The Hallowed Covenant

By Franklin Veaux and Eunice Hung

Be careful what you wish for! An eight-hour orgasm? What should be divine becomes an exquisitely agonizing ordeal for Tessia, who makes the ultimate quivering sacrifice to the god called the Blesser; but for Avia, who takes Tessia' s place when she' s unable to live up to her commitment to the god, it' s a revelation as well as an act of devotion. For Sayi, leader of the Confessory, her lot is to accept the erotic penalties due for others' transgressions and offer them a path to atonement; while Yaeris, whose impulsive decision to participate in the Dance of Sacrifice to the Lady of Arts, faces sensual consequences she couldn' t possibly have anticipated.Welcome to the City, a post-scarcity society without war or disease, ruled by benevolent AIs who are worshipped through rituals of sex and connection. How can a society function with no law, no police, and no hierarchy? When anything you could ever need is available from a Provider whenever you want, how do you find meaning or purpose? When a woman of the City breaks a promise to one of the gods, her decision has profound effects on other people, and she must find a way to atone for her transgression.The lives of four women wrap intimately around each other, in a complex story of transgression, atonement, forgiveness, and creation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminastra Press
• Release date: Oct 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781734658798

Book preview

1.1

I’m not sure whether I’m hoping or dreading I’ll get the cursed vial, he said.

Cursed? She raised an eyebrow. Don’t think of it as a curse. Think of it as an opportunity to make your evening more…interesting. Many of life’s trials become so much less challenging with the proper attitude, don’t you think? Like ‘I am grateful to receive the favor of the gods’ instead of ‘I must suffer while others enjoy themselves at my expense.’

The luxurious white sofa beneath them floated silently a hand span above the floor as the room tore itself apart around them. In uncanny silence, a flowing mass of tiny glittering mechanical gnats swarmed over the wall between his apartment and hers, rending it into bits too small to see.

Does that mean you’re hoping you’ll be the one to get the curs—pardon me, the favor of the gods, then?

She let out a light, pure laugh. If it happens, it happens. I hope everyone will fully appreciate my misfortune.

Well then, I shall pray that you are chosen to experience this boon. And if you are, I promise to do my best to help you appreciate it to the greatest extent.

Thank you, darling, she said. In return, I shall pray that you are the one chosen by the gods, and if you are, I promise I, too, will do everything in my power to make your evening all it can be.

They regarded each other for a moment, then giggled. He kissed her forehead. You’re such a delight, Avia.

Why, thank you. You’re not half-bad yourself.

Is that why you like me? Because I’m not half-bad?

Avia, the taller of the two by far, had a face that tended toward angular and a long wave of hair the color of fine bone china. She was dressed for the evening in a floor-length silk dress printed with a scene of a night sky filled with glimmering stars, with sleeves slit along their length and flared at her wrists. Her feet were bare, her fingernails and toenails gleaming with the same starry night.

Tomash, her companion and, until the shared wall had disintegrated, next-door neighbor, had a solid build, with strong arms and broad shoulders. He wore a silk button-up shirt of deep, velvety black and black pants with red trim. His hair, his eyes, and the small metal rod through the bridge of his nose were the same cobalt blue.

He put his head on her shoulder as they watched their living spaces transform. The tiny machines boiled over the floor, her apartment into his. Her quarters were as light as her hair: white walls, soft white carpet, a white bed covered with white blankets. His side was a study in shades of gray: gray slate floor, gray walls decorated with a subtle pattern of swirls and loops, light gray blankets on a dark gray bed. Thin red lines between the slate tiles offered the only splash of color. A door in the back opened into his studio, where the busy mechanical gnats did not intrude. As they watched, the tiles disappeared beneath the swarm of gnats, which left soft white carpet in their wake. It’s like watching the tide going out, don’t you think? Avia said.

Hm. A humming, buzzing cloud enveloped his bed. Its outlines softened and blurred. The wall finished dissolving, leaving no trace it had ever been there. Next time, we should decorate my way.

