Dying to Marry Him novel · Chapter 8 of 24

Chapter 8: Dawn, Part Two

"Alyssa," I said. "Gilt told you to say no."

"Gilt told me the truth," Alyssa said. "Your story ends this morning, and I'm not going down with a stranger's notebook."

Her voice was steady, and her hands were not.

"Think," I said. "Your vow says until death. He grants it word for word."

"Mine says faithful and obedient." She lifted her chin.

"Gilt has an arrangement with me. I do what the Host asks, and I get a fourth night."

Gilt beamed at her from the altar steps.

"Contestant Danforth has been a delight," he said. "Truly. We will honor her service."

"Then why is she standing next to the Master with her vow still open?" Loretta called out.

Nobody answered her.

The nurse's hand found mine. It was cold.

Gilt raised both arms, and every monster in the pews went silent.

"Collection!" he cried. "Master, begin."

Rook came down the altar steps one at a time.

He stopped in front of Alyssa and bowed his head.

For the first time since I had met him, his hands were trembling.

"Alyssa Danforth," he said, and the words dragged out of him.

"You vowed to be faithful and obedient to me until death do us part."

"That's right," Alyssa said.

"So be it."

The candles dimmed.

Alyssa's smile slipped.

"Wait," she said. "What's happening? Mr. Gilt, what's happening?"

Gilt looked at her kindly.

"Oh, my dear," he said. "You will have your fourth night. In the story we tell about you."

The monsters in the pews began to applaud.

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