraven’s lips. "Pledge yourself... to me," he said in a ragged whisper.

Isadora stiffened at his words, she had pledged her heart, soul, and whatever else, yet when it came to the last thing... she hesitated.

’It’s just formality.’ She reminded herself.

"I pledge myself... to you."

Kraven’s heart skipped a beat at her words, their eyes locked in an instant, as time slowed.

But Kraven broke the spell when he said. "Go forth crowned warrior, you’re worthy."

The entire place erupted in claps, snapping Isadora from her reverie. She took a step back and walked to the table, her eyes finding Vanya, who pat an empty seat beside her.

When Isadora sat, she could finally breathe properly, the entire time it felt like her heart was in her throat.

"That was... intense," Vanya signed.

"Yes," Isadora replied as she moved her hand to heal her cut.

She took Vanya’s hand and healed hers too.

"Thanks," she signed.

Isadora offered a simple smile in return.

"Are you alright?" Vanya noticed how she tried to steady her breathing.

Vanya knew she was still nervous but what happened there was... unexplainable. it’s not every day you see Lord Raven so focused on someone. It was odd.

"Yes, just happy this is done."

"I could tell none of those pledges came from your heart. I think you made the Ravenites hate you again."

Isadora took a moment as her eyes swept every gaze pinned on her. And then at Dain at the other side of the table, glaring daggers.

She placed a hand on her cheek and sighed. "Alda, please, let this night end quickly."

"Now, we feast!" Logi announced, lifting his cup.

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