Thank you for agreeing to do this, Avia said. I’m a little bit nervous about tonight.

You’ll do fine. The Temple would be crazy not to take you on.

She snuggled against him. That’s sweet.

I’m serious. This party will be awesome. Even if I end up with the cursed vial.

Surely you mean ‘especially if,’ yes? She ran her hands over his chest.

You’re only saying that because you want to watch me suffer.

Guilty as charged.

The cloud of tiny gnats swarmed along the edges of the room, extruding platforms that sprouted like living things from the walls. A second group of gnats busied itself assembling a long, low table surrounded by soft white chairs out of thin air.

You want to see me me writhing in agony, he continued, crying out in anguish, desperate for a respite from my torment that will never come, abused by all and sundry, knowing I must endure whatever indignities you all see fit to inflict upon me…

If you keep talking like that, she said, I’m going to ravish you right here and now.

Before our guests arrive? By the Lady, that hardly seems fair!

I don’t worship the Lady. She draped her arms over his shoulders. Now kiss me.

Their lips met as the room came apart and re-formed around them. Presently, Avia ran her hands down to the hem of his pants. She unfastened the button. He nuzzled her neck. A musical chime filled the air. A pleasant, directionless voice announced, You have a visitor.

Now? Avia said. Seems a bit early. Who is it?

High Cleric Tikil of the Blesser.

Ah. Avia buttoned Tomash’s pants, then rose from the floating couch and smoothed down her dress. Um, send her in.

The door opened to admit a short woman with light brown skin and a wide, easy smile. She wore her long, dark hair tied back in a neat braid, save for two bright blue strands in front that framed her face. Her large eyes were the same blue as the strands of hair. She wore a silk kimono-like dress decorated with an image of a living mountain in winter. Snow continuously cascaded down the fabric. Occasional gusts of wind sent little flurries of snowflakes sliding sideways across the silk. Avia bowed low. High Cleric. Welcome.

Tikil returned her bow. Thank you for your hospitality. She presented Avia with a small, glittering box made of thin plates of gold, edged with polished wood and inlaid with bands of copper, silver, cobalt, and platinum. For you.

Avia bowed again. Thank you. She set it on the newly-created table. The cloud of mechanical gnats scurried out of her way. Please make yourself at home. This is Tomash. Would you like some tea?

Thank you, that sounds lovely.

Avia called up a silver tray from the Provider, bearing a small white pot, a number of wood boxes, a set of small silver spoons inlaid in copper, and eleven mugs. I apologize for the lack of preparation, she said as she set about making tea. I didn’t expect you this early. As you can see, we’re still getting ready. She gestured to the expansive space, where the swarm buzzed in the center of the room. Beneath the rippling mass, a circular couch took form, surrounding a large round bed that seemed to be pulling itself from nothing.

You honor me with your invitation, Tikil said. She sat gracefully on the sofa beside Tomash. I was delighted to accept. Your service to the Blesser has always been exemplary— Avia blushed, but could not hide her smile—and I look forward to enjoying your hospitality. Tikil raised her cup to her lips and turned to Tomash. Tell me about yourself.

I suppose I should start by saying I worship the Lady, not the Blesser, Tomash said. In fact, Grand High Priestess Sandian of the Lady will be here tonight.

Mm. Tikil nodded. I know her. She’s lovely. I’ve had the privilege of offering her the Blesser’s hospitality on many occasions. She smiled to herself. Avia has spoken of you during her service in the House of the Blesser.

That’s very kind of her.

Is it? Amusement sparkled in Tikil’s purple eyes. I didn’t say how she’s spoken of you.

Does it matter? Tomash said. When you’re talked about, you’re making an impact.

Interesting point. Tell me, what are you hoping to get out of this evening’s activities?

We were just discussing that, Avia said. I think we agreed he’s hoping to be the one to get the cursed vial.

