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i-fondued · 2 years ago

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Ghost | Sinners in Secret | Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen - The Confessional Ritual Incident Pairing: Cardinal Copia x Reader/Sister of Sin x Papa “Terzo” Emeritus III Rating: Explicit Warnings: Plot, smut, etc. See AO3 for full list of tags! A/N: I'm just gonna hide from y'all when you get to the end ehehe >D

As always, this chapter is has been reviewed by my beta, @lurancyvenom whom I love!

Full Chapter List - HERE AO3 Link - HERE

“Amore, you must eat something.”

“I’m fine, Copia.”

“Il Cardinale is right, Tesoro,” Terzo signed, sitting down next to me and leaning back in his chair to try and crack his back. “You have not eaten anything yet tonight, and you have a long night ahead of you, si?”

“I know, I know. I will, I swear.” I yawned before blushing at the soft look on both men’s faces. “Sorry…I’m just tired. It's been a long few days.”

Copia knelt down next to me again, putting his hand on my thigh on top of my skirts with a gentle smile. I placed mine on top of his while Terzo placed his on top of both of ours.

“Not long now, Amore,” Copia teased.

Sister Imperator came to our table, clearing her through with a tense smile.

“Ah, Sister. I was just looking for you,” she said cheerily, the look on her face instantly setting me on edge. “You’ve forgotten a member of the clergy to dance with…”

“I don’t think I did…” I paused, thinking back over the last several hours.

After my dance with Primo, I danced with Papa Nihil which was more like me supporting him, as good natured as he was. Then I danced with Saltarian, a few other Cardinals, and finally I’d been able to sit down now.

“You missed me, Sorella.”

I looked to the source of the voice and my eyes narrowed. Cardinal Veritas was dressed in the same red formal suit that he had worn the last formal event, form fitting and well tailored to his narrow but long frame. His hair was pulled back and away from his face into a black ribbon, the long silvery blond locks curling around and over his shoulder.

“I don’t believe I owe you a dance, Cardinal.” I couldn’t help but sneer at him, Imperator looking slightly taken aback by my change in attitude suddenly.

“Sister!” Imperator hissed at me, her eyes hard. “You will do as is your duty, and dance with Cardinal Veritas.”

“But Sister…” I started to come up with any and all excuses, but her hand held up and I knew better than to argue with her.

I glared daggers at the smug look on his face as he took my begrudgingly outstretched arm to escort me to the dance floor. My skirts swished against my legs as we walked, a slow but slightly sultry song striking up as he twirled me away from him before pulling me back in.

“How have you been, Sister?” Veritas’ voice was clipped but there was a look behind his eyes that made my heart pound and my spine tingle. “Enjoying your last few days before you ascend?”

“What are you playing at Veritas?” I hissed, glaring at him as he stepped closer in our embrace. I could see Copia and Terzo to the side of us, both staring so sharply at Veritas I was surprised he didn’t catch fire. “You haven’t said a thing to me in weeks, suddenly we are buddy buddy and you want to dance?”

“Can a man not pay his respects to the woman who will be at the highest level of our organization without motive?”

“Not considering you tried to kiss said woman the last time we were this close.”

“Ah, for that I apologize. Too much wine that night.” He smiled, a slithering and predatory kind, and I fought to keep my face neutral. “Though can you blame a man for trying?”

“Yes. Yes I can; I’m not interested Veritas, I think I’ve made myself clear enough.”

“Someone as enchanting as yourself should not have to stoop so low to end up with a mousy Cardinal and a Papa who sees himself above the Dark One himself,” Veritas chided, his eyes slightly hooded as he looked down at me. I shuddered, rage blossoming in my chest as he spoke.

I couldn’t help myself as I stepped closer to him, even he looked slightly taken aback at our bodies almost pressed against each other. Each breath caused my breasts to ghost against his chest and he looked smug before I spoke.

“Those two men over there are some of the kindest, most genuine, earnest souls I’ve ever met. If there is anything I’ve learned about you, Veritas; it is that you are neither kind, genuine, or earnest,” I purred, my voice ghosting over his ear causing the man to shiver. “I would rather throw myself from the highest tower than forsake my vows and leave either of them for anyone even remotely like you.”

“That could be arranged, Sister,” he chuckled after taking a moment to recover. “I’m sure my sister, Caterina, would appreciate the chance to rekindle her romance with Terzo after all these years…”

“How dare you…” I hissed, rage filling my chest again as I fought the urge to slap him.

