chapter One

Evelyn woke up to an incessant knock on the door. Not fully awake, she reached for her partner beside her but found the bed empty.

She stood up with a groan. "Who the hell is that at this hour?"

Evelyn and her husband Michael had just returned from their honeymoon in Europe the previous night. They decided to spend a few days resting at a hotel suite before sharing the news of their return.

She staggered out of the bedroom to find Michael working on his laptop by the sofa. "Honey, I thought I heard a knock at the door," she told him.

He stood up to embrace her, carried her over, and sat her beside him. "Good morning, my love. How was your night?" He asked, avoiding her question.

"Fine...I-" Another knock interrupted her. She tried to stand, but Michael stopped her.

"Michael, there's someone at the door. Why haven't you answered it?"

"There's no need. I know who it is," he said, holding her hand.

"Well, tell me then. I'm sure it's not room service since we asked them not to disturb us."

"It's not room service. It's my sister," Michael answered.

"Your sister Jocelyn? What is she doing here?"

"I don't know, but don't open the door. I don't want to see her right now."

"But what if it's a family emergency?"

Michael chuckled. "If it were an emergency, it would be all over the news by now."

"Well, I can't just ignore her when I know it's your sister."

"Okay, fine. Let her in," Michael agreed reluctantly.

Evelyn peeked through the peephole, confirming it was indeed Jocelyn. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.

"Hey, Mrs. Wolf! Welcome to the family," Jocelyn said, hugging her new sister-in-law before stepping inside with several shopping bags.

"What are those bags for?" Michael asked gruffly.

"I'll deal with you later," Jocelyn retorted, pulling Evelyn towards the bags. She began unpacking dresses, shoes, and clothes. "I got all these for you, Evelyn. Try them on and let's see if they fit."

"You got all this for me? That's so sweet!"

"She's not sweet. Everyone knows she has ulterior motives," Michael interrupted.

"Look who's talking. You were worse before Evelyn came along," Jocelyn shot back.

"You two are like cats and rats," Evelyn chided. "Let me try this one on."

She emerged from the bedroom modeling a dress. "Well? Do you like it?"

"Hmm, too flashy," Joycelyn critiqued.

"Didn't you notice before buying it?" Michael asked sarcastically.

"I never said I bought these myself..."

"It's fine, I'll change again," Evelyn interjected. "But what's the occasion anyway?"

"Didn't Michael tell you? There's a ritual a new bride must go through to be accepted into our family. For that ceremony, you'll just need a simple white dress."

"I can't believe I'm just hearing about this now!" Evelyn looked at her frustrated husband. "I don't know all the details, but I'm sure your father will explain at the family dinner tonight..."

"She's not going anywhere!" Michael shouted suddenly. Softening, he told Evelyn, "Honey, why don't you try on the other dresses?"

As Evelyn went to change, she reflected on Michael's rare outburst. She loved hearing his father's war stories and would welcome another opportunity. She took her time dressing to give the siblings a chance to talk.

Approaching the door, she overheard their hushed argument. "I can't believe you haven't told her about any of this! Father will be so disappointed," Jocelyn scolded.

"I don't know how to tell her. I don't want her to go through the ritual."

"Michael, you know this is the only way she'll be safe from our family's enemies."

"I can protect her."

"You can't be with her 24/7. She has her career, her own life. This ritual is the only solution."

"But what if she doesn't...pass the test?" Michael's voice dropped.

Joycelyn paused. "Well, that might be more merciful than having our enemies target her."

"I'm not sure about that...Maybe we could move back to Europe?"

"Father would never allow it. And they could find you anywhere if they wanted. Your presence here is already risky enough. We're stronger together as a family."

Michael sighed deeply. "We'll discuss this later. Go check on Evelyn, she's taking too long."

"Mrs. Wolf! What's keeping you?" Joycelyn called out.

Evelyn quickly emerged. "Is this okay?"

"Goodness, you look lovely! Doesn't she, Michael?" Joycelyn prompted.

"Yeah...of course," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"Is everything all right?" Evelyn asked, noticing his sullen expression. "Or don't you like the dress? I can change again if you'd prefer."

"No, no, I love the dress. It's just...never mind."

"Well, it's decided then! That's the dress for the ritual. I'll let you know the details." Joycelyn hugged Evelyn goodbye. "I must be going now, you know how busy I am. Michael, Father wants to see you soon."

"I'll visit him when I'm less busy," Michael deflected.

"Suit yourself," Joycelyn said, letting herself out.

Now alone with her husband, Evelyn debated how to broach what she'd overheard. "My love, what exactly is this ritual about?"

"It's nothing, Evelyn," Michael insisted.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me that." She cupped his chin, meeting his gaze.

Michael pulled away abruptly. "I need to clear my head." He grabbed his jacket and left without another word.