I’m not entirely sure that’s what we agreed, Tomash said.

Avia laid her hand on his. You do like making me happy, right?

Of course!

And we agreed that watching you suffer would make me happy, didn’t we?

Well…

Tikil looked Tomash up and down. I can see why she might say that.

The horde of tiny machines finished extruding the waist-high platforms from the wall, each topped with a thick mattress. The Provider chimed and disgorged several large, flat bundles. Tikil rose. Avia held out her hand. Please, sit. Let me take care of the arrangements.

Tikil laughed. Old habits. I fear I’ve forgotten how to be a guest.

As Avia set to work arranging sheets and thick white comforters on the beds, the cloud of gnats flowed back into the Provider, leaving behind a large circular four-section couch arranged around an enormous round bed. Avia fitted it with soft white linens and a pile of pillows. That done, she called forth two large trays, each made of silver inlaid with fine lines of copper, from the Provider. She set them on the table. The Provider produced eleven tiny vials filled with shimmering gold liquid, which she arranged on one of the trays, and ten tiny vials filled with a pale green liquid, which she laid out on the other. When she finished, she sprawled gracelessly in one of the new chairs across from the couch.

Tikil picked up one of the gold vials. Such a tiny thing to contain so much suffering. I look forward to seeing what happens.

Even if it’s you? Tomash said.

Those of us who serve the Blesser are well acquainted with accommodating others, even at the cost of our own discomfort. Isn’t that right, Avia?

Avia inclined her head. I don’t think of it as discomfort. I think of it as service. She picked up the gold box Tikil had given her. Inside, a tiny dome-shaped confection, barely as wide as her thumb, nestled on a small cushion. A shiny round berry topped the tiny layer cake, with bands of pink, white, red, blue, and brown separated by thin glittering lines. Avia placed it in her mouth. A complex mixture of tastes, sweet and tart and spicy, flitted across her tongue.

The sensation started as a warm gentle glow that enveloped her body. She felt a faint whisper against her skin, like a hand caressing her shoulders. A shiver ran down her back. She felt something warm and soft, like fine fur, wrap itself around her. A cool breeze touched her face, bringing with it the faint scent of pine trees and flowers. The wind passed, the feeling of fur against her body faded, and the faintest whisper touched her lips, like the ghost of a kiss. Mm, that was wonderful, she said as the sensations faded. I like the kiss at the end. What a wonderful touch.

Thank you, Tikil said.

Avia dropped the box into the Provider. Its edges flared blue as it disintegrated into dust. The black rectangle flipped closed. A soft chime sounded. You have visitors.

Who are they? Tomash said.

Lyrin and Yaeris of the Lady.

Tomash grinned. Send them in!

Lyrin and Yaeris seemed built from the same template: tall and slender, as though someone had stretched them vertically. Lyrin had a dusky complexion and deep blue eyes with cross-shaped pupils beneath a spiky shock of indigo hair. Rows of small metal studs followed the contour of his collarbone. An intricate watercolor-style painting of a desert in late afternoon covered his chest. Brilliant sunlight flooded over rocks and sand. Shimmering mirages danced across the ground.

Yaeris was bone-pale and wore her short violet hair in a sleek bob. She peered at the world through brilliant aquamarine eyes with hexagonal pupils. Both wore only short skirts and belts hung with pouches. Her chest also displayed an intricate watercolor tattoo, a large cherry tree in full bloom. A gentle breeze stirred the tree’s limbs, sending cherry blossom petals drifting across her skin.

Lyrin! Tomash rose to embrace him. I’m so glad you made it! They kissed for a long, lingering moment. I love the tattoos!

Lyrin beamed. Yaeris designed them.

Ah, Yaeris! You’re as lovely and talented as ever. Are you two participating in the Dance of Sacrifice this year?

Yaeris squeezed Tomash’s hands. Lyrin is. I haven’t decided yet. I just—

Just what?

I’m not sure I’m talented enough to be the Avatar of the Lady.