“Ah, how does the saying go? All is fair in love and war?” he purred, dipping me into a low bow as the song started to come to a close. “Well, Sister. I’d say this counts as love and war, no?”

Before I could even formulate a response, the song came to a close. He bowed to me and kissed my knuckles before winking at me and sauntering away, leaving me gaping like a fish out of water on the dance floor.

…

“Incredible isn’t it?”

I turned to look to my left and saw Saltarian had come to stand next to me as I took in the massive tapestry on the back wall, the party behind me in full swing. I’d come over to the tapestry to see my own name embroidered in, my fingers brushing against the gold thread.

“It is very impressive,” I said softly, somewhat emotional thinking about the generations of women before me going through exactly what I was. “I can’t believe that it’s been kept up to date…”

“Painstakingly, and repaired over the years too, when we needed to make way for new bloodlines and off-shoots,” Saltarian chuckled, pointing to where my name had been added next to Terzo’s and another little line had been added for Copia to join us as well. They’d already added a little path for any children we had, and I blushed knowing they had prepared that ahead of my Prime Mover ceremony. “Several centuries of families are on here.”

My fingertips skimmed the line backwards, following from where my name was, passing over where Secondo and his empty slot for his Prime Mover sat, and stopped momentarily on the spot where Primo and his Prime Mover’s name had been stitched in years before me:

Prime Mover Francesca Emeritus Born 1945 - Died 1973

Beside her name was another small line, and stitched in a thin gold thread was another heartbreaking image:

Heir Emeritus {Baby Girl} Born 1973 - Died 1973

A single branch of a family was cut out too soon, my heart clenched even reading it. Their baby had passed before they had even gotten to name her. I had to move on before the tears that welled in my eyes for Primo’s lost love and child fell; my fingers passed over Papa Nihil who, despite having three sons, did not have a Prime Mover. Further and further back I went, until I found the last Prime Mover to take two lovers, the one responsible for the birth of the Emeritus line. I smiled faintly, feeling a kinship with a woman who lived and died centuries before I was even born.

I followed the clergy line, like I had all those weeks ago at my council meeting, watching the family grow and grow. Last names changed as I went on and I closed in on the more recent names. That was when I saw two names and my gasp caught the attention of Saltarian.

Cardinal Maximilliano Veritas Born 1972 - ~*~ Sister Caterina Veritas Born 1973 -

“Is something wrong, Sister?” Saltarian asked, and I shook my head, fearful my voice wouldn’t come out. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Y-Yes Sir,” I stammered, thinking back to the last conversation I’d had with Veritas prior to the one tonight. “If you don’t mind me asking, Sir. What is the rite of inheritance?”

“Where did you ever learn about that, Sister?” he laughed, but apparently something in my face made it clear I wasn’t joking. “Well it's a very, very old tradition. It involves calling into question the line of succession, or in some cases the line of inheritance when there is a place, thing, or even sometimes a bride. Calling for a rite of inheritance was all the rage after the middle ages since so many had died in the various church familial lines, nobody could make heads or tales of what belonged to whom after whole branches of families were wiped out.”

I’d stopped listening to him as he chatted about Medieval history, mentally wrapped up in the last few weeks and what Vertas had said. My heart was pounding in my chest as panic bloomed.

“P-Please excuse me, Saltarian. I need to speak with Papa,” I blurted, bowing my head in apology before starting back to my own table.

Swiss caught my arm before I could get more than a foot closer, tugging me to the side and stepped close to speak with me, his eyes filled with concern behind the silver of his mask.

“Hey Sunshine, what's going on? I felt you panic from the other side of the room.” Swiss kept his voice low as he looked around, as if someone was going to pop out and steal me away.

“It’s Veritas,” I blurted, my eyes darting around to see if I could see him in the room still. I couldn’t find him, and if anything it heightened my anxiety. “I…I don’t know how to explain it but I know that he’s up to something Swiss.”

The clock in the room chimed several times, it was 3 in the morning. Sister Imperator came over with a soft but sleepy smile, hand resting on my shoulder before she spoke.

“Come, Sister. We need to get you ready for your ritual, Secondo already left and you were supposed to be there for 3am.” Imperator turned to Swiss with a cocked eyebrow. “Will you please escort Sister to the chapel, Swiss ghoul?”

“Yes, Imperator Ma’am.” He bowed before taking my arm gently and leading us away. “You should have told her you know.”

“I know, I know. You know it's not exactly like she gave me much of a chance to speak,” I sighed as we walked down the long halls and headed in the direction of the chapel. “Let’s just get this over with....”

