19. The Ritual

Renatta, the most senior of the servants, spoke to Master Remus in a distinctive accent. Mr. Remus only nodded, then grabbed something from the table and threw a rectangular object onto the fur-covered floor, right in front of the servants.

Bella only realized that it was a few bundles of coins when Renatta took and thanked the other maids before stepping back leaving Bella terrified and not daring to look at Mr. Remus's face. Especially when Master Remus stood up and walked over to her in a calm manner that felt just as intimidating as his gaze.

"Follow me!" He said coldly. He did not hold the hand of the bride-to-be, like other brides-to-be.

Remus walked briskly towards the backyard of the packhouse, Luis was already on his way. At first, he was going to go with Luis.. but Mr. Remus's friend forbade him.. said to wait for the bride...as a tradition.

They walked, it was already dark. Their journey was lit only by small sconces along the corridor. T