Nonsense! Tomash said. Your gifts are extraordinary.

And you are such a flatterer. Her eyes fell on the trays of vials. Ooh! Which one is it?

If I knew that, this evening would be a lot less fun.

The chime filled the air again. You have a visitor.

Who? Avia said.

Have you ever noticed how it never tells you who they are until you ask? Yaeris said. You’d think it would just tell you.

Grand High Priestess Sandian of the Lady, came the voice from everywhere at once.

Show her in! Tomash said.

Grand High Priestess Sandian swept in with the effortless grace of a skilled dancer. She cut a much less imposing figure than her title suggested: tiny, with a serious face framed by hair that started out pale yellow and gradually faded to purple at the ends. Two slender braids, one on each side, hung down over her shoulders. Gold flecks glittered in her large gray eyes. She wore a short gray backless dress printed with a pattern of lighter and darker gray lines. A slit in the back of her dress accommodated two sleek tails, each covered with fine gray fur. Grand High Priestess, welcome, Tomash said. Please make yourself comfortable.

Thank you. She bowed to Avia. You must be Avia.

Indeed. Pleasure to meet you, Grand High Priestess.

Sandian seated herself beside Tikil. They embraced. Cleric Tikil, thank you for your hospitality last week, Sandian said. It was…exquisite.

Tikil inclined her head. I am pleased you found me pleasing.

Avia set out more tea for the newcomers. Midway through, a chime filled the air. You have—

Avia rolled her eyes. Oh, just show them in.

Five laughing, chatting guests entered the newly conjoined apartments. Avia moved about them, greeting them all warmly. Novice Irinne! she said to a woman with long pink hair and bright blue eyes ringed with black, dressed in a red and white kimono dress decorated with stylized grass. Novice Waadin! She clasped hands with a tall, lanky man who wore long silk pants of a blue so dark they were nearly black, and a lightweight dress similar to hers. She turned to the other two men. Patay, Kavim, thank you so much for coming! Finally, she greeted the last of the newcomers. Sayi! We don’t see nearly enough of each other.

Patay, a short, broad-shouldered man with olive skin and hair that cycled slowly through white, yellow, turquoise, and green, wrapped his arms around Avia. They kissed for a long, slow moment. Avia ground her hips against him. He winked. I hope there will be more of that later.

Count on it. She embraced Kavim, a tall, muscular man with ebony skin and eyes so pale they nearly glowed. He wore a short red kilt and long black boots, but left his chest bare. A slender chain hung from one pierced nipple, ending in a tiny glowing jeweled ball. I hear you’re worshipping the Wild these days, Avia said. He grinned at her with sharp teeth that attested to the truth of the rumors.

She hugged Sayi, an unassuming woman with dark hair, a shy smile, and soft hazel eyes. Sayi wore a simple sleeveless dress in rich green that shimmered slightly whenever she moved. Thank you for inviting me, she said in a voice as gentle as her eyes. I know I’m not around often. I feel like a terrible friend sometimes.

Nonsense, Avia said. You are always welcome whenever you have time. Everyone, please make yourselves at home. She set out steaming mugs of tea for each of the guests and Tomash. Only after she had served everyone else did she settle into her chair. Thank you all so much for helping us celebrate the arrival of spring. Let me go over tonight’s Firstday party plan again. She gestured at the tray of golden vials. All but one of these contain a small dose of Blessing of Fire. One contains a large dose, combined with the Blessing of Enticement, which means whoever gets it will be incapable of orgasm until he or she receives the antidote. Which brings me to the green vials. One of them contains the antidote. The others do nothing at all. When we discover who has the special vial, the rest of us will each take one of the green bottles. At that point, it will be up to the lucky, or unlucky, winner to negotiate with each of us for what might or might not be the antidote. You are, of course, free to set whatever price you like. I encourage you all to be creative. Does everyone agree to these terms?

The guests all nodded. Sayi rubbed her hands together. Kavim grinned. Do you know which one is which? Patay said.