When we got to the chapel I smiled when I noticed the ghouls had already started setting up decorations and ceremony elements. There was a slight haze in the air of the room from the heavily fragrant incense they were burning, smoke swirling around in the super low light of the few candles that had been left lit.

I went off into a side suite where there was a simple set of junior sibling robes waiting for me. I wore a white linen dress that had a stiff high collar with long form fitting sleeves; over that I wore a black pinafore dress made in a heavy muslin. I exchanged my formal heels for black leather flats and black thigh high knit stockings, and quickly worked to pull my hair back into a braid before coming out of the suite. Swiss was still waiting for me, and he shook his head wryly and pointed at the ornately carved confessional booth behind him.

“Secondo is already in there, I heard him murmuring a little when you were getting dressed. You go, I’ll stand guard.”

“Thank you, Swiss. You’ve been my rock this whole week,” I smiled, reaching to squeeze his shoulder gently. He looked sheepish as he took my hand and gave it a gentle press of his lips to my knuckle.

“Anything for you, Master,” he teased before scampering away from me, I scoffed, but smiled as I slipped into the empty side of the booth.

“Good Evening, Papa,” I started as I knelt on the floor of the confessional. “It has been…well it's been several weeks since my last confession.”

I hear him make some sort of snort, my cheeks flushing as I remembered who my last confession was with and the conversation with Primo earlier that night.

“I have come before you to share my sins, to feel the sweet release of absolving myself of the contradictory notion of sin. As everything we do is because of the gift of free will from the ancient one.” I spoke clearly, trying to follow exactly what Secondo and I had gone over the last few weeks. “T-There is something weighing on me very heavily that I would like to discuss first.”

“Oh?” His voice was thick and pitched low, but I remembered how much wine he’d drunk earlier tonight, and I had a feeling he’d drank too much.

“I…I am concerned about Cardinal Veritas, Papa,” I blurted, feeling my heart racing as I settled back on my calves. The hazy smoke from the chapel swirling around in the booth, the thick cloying scent making me almost want to gag. I felt it settle deep in my lungs and it made me light headed, swaying slightly on my knees. “H-H-He mentioned the rite of inheritance in passing before. I’m worried he's going to try and hurt Terzo or Copia…or even me.”

I felt like I’d been slurring my words a little, taking a minute to mentally tally the drinks I’d had at dinner. My vision was going a little spotty as I tried to focus and look through the partition between Papa and I; eyes not quite strong enough to zero in on the vague shape of a man on the other side.

“Se-Secondo?” I stuttered as he stood on the other side coming closer to the grate, a sickening feeling deep in my gut as the shape on the other side became more defined and the colors they were wearing even more obvious.

“Unfortunately for you, Little Bird, I am not the Emeritus brother,” the man teased, coming to step out of his side and snatching my wrist to drag me to my feet.

“Le-let me go, Veritas!” I slurred, stumbling on my feet as I tried to get away. My panic thrummed through my veins as I gripped the edge of the wood to try and prevent him from pulling me anywhere. “P-Please let me go!”

“Ah, Sister. It’s too late to beg unfortunately. Things are in motion, you see,” he chuckled darkly, his light eyes flashing dangerously.

He pulled me up roughly, my arm socket aching sharply, and I cried out. Veritas’ grip loosened as I wobbled again, vision swirling as I looked around for someone, anyone, to come help. I managed to get my wrist out of his hands and yanked away from him, but I felt like I was moving through mud, legs growing weaker as I stumbled away. I tripped over my own feet and fell hard to my hands and knees, gasping for clean air but finding more of the cloying scent of the incense.

“S-Sunshine?” Swiss called out as I finally locked eyes with him. I reached out towards him, our fingertips brushing as he rushed forward to me but as quickly as he came to me he begun to fall down to the floor with me.

“Swiss..?” I mumbled, my vision fading fast. I looked behind him and watched Caterina as she walked towards us, a syringe in her hands and a vicious look on her face.

It was the last thing I saw before I too slipped under the effects of the sickly scent of the incense.

…

Tucked deep in the sleepy New England forest, hours away from any real city, was the massive and sprawling grounds of the home of the Satanic Church known as The Clergy. I’d been taken aback at the structure, a massive gothic church down a long sprawling road. I couldn’t see over the fairly high, slightly crumbling stone walls, but I could see there were several roofs of other buildings including a large Victorian style glass greenhouse. When I pulled up in my car, the gates had been left open and I felt the caress of something deep inside me. Calling me, coaxing me from my car to the front steps and I couldn’t stop myself from hesitantly tugging on the doorbell.

