Chapter 157

Emily’s POV

Cindy brushed another dark line beneath my eyes. “Stop moving.”

I went still.

The room smelled like expensive perfume, blood, and candle wax. Outside the massive windows, the entire castle glowed red beneath the rising Blood Moon.

I looked at my reflection and barely recognized myself. The black dress clung to my body like smoke. It was thin, almost transparent, and filthy.

The fabric barely covered anything. The deep neckline exposed the edge of my black lace bra, while the slit in the skirt climbed dangerously high along my thigh.

Exactly how Declan wanted me. Displayed. Owned.

I forced down the disgust rising in my throat.

Cindy adjusted one of the loose curls falling over my shoulder before dusting dark shimmer across my cheekbones.

“There,” she said flatly. “Done.”

I stared at the stranger in the mirror. “I look like a villain.”

“That was the idea.” Her voice held no emotion anymore