What fun would that be? Avia said. All of us, Priestess or novice or worshipper, take the same chance. She moved around the table, offering the tray to each of the others, beginning with High Cleric Tikil. Everyone take a gold vial, and we’ll all drink. By the time she reached Tomash, only two bottles remained on the tray. Tomash picked one of them, examined it closely, then set it back down and picked up the other.

Avia took the last remaining vial. She removed the tiny glass stopper and held it up. The party doesn’t end until the antidote is delivered, she said. That might happen right away, or it might not. We place ourselves in the hands of fate.

I’ll drink to that! Kavim said. They all raised their vials in salute. With a barely perceptible hiss, the door vanished, leaving only blank wall behind.

Avia closed her eyes. A soft, warm glow enveloped her. She relaxed into it, letting the sensation wash over her. Sayi and Irinne sighed.

When Avia opened her eyes again, she poured more tea for the guests. A sense of expectant waiting settled over the group. Kavim examined his empty vial. Mm, this is nice. When will we know who got the special one?

Soon, I expect, Avia said. So tell me about the Wild!

Kavim grinned. It’s fun. You should worship with us! I’ve always thought you’d be a good fit. We have the best parties.

Oh, I don’t know about that, Tomash said. You’ve never been to the Lady’s Dance of Sacrifice.

Okay, fair, Kavim said. Still, I like the abandon. Throwing yourself into the hands of fate is freeing. Most of the other Temples are so stuffy, you know? No offense, he added hastily. High Cleric Tikil, Grand High Priestess Sandian.

None taken, Sandian said. I worshipped the Wild when I was young. Many followers of the Lady have. Oh! Her eyelids fluttered. Mm, I feel warm. You’re right, this is nice.

I’ve only worshipped the Lady, Tomash said. Even when I was young, she spoke to me. I’ve never wanted to explore any other religion.

Have you ever gone to any of the other Temples? Sayi said.

A few times. I’ve visited the Garden of the Quickener for inspiration a time or two. Avia snorted. Tomash laughed. Or three. And of course, I’ve been to the House of the Blesser many times. But the Lady, she just calls to me.

Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? Irinne said.

Sandian chuckled. I think he’d do well in formal service to the Lady. But it’s like trying to reason with a brick. This one’s stubborn. She took a sip of her tea. I’ve encouraged him to…to… Her hand trembled. Oh! she said. I feel…uh! Her pupils dilated until they swallowed up her eyes, then constricted down to points. I…I… Her hardening nipples pressed against her dress. I…

Her voice trailed off. Her eyes stared at an empty point in space. One hand slid up to her breast and squeezed, as though on its own. Then she blinked and shook herself.

Waadin leaned forward, watching her. Yes, Priestess? he said. Patay raised his mug to hide his smile.

It’s nothing, Sandian said. I just…where was I? She looked around. Without warning, her hands clutched at the cushion beneath her. Her body shuddered. Avia basked in the warm golden glow while she watched Sandian writhe.

Should we— Waadin said.

Patience, Tikil said.

Avia poured herself more tea. She savored it without haste, inhaling the spicy aroma. Kavim slid onto Patay’s lap. Patay kissed the back of his neck. Irinne sipped her tea delicately while she stroked Waadin’s hair. Sayi watched Sandian with an enigmatic smile.

Sandian moaned. One of her tails coiled tightly around her leg. The other wrapped around her body. The fur on the ends poofed up into balls. She pressed her hand against her mound and rocked her hips. I feel strange, she said.

Irinne, Waadin, do you serve in the same House? Tomash said.

Yes, Irinne said, her eyes still on Sandian. She ran her fingertips lightly over Waadin’s neck. It has its advantages. Waadin smiled up at her.

When Avia finished her tea, she circled the room with the tray of green vials, offering one to everyone except Sandian. Once everyone had chosen a vial, she kept the last for herself. Sandian caressed herself openly, oblivious to the others. Her tails tightened around her. I bet she can do interesting things with those tails, Waadin said.