I heard the gong of the bells going off on the other side of the door and my heart had felt like it was going to explode as I waited for someone to answer. The door opened, and an older woman stepped out slightly, a closed look on her face.

“Yes? How can we help you?” Her voice was clipped, face leaving no room for any curiosity as I tried and failed to peek around her to see inside to see what had been calling out for me.

“I-I’m sorry to bother you, I…I just was passing by,” I stuttered, cheeks flushing as I spoke. “I was so impressed with the building all the way out here, I just…well I was curious to know what it was.”

That was probably the lamest excuse I could have come up with, and if the woman’s face was anything to go off of, she didn’t believe a word of it. She and I both knew there was no passing by, considering the Abbey was twenty minutes off the main road and down a long and winding unmarked road.

“We are a…religious organization,” she said stiffly. My eyes drifted to her collar where a rosary was draped around her neck. However instead of a crucifix, it was an upside down cross with a G in the middle, at least that's what I thought it looked like.

“Oh, is it…Catholic?” I asked, slightly confused at her hesitancy.

“We are assuredly not Catholic,” she chuckled, stepping back slightly and gesturing for me to come inside. “Would you like a tour?”

“Y-Yes! I’d love that, thank you so much!” I smiled brightly, stepping into the entryway and following her into the hall.

The foyer of the Abbey was made entirely of a light cream colored stone with a massive fireplace to the side; above which was an enormous painting of a strange looking man and I paused, eyes locked on the painting.

The man was dressed in robes similar to the priest I would see at the church I grew up attending, but they were all black, with green accents. Down the center, on top of a strip of what looked like lace, was a row of the upside down crosses from the woman’s rosary embroidered. He wore a miter on his head, again adorned with the upside down crosses, but his face perplexed me the most. It was painted to look like a skull, complete with what looked like teeth over his lips. What caught my eye was his mismatched gaze that seemed to be able to pierce right through me, a small shiver running down my spine.

Under this enormous painting was a plaque, I leaned closer to read what it said.

Papa Emeritus the Second Long May he Shepherd the Flock

“Miss, are you coming?”

The woman’s voice made me jump and I turned to her with a small guilty smile. “Ah, the painting caught your eye?”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I’ve never seen anything quite like this…well at least not for a religion.” I took a few steps towards her before she gestured up at the painting.

“That is Papa Emeritus the Second, though most of us here call him Secondo.” She laughed before continuing. “He’s the leader of the Church, somewhat like the Pope is for Catholics if you will. I'd like to introduce you, but unfortunately he’s not here right now, he's touring with the Ghost Project.”

“Ghost Project?” I paused, eyebrow knitting together. I’d heard that before, where had I heard that before? “Isn’t that a band?”

“Yes, it is. Have you heard of them before?”

“Ah, no not really. I’d just seen something in the news, I think?” I couldn’t place where I’d heard about them before but I didn’t let myself get caught up in it and neither did the woman, who nodded sagely as she started to give me a real tour.

Sister Imperator, as she had introduced herself, was nothing but a wonderful tour guide as we wandered the halls of the Abbey. It was quiet today as the night before had been a Black Mass night, and many were still sleeping in since there was no class today. We passed many works of art and tapestries on the wall, all having a similar motif of the fall of Lucifer and the serpent tempting Eve with the apple. It didn’t dawn on me to ask a question about what exact religion they were until we entered the chapel and I saw the statue of Baphomet in the rectory.

“Uh…Sister?” I started awkwardly, a blush on my cheeks before she turned to see what I was looking at. “W-What religion did you say you were again...?”

“Ah, I think I may have glossed over that part, Dear,” she chuckled before her fingers curled around her rosary. “We're part of the Satanic Church.”

“Oh.”

“I hope you aren’t worried we are going to sacrifice you or kill a baby to steal your soul.” She crossed her arms and seemed to be evaluating me as I squirmed.

“N-No! I wouldn’t think that at all,” I blurted, turning back to the statue and looking at it again. “You’ve been nothing but lovely.”

Suddenly that pull, the insistent tugging behind my sternum was back and I felt my fingertips twitch. I gasped under my breath, eyes defocusing for a second as I let my vision drift slightly.

“Ah, Archbishop, what a nice surprise! I thought you’d be locked away in your rooms today.” Imperator seemed cheery to see the Archbishop. I turned to look at the newcomer, trying to not look like I was currently having heart palpitations. “This lovely lady here was just passing by, I thought I’d offer her a tour.”

