The divine being grew bored with waiting in her gilded cage and returned to the window, staring out onto the commune.  Fingers spread wide, cheek and body pressed to the cool glass.  People who longed for salvation going about their daily business had no idea that they were being observed from this heavenly creature on high.<br/><br/>Raker’s voice pulled her back and encouraged her to turn and take in the sight of her dark prince, his darkness accentuating her light.  They<i>had</i>missed him.  Even the quiet one who whispered and persuaded her to entice John into impure thoughts had missed the Ovrem son.<br/><br/>The smile that formed on soft pink lips belonged to the seductive one.  Momentarily, briefly, the desirous look in the oracle’s eyes was less than innocent.  Something<i>saw</i>Kell and it wanted him.<br/><br/>But again, just like with the reverent one who had been on his knees before her, she blinked and it was gone.<br/><br/>The righteous one, the pure one, returned to the forefront of wide green eyes.  She was the oracle once more.  Unsullied and untouchable by all but the worthy.  And oh, how this ritual would make them all so worth of the delicate Ovrem bright toy.  A toy for Kell to move and manipulate as he saw fit, her head guided this way and that.  A pretty object for the dark-eyed dark-clothed prince to play with.<br/><br/>“I did everything Irma told me to.  I cleansed my mind, my soul, and my body.  I read and I meditated.  The words will be wonderful.  Everyone will love them.<i>You</i>will love them.”<br/><br/>His stern tone sent a wrinkle across the smooth skin of her brow.  Had she done something to displease him?  He had never spoken to her in such a way before.  Not even when they were young and he played roughly with Jarek’s bright toy.<br/><br/>Delicate fingers were already in motion before his even finished their commanding gesture.  UP went the gossamer fabric cocoon to reveal the beautiful blush-and-cream colored butterfly beneath.  Her body on display just for him.  Let him<i>see</i>.  Even as a young girl, she was compliant with the orders coming from the doctor and his princely son.  They knew what was best.  Who was she to question them?<br/><br/>Lotte’s eyes were downcast as she peeled away the wisps of fabric to reveal her truth to him but soon enough that irresistible poison was back, stepping around Raker to emerge in the front.  Let the light hit your chest.  How easy it was to take Raker’s words and twist them.  Her eyes lifted slowly, following the great length of his body until she was looking up at him through her lashes.<br/><br/>He desires you.  He<i>covets</i>you.<br/><br/>Lips pursed softly as head tipped, her eyes always on his, studying him, learning his truth.<br/><br/>A soft inhale of breath sent the poison back where it belonged, behind Raker, the one who loved Kell the best.  Cheeks filled with a deep flush, her fingers releasing the hem of her gown, letting it drop down to cover her beautiful body.  Eyes down once more, her fingers twisting in the fabric near her thighs.<br/><br/>“Is it time yet?  Are the people ready for me?  I still don’t know exactly what I’m supposed to do.  You’ll stay with me, won’t you?”  The words tumbled out of her in a blur as she reached for his hand, clasping it desperately.  So much was riding on her small shoulders, so many people’s salvation depended on her.