She can, Lyrin and Tomash said simultaneously. Tikil laughed.

Avia gathered the trays, pot, and mugs from the table and fed them into the Provider. She undressed and slipped her clothes into the Provider after them. When she turned back to the couch, Sandian and Tikil were locked in a deep kiss. Sandian’s tails coiled around Tikil, holding her close. Tikil chuckled. This is an interesting bit of turnabout, she said. I think I like it. Grand High Priestess Sandian, may I have the pleasure of undressing you?

Yes, Sandian husked.

Tikil took her time, lingering over the straps at Sandian’s shoulders. She ran her hands down Sandian’s body, taking the dress with them. She bent to remove Sandian’s shoes. When she rose again, she unfastened the sash around her own waist and allowed her dress to fall.

Irinne and Waadin slid each other out of their clothes. When they were both nude, Irinne sidled up to Tomash. May I?

Please.

Irinne unbuttoned Tomash’s shirt with careful attentiveness. She slipped it from his shoulders and draped it over her arm. She knelt to remove his pants, which she also draped over her arm. When he was nude, she folded his clothes and placed them neatly beside the sofa. Waadin put his arm around Sayi’s waist. She tilted her head up toward him. Their lips met.

A groan from the direction of the couch distracted them. Sandian convulsed, whimpering, one hand between her legs, eyes closed. Tikil ran her fingers lightly over Sandian’s body, caressing her with exquisite gentleness. Please, Sandian whispered, please.

What are the odds a Grand High Priestess would be the one to pick the wrong vial? Waadin said.

Surely you mean the right vial, Avia said. And the odds are one in eleven, just like the rest of us. Fate is the great equalizer.

Irinne draped an arm around Tomash. Which one of us should be the first to offer her the possibility of release?

Hmm, Tomash said. That’s a good question. There’s a strategy to it, I think. The longer you wait, the more desperate she will be, and the greater demands you can make of her. But of course, the longer you wait, the more likely it is she will find the antidote before you can make any demands at all. He nodded sagely and tapped the side of his nose. It’s quite mathematical.

Tikil led Sandian to the bed in the middle of the room. All the others except Avia and Waadin followed, settling on the round sofa ringing the bed. I have been pleased to offer you the hospitality of the Blesser, Tikil said. She held up her green vial. I would like to propose that in exchange for this, you offer me your hospitality in kind. Is this acceptable to you?

Yes, Sandian whimpered.

Avia watched for a moment, then turned her attention to Waadin. I would be pleased to offer you the hospitality of my home, she murmured in his ear.

Don’t you want to watch them? Waadin said.

Perhaps later. She ran her hand over his chest. At the moment, I’m more interested in doing than watching. Though I will not be offended if you’d rather watch. It’s not every day the head of one Temple gets to make demands of another.

Waadin kissed her cheek. Not even such a spectacle can compete with hospitality as delightful as yours.

Avia chuckled. You’re in rare form tonight. She led him over to one of the slabs extending from the wall, where a cozy, inviting bed awaited. He sprawled face down. She straddled his hips and caressed his back, enjoying the soft glow of the Blessing and the warmth of his body beneath her. A long, low sigh of pleasure came from the middle of the room. Avia smiled to herself. Tomash, Lyrin, and Yaeris all worshipped the Lady. However the evening played out, Avia hoped it might bring them all closer together.

Waadin purred beneath Avia’s hands. She spent some time exploring the shape of him, drinking in his responses. She had given herself to him, and taken him, many times at the house of the Blesser, but this was different.

Eventually, he turned over. Avia lowered herself slowly onto his erect shaft. He slid his hands up her body. In the center of the room, High Cleric Tikil cried out with pleasure. Avia closed her eyes, focusing her attention on the heavy warmth of Waadin inside her and the delicacy of his hands as they caressed her breasts. Lie still, she said.