The man was standing behind us looking just as shocked at seeing me as I was seeing him. He wore a black cassock with purplish pink buttons and matching piping around the edge of the cape, button placard, and cuffs. He also wore a matching colored skull cap on his head and a belt with tassels. On his hands he had leather gloves with rings, a metal cross on the backs of his hands. The Archbishop wore face paint, his top lip painted black and racoon-like black around his eyes. His hair was dark and pushed back from his face with matching sideburns. He also had a pencil mustache, making him look distinguished. His posture however made me think more of a rat than a man, slightly shy and hunched over. His eyes, like mine, seemed wild and didn’t quite want to focus on me. The Archbishop in fact seemed to refuse to look at my face, a small barely visible blush on his cheeks.

“Welcome, cara mia, to the Abbey.” He bowed his head in my direction and fidgeted with his hands. “I am Archbishop Copia.”

My heart felt like it was attempting to rip its way out of my chest as I introduced myself to him. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Archbishop,” I said with a small, shy smile.

“If you will excuse me ladies, I am needed to help Cardinal Emeritus with his sermons.” He gestured to the doors behind us that must lead to the chapel.

“Actually, I was just looking for him as well. I wanted to introduce him to our visitor as well.” Imperator smiled like a cat who’d just caught a mouse, and I watched the Archbishop swallow deeply.

He nodded and gestured for us to lead the way, and I couldn’t help the shiver that ran down my spine as I passed him. My eyes lingered on him and I managed to catch his eye, his mismatched gaze filled with swirling emotion that took my breath away. Our eyes locked and I felt the whole room evaporate for a moment. I went to speak to him, to break the tension between us, and instead nothing came out. A voice floated around my skull as I tried to speak.

Wake Up, Little Lamb…

…

I jumped slightly, eyes flying open and gasping for breath, and struggled against something holding my hands above my head. While I tried to shake off the fog, focusing on my surroundings I noticed the ropes binding my wrists above my head and my feet down on the stone altar under my body. I felt the panic bubbling up in my chest, a fluttering through my veins, as I looked around with wild, bleary eyes trying to focus. The room was too dark to see much of anything beyond where I was, however I gasped when I noticed a prone form strapped to a wooden X to my left.

“S-Swiss?!” I croaked, voice crackling as my throat was painfully dry. He didn’t move and my heart was thrumming wildly in my chest. “Swiss? Ca-Can you hear me?”

As my eyes got more used to the lack of light, I saw he was cuffed to the wood with metal cuffs around his wrists and one around his neck. I struggled against the rope around my wrists, the fibers cutting into my sink and leaving marks.

“I wouldn’t struggle too much, Sorella. I prefer my property to be unmarked.”

My head whipped to look down at my feet, eyes locking with Cardinal Veritas as he stepped from the shadows. My heartbeat was pounding in my temples as I fruitlessly struggled against my binds again, the blond man rolling his eyes with a dark chuckle. Twirling between his gloved fingertips was a knife, I let out a little gasp of fear and his face twinkled with a foreboding look. He came up to me, one hand letting go of the knife and dragging a fingertip against my side as he tsked under his breath.

“Such a shame,” He sighed, face full of mock regret. “I’m sure you would have looked radiant in your ritual. Alas I have bigger plans for you, Sister.”

“You don’t think they’ll notice I’m gone, Veritas?” I snapped, flinching away from his touch. “You don’t think everyone in the Monastery will be looking for me, hell for Swiss and I, when they realize we aren’t in the confessional or even in our room?”

“By the time they even put together you two are missing, I’ll be long gone from here.”

“And what? You think that Terzo and Copia will just let you leave after you do whatever it is you plan to do to me?” I laughed, a crazed sort of chuckle. “Whatever they would do to you would be a vacation in comparison to what Swiss will do when he wakes up.”

“What gave you the impression you’d still be around to see it my dear?” He purred, the tip of his knife grazing against my collarbones. “I’d rather not have to waste such a supple form but alas… if you won’t cooperate.”

“What do you want with me, Veritas?” My voice was strong even with the panic bubbling up in my throat. “What is all this about?”

“Come, Sister, you cannot be so naive surely?” He laughed, a pitying look on his face. “This is about revenge, this is about taking what is supposed to be mine by birth. This is about taking the one thing that they care about away from them.”

“But why? Why does it matter to you even now?”

“BECAUSE YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN MINE.” Veritas roared, fist slamming on the altar below me and making me jump. “The visions I had as an archbishop, I was to wed the prime mover. I was the one to ascend, I was to be Papa.”

“B-but you aren’t an Emerit-” I started before he cut me off, eyes blazing in fury as he came close to my face.

