The hall smelled of sex, sweat, and roses the next evening. The air felt thick. Every bench and standing spot along the walls was filled.
The dais had been widened into a large platform supported by added wood and metal. Braziers burned along the edges with a steady red glow. Fractures covered significant portions of skin on many people in the room. The anti-magic pulsed in slow, steady waves.
Aiden stood at the center of the platform, naked and fully hard. Bright silver fractures ran across his chest, arms, thighs, and parts of his face. He looked out at the crowd and spoke clearly. "This is The Breaking. I will claim you until the light either bows or burns me. Isolde will assist. Begin."
Isolde stepped up beside him in a simple robe. She nodded to a few of the women who had already been claimed in earlier nights.