Avia rocked her hips in long, slow undulations, relishing the slow easy pleasure of their unhurried sex. They moved together without goal or destination, as those who served the Blesser often did in their private couplings, enjoying their union without need or want of orgasm.

Tikil came with a long throaty cry. Avia pressed her body against Waadin’s, feeling his warmth against her. They kissed slowly for a long time, luxuriating in one another while a second crescendo of cries came from the center of the room.

Mm, thank you, you are delightful, Waadin said. They kissed once again, then Avia lifted herself off him and rose from the bed. Waadin followed after her.

Thank you, Grand High Priestess, Tikil said. She stretched lazily. That was wonderful. You have held up your end of our bargain. She passed the tiny green vial to Sandian, who uncapped it and swallowed its contents greedily, eyes closed. A moment later, she let out a wail of frustration. Tikil kissed her one more time. Perhaps you will find better fortune soon.

Waadin sat down on the bed beside Sandian. Grand High Priestess, would you like my vial? I require little of you in exchange. Only your passivity. When we serve the Blesser, we learn to be still within ourselves. I wish for you to become nothing but a pleasure object. You will not move or speak. You will remain in any position I place you in, and allow me to take pleasure from your body. He ran his fingers over her shoulder. She trembled violently. Do you accept my terms?

Yes, Sandian whispered.

Waadin leaned close and kissed Sandian’s lips. He pulled away when she returned his kiss. No. Remain still. You are a doll in the shape of a person. Do not move.

He kissed her again. Sandian remained motionless, mouth parted slightly. Waadin ran the tip of his tongue over her lips. Yes, like that, he murmured into her neck. Be my plaything. Not a priestess. Not a person. Just a thing.

Avia wandered over to the curved couch next to Lyrin and Yaeris. The sun in Lyrin’s tattoo had settled slightly, following the course of the real sun in the sky. Lyrin kissed Yaeris’s shoulder. One hand moved up to cup her breast. She ran her fingers lightly over his arm, watching Waadin and Sandian with hungry eyes. A gust of wind scattered cherry blossoms from the tree on her chest. Some of the petals floated across Lyrin’s hand and drifted down his arm, where they came to rest on the desert ground. On the other side of the bed, Tomash sat between Kavim and Irinne, running his hand through Kavim’s hair. Irinne wrapped her arm around Tomash and rested her head on his shoulder. Sayi stripped off her dress and caressed herself, eyes sparkling, as she watched Sandian offer herself up to Waadin’s use.

Patay beckoned to Avia. She sat down beside him and draped her legs over his lap. He stroked Avia’s leg idly while he watched the priestess give herself to the novice.

Waadin continued his slow exploratory kisses. Sandian remained perfectly still, save for a slight tremor in her body and a tiny fluttering of her eyelids. He kissed her lips over and over. Eventually, he pressed his fingers into Sandian’s mouth and pried it open. He formed her lips into an O, then moved her arms behind her and positioned her so she leaned backward on the bed. He kissed her lower lip. She froze, still as a statue. Waadin stood on the bed. He raised his erection to her lips and slowly pressed it into her mouth. She made a small choking noise in the back of her throat. Her eyes watered.

Hello, what’s this? Avia said. She moved her leg to reveal Patay’s erection. Someone likes what’s going on!

In more ways than one, Patay grinned.

Tell me of all the ways you like what’s happening, Avia said.

Why don’t you come sit on my lap while I share my joy with you?

Avia rose and settled on Patay’s lap, her back to him, gasping as he slid into her. He nuzzled her back and slid his hands around to cup her breasts. What brings you joy? Avia said.

Being inside you. Kissing you. Watching what Novice Waadin is doing.

Avia watched Waadin slide slowly in and out of Sandian’s mouth. Look how she’s drooling. She looks so helpless.