“You go far enough back in any of the clerical families and we all can trace back to the Emeritus family.” Veritas sneered, catching my jaws and forcing me to look in his eyes. “Some of us more directly than others.”

“What the hell does that have to do with me?”

“Because, dear Sister, you’re the first woman that has been able to enchant dear Alessandro for more than a month. He’s been a skirt chaser since I’ve met him and even my own sister couldn’t bring him to heel. I’d had hoped they would have been bound and she could have brought his downfall. Instead it was an upstart outsider who managed to cuff him.”

He sighed, straightening his cassock and walking towards Swiss. I struggled against the ropes again as he used the knife to slice at Swiss’ shirt buttons and opened the fabric to expose his smooth skin.

“You ask what this has to do with you, I fear you haven’t been paying enough attention my dear. This is entirely about you.” He chuckled as Swiss began to stir slightly. “You were meant to be mine, you were meant to rebind the houses of Veritas and Emeritus together again. All they talk about is how you were sent by Lucifer himself, to bring a new age of the Satanic Church, to bring together the Papal and Clergy seats and make them stronger. What they all seem to forget is dear Papa played favorites, he promoted that fucking rat bastard. He is the usurper, not I. No it should have been me, little bird, that you’d be bound too. Not Copia.”

My eyes were wide with fear as he ranted, waving the knife around before he turned back to Swiss.

“Veritas p-please! Leave him alone.” I begged, tears welling in my eyes as I panicked.

“Oh how lovely Sister, unfortunately for him I’m not willing to mar that beautiful skin of yours…” He cooed, eyes flashing dangerously as he adjusted his grip on the knife. “However after a little research on the bindings between ghouls and their masters I found a very interesting piece of knowledge. Not only are good feelings like pleasure and joy shared, but also anguish and pain…”

His smile took on a wild, feral sort of quality as he slowly dragged the knife from Swiss’ chest outwards towards his ribs. Swiss growling and groaning as he began to wake as the pain seeped into his subconscious.

“What are you ta-?” I started before crying out and arching off the altar.

I could feel every inch of the blade as he sliced a small cut into my ghoul’s flesh. I gasped, tears flowing freely now, and dug my nails into the palms of my hands to distract myself.

“Remarkable…” he muttered, coming over and cutting away at my habit dress as I tried to squirm away from him. He only stopped when he was able to see I was unmarked. “Your punishment, Little Bird, is your penance for all the trouble you have caused me since arriving.”

“Pl-please Veritas, just let me go.” I begged, wet eyes locking with his unfeeling ones.

“It's too late to beg your way out of this one, darling.” He laughed darkly, walking back over to Swiss who was actively trying to lash out at Veritas.

“I’m going to fucking rip you to shreds you bastard, absolutely fucking eviscerate you.” Swiss roared, hissing and flinching against the cuffs around his limbs and neck.

“Unfortunately for you, mongrel, those are made of iron and I doubt a ghoul as young as you has the strength to shatter them.” Veritas waved him off, looking back at me again with a wild look in his eye. “Come, Sister, show me how you’d scream for me, hm?”

Before I could even formulate a retort, a scream ripped past my lips as I felt like my ribs were on fire. I watched as he dipped the tip of the knife slightly deeper between each of Swiss’ ribs. I thrashed against the ropes, pleading with him to stop and let us go; but all my begging and pleading fell on deaf ears.

#ghost #the band ghost #ghost fanfiction #the band ghost fanfiction #cardinal copia x reader #papa emeritus x reader #papa emeritus iii x reader #terzo x reader #copia x reader x terzo #cardinal copia #terzo emeritus #papa terzo #my writing #sinners in secret chapters

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i-fondued · 2 years ago

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Ghost | Sinners in Secret - Chapter 13

Chapter 13 - The Clubbing Incident

Pairing: Cardinal Copia x Reader/Sister of Sin x Papa “Terzo” Emeritus III

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Plot, smut, etc. See AO3 for full list of tags!

A/N: Here is the next chapter! I'd like to add I've never been clubbing before and what I know of it is what you see in movies. Also here is the offical playlist for this chapter, I forgot to add that LOL

Chapter One - HERE

Chapter Two - HERE

Chapter Three - HERE

Chapter Four - HERE

Chapter Five - HERE

Chapter Six - HERE

Chapter Seven - HERE

Chapter Eight - HERE

Chapter Nine - HERE

Chapter Ten - HERE

Chapter Eleven - HERE

Chapter Eleven and ½ - HERE

Chapter Twelve - HERE

AO3 - HERE

The clock on the mantle over the fireplace chimed eleven times, signaling the hour, but I was too excited to even notice how late it already was.

