The Brethren Lords

I was a journalist, I had a life, friends, and then all of that was taken from me. No, not taken, stolen. The Brethren found out about my exposé. They realised I was getting too close to their nasty little secrets—and so they made sure I disappeared. Except, they didn’t just grant me the mercy of a shallow grave. Oh no, instead they handed me over to Magnus Blake, practically gift-wrapped me for him. And he’s got plans for me. Big plans.

Tainted. Dirty. Those are the words my family use to describe me. It doesn’t help that after my mother escaped them all years ago, she was tragically killed and I was returned back to them like a neat little package. My aunt hates me. My grandfather despises me. My life until now has been one of keeping my mouth shut and keeping my head down, praying no one sees me. And then he comes along. Conrad Blake. He’s confident, an egotistical arsehole but I’ll admit there is something attractive about him. He’s my aunt’s fiancé.

I never lived a day until he came along and found me… Forced to compete for our Chapter Lord’s hand in marriage, I silently pray through each and every ritual that I will not be chosen. But when my nightmare becomes a reality, my life turns into nothing short of hell. My dear Lord husband chose me because he needs an heir. He doesn’t care for my needs, he doesn’t even see me as a person. I’m a thing to own, a vessel to use. But amongst the horror there’s one shining light; Devin. One of my Chapter Guards. I’m not meant to look at him, let alone know his name.

They took my name first. Then my face. I was brought here to pay for sins that were never mine. Traded, reshaped, and punished until the woman I used to be is completely erased. They say I look like her. They demand that I become her; become a living ghost. And when I fail, they remind me what happens to replacements that don’t fit their requirements. For a long time, I believe there is only one man doing this. His cruelty and obsession simply wearing different moods like a living god who punishes and absolves at whim.