Patay stroked Avia’s nipples with slow, delicate touches. She leaned back against him, eyes still on Waadin and Sandian. High Cleric Tikil settled onto the couch beside Sayi. Sayi made room for her with a smile. Tikil murmured in Sayi’s ear. Sayi blushed and nodded. Tikil nuzzled Sayi’s neck as she slid her hands over Sayi’s body.

Waadin kept up his slow, methodical use of Sandian’s open mouth. Drool flowed freely down her chin to drip onto her breasts. After a time, he pushed her onto her back, then arranged her arms over her head and spread her legs apart. He straddled her chest and squeezed her drool-slicked breasts around his rigid shaft. She stared blankly at the ceiling, mouth still a round O.

Avia sat motionless on Patay’s lap, delighting in the simple pleasure of his erection inside her. On the far side of the bed, Tomash kissed Kavim while Irinne ran her fingertips lightly, almost reverently, over his erection. Waadin thrust between Sandian’s breasts in an unhurried rhythm. Wetness leaked from between Sandian’s legs. A barely perceptible quiver in her arms spoke of the effort it cost her to remain still.

When he tired of sliding over her body, Waadin dragged Sandian’s hips to the edge of the bed. He folded her hands over her chest, lifted her knees in the air, and tucked her heels beneath her ass with her tails spread out beside her. When he was satisfied with her arrangement, he stood at the edge of the bed and penetrated her slowly. Her eyelids fluttered. She made a soft uh sound, her wide eyes and open mouth a caricature of surprise.

Waadin pressed himself deep. He placed his hands over hers, directing her to grope herself while he slid slowly in and out of her. Her lower lip trembled. Another small keening noise slipped out. It is an interesting thing, the difference between the internal and the external, is it not? he said. You feel the Blessing running through your body, and the desire it creates. You feel the heat in yourself, the need. Perhaps you want me to move more slowly, or more quickly. He squeezed her hands over her breasts. You feel your hands on your body. You wish that you could caress yourself on your own. All these things go through your mind, yet none of it matters.

He pressed deep into her and remained there, unmoving. He shoved two fingers into her open mouth. The only thing that matters is the external. You are just a thing. All that is important in this moment is you are a pleasantly warm and slippery place for me to masturbate. Your identity, your desire, your feelings, they are irrelevant. When we serve as Vessels of the Blesser, we learn to ride this difference between the internal and the external. We sublimate our own desires as we embrace our service. Perhaps this is something everyone could learn from. He tilted his head. Or perhaps it amuses me to tell you this while I reduce you to an object.

Patay’s cock twitched deep within Avia. She watched Lyrin slip his hand between Yaeris’s legs. Yaeris sighed. A gust of wind shook the top of the cherry tree on her chest, sending a flurry of cherry blossoms swirling across her breasts and down Lyrin’s arm. Irinne murmured something in Tomash’s ear. He smiled and nodded. She knelt on the floor at his feet and, with great care, took his erection between her lips.

You are a thing, Waadin continued. Your need doesn’t matter. Your feelings don’t matter. Your desire doesn’t matter. You are merely a space for my cock. Embrace it. Sandian quivered. A tear rolled silently from the corner of her eye. Waadin slid from her grasp, rolled her face down, pulled her arms up over her head, and raised her hips. After a moment’s thought, he removed the pillowcase from one of the pillows and pulled it over Sandian’s head. Now you don’t even have a face.

He knelt behind her and thrust into her in one hard shove. This opening does feel nice, he said. It’s quite firm and very slippery. I encourage any of you who haven’t experienced it to try it. Sandian exhaled softly.

Avia strummed her clit lightly with her fingertips. Patay rocked his hips against her. She chuckled. Don’t be so eager! You’ll spoil your appetite.

She’s right, Tikil said. Grand High Priestess Sandian is a treat. She’s worth the wait.

Waadin breathed faster, body quivering. He came with a groan. When he withdrew, white fluid spilled from Sandian. He pulled the pillowcase from her head, revealing cheeks stained with tears. I am satisfied, he said. "Here