After a private dinner in our rooms, which had been the suggestion of Saltarian who stated Veritas was still fuming from earlier, we had begun to get ready for our night on the town. Terzo had taken over entirely and what had originally been planned to be just a quiet dinner in the city with a little night time sightseeing had morphed into clubbing well into the morning hours. This also meant Terzo had sent out a ghoul to do all the shopping he thought of since neither Copia or I had packed anything appropriate for clubbing.

“Amore, you better hurry up.” Terzo called from the bedroom as I dressed in the bathroom. He’d wanted me to surprise me with their outfits and Copia with mine. “We need to pianificare la nostra fuga and soon!”

“Okay, okay!” I laughed, heart thrumming at the excitement of our plans. I took in my outfit and couldn’t help but hum appreciatively at the choice Terzo had made. It was so far out of my comfort zone but even i had to admit that I looked good, blush staining my cheeks.

I was wearing an incredibly short black latex dress, so tight to my curves it looked almost painted on. It had a mandarin collar with a keyhole over my chest to show off the ample cleavage the skin tight latex caused. Hanging from the collar and settling in the center of the keyhole was a silver grucifix. I wore thigh high latex boots, the heels just high enough to show off my legs but not enough that I would break my ankle. I wore the same long, dangly grucifix earrings I’d worn the other night but left all other jewelry off. I’d pulled my hair back into a slicked back ponytail and did my make-up for once. I kept my lipstick a deep red and my eyes smokey with a dramatic winged liner.

My white iris still threw me off and I had to keep pausing when my reflection would startle me. The three of us hadn’t spoken about it, content to just soak in our small victory but Copia and Terzo had reminded me a few times that we would eventually have to talk about it.

“Alright, I’m ready…let's get to sneaking.” I giggled, stepping back into our rooms as I smiled sheepishly before my eyes focused on the two men waiting for me.

Terzo was standing in front of the fireplace, back towards Copia who was sitting in the wingback chair from the other evening. He was leaning slightly on the mantle and my mouth went a little dry looking at them both.

Terzo was wearing a black sheer dress shirt, billowy lantern sleeves that came tightly to his wrists. I could see his chest hair, dark and thick, as it traveled from his chest down his stomach and past his navel where it disappeared behind his trousers. The front had some pleating details and at the collar was a large pussy bow. He wore high waisted trousers with a thick leather belt and they were made of some sort of silky material that was loose through his hips and thighs but started to tighten to his calves towards the bottom before they were tucked tightly into a pair of black boots. He was wearing black silk gloves and he’d kept on his Papal paints, hair slightly ruffled but not in his face beyond a strand or two. Again he wore his black diamond stud and grucifix earring as well, him and I matching without thinking.

“Ah, Amore. Hai un aspetto fantastico, Tesoro.” Terzo crooned as he came over to press a soft kiss to my temple. “How about il Cardinale, eh? He cleans up well, no?”

Slowly I turned my gaze to the other man in the room and my cheeks flushed at the sight of him. Copia’s eyes locked with mine, the heat clear in them, as he stood. Copia had been dressed in what I’m sure would look simple in comparison to Terzo and I but fit his personality far better that anything else, I had to give terzo credit there. Copia wore a black dress shirt, the first few buttons undone to expose his chest and his chest hair. He wore dark trousers that were just as tight as his formal trousers from the night before, dark leather belt with a small silver chain connected from the first belt loop to the one closer to his hip. He also wore a leather harness around his shoulders that connected together between his shoulder blades.

I’d be lying if I said my mouth wasn’t watering at the thought of these two men. Copia’s knowing smirk made my thighs clench and I tried to think of a good excuse to use to convince them to stay here and fuck me till the sun came up.

“Hai un aspetto incantevole, Topolino.” Copia purred as he took my hand and kissed my knuckles, his mustache ticking my over sensitive skin.

“Come on, you two. We need to sneak out of here, pronto!” Terzo chuckled, taking my free hand and tugging us along.

The man was like an over excited toddler sometimes and I couldn’t help but smile brightly at him as he tugged me to the French doors leading into the hallways.

Quietly as we could, which wasn’t saying much since we were all dressed like we were going to a goth vampire rave, we made our way from the dormitories to the main building and towards the side entrance where Terzo had said there was a ghoul waiting to drive us into the city, that way nobody had to worry about getting us back from the club.

“Come, we have to hurry.” Terzo teased but Copia’s hand shot out and snagged both of us, pulling us back around the corner as the sounds of someone heading up the hallway became clearer.

Realistically all three of us were, or in my case were becoming, senior clergy. We could come and go as we pleased. But part of me knew that we had a few folks who would go to great lengths to get us in trouble, even if it was something as silly as sneaking out of the monastery and without a papal guard with us for Papa. Especially after the last time he was here and caused a huge mess at the Vatican.

I peaked as subtly as I could around the corner and had to hold in the groan of who was heading in direction. Cardinal Veritas apparently had taken the night patrol for the dormitories, Sister Caterina walking with him as they spoke softly. I couldn’t hear them but judging by their faces we didn’t want to get caught out at almost midnight. Veritas looked like he was sucking on a lemon and Caterina looked like she was about to cry. Suddenly they paused and I could just barely make out what they were saying.

“I understand your frustrations, Brother, but is it not enough what we have now?” Caterina sighed, ringing her hands slightly. “We’ve lost the battle, they will be bound and there isn’t anything either of us can do.”

“It is my birthright, sorellina, you may be willing to step aside and lose Terzo but I am not willing to put aside what should have rightfully been mine.” Veritas hissed, rounding his fury on his sister who jumped slightly at his outburst.

“I-I didn’t want to lose him,” She mumbled as they walked towards the hallway opposite where we were hidden. “Our goals, our dreams…they were not the same. Funny how that changed when he found his Prime Mover .” She sneered at my title, I rolled my eyes. I almost felt bad for her…almost.

“We will make them see, mark my words Sister.” Veritas said ominously before they were out of sight and too far away to hear what they were saying.

We waited a few minutes, I was processing what we’d overheard, before Terzo started to tug me along again. Copia was hot on our heels.

“Come, Tesoro. Do not let them distract you from our celebrazioni, si?” He chuckled, tucking his arm around my waist as we stepped out into the side entrance where a black SUV with tinted windows sat waiting for us.

“Papa is right, Stellina.” Copia purred in my ear as Terzo opened the car door for me. “Tonight is about us, celebrating us.”

…

After a surprisingly quick drive where I was glued to the window, taking in as much as I could in the inky black darkness of the night, we pulled up out front of a very old stone church. I could see the line of goths and punks wrapping around the building behind the ropes, all of them dressed in various outfits similar to what we were wearing. Copia had stepped out of the SUV first, turning and offering his hand to me. I smiled and thanked him, pressing a little kiss to his cheek as I stepped out of the way for Terzo.

Once he stepped out it was like someone woke all the people in line up, all of them suddenly shouting for Terzo. I stepped closer to Copia out of instinct before taking both their arms. This was going to be my future, I couldn’t keep shying away from it. As we walked up to the bouncer, Terzo worked the crowd with his cheeky smiles and spoke fluent italian.

“Ah buonasera Papa, Cardinale!” The bouncer greeted us, massive smile on his face. “Sono passati parecchi anni dall'ultima volta che vi ho visto qui.” It has been several years since I last saw you here

“Marcos, divertente vederti qui, non pensavo che avresti ancora lavorato qui. Pensavo che alla tua ragazza non piacesse questo posto?” Funny to see you here, I didn't think you would still be working here. I thought your girlfriend didn't like this place? Copia greeted him with a handshake and a genuine smile. “Siamo in città per affari ufficiali del clero, ma Terzo ha deciso che dovevamo festeggiare.” We are in town on official Clergy business, but Terzo decided we needed to celebrate

“Non lasciare che ti trattenga, entra. Sono sicuro che il manager sarà felice di vedere che i suoi clienti preferiti sono tornati!” Don't let me hold you up, come in. I'm sure the manager will be happy to see her favorite clients have come again! The bouncer laughed, holding the door open for the three of us. Terzo followed behind Copia and I while blowing kisses to the crowd outside.

I gasped at the interior of the space, clearly once an old church had been given a second life now. The feeling was dark and seedy, the pulsing beat reverberating in my chest as the strobe lights flashed and the red glow of the overhead lights tinted the people around us, the back wall where the altar used to be was now a massive DJ stage, the stain glass windows illuminated from outside causing the stage to have a sort of ethereal glow.

The main worship area had all pews stripped from it and instead was a massive dance floor packed with bodies. On either side underneath where there was a mezzanine level, were two massive bars with large cages holding women who were dancing along with the music. There was a massive staircase to our right that was roped off with two bouncers standing there to block folks from just heading up to where there was a VIP section on the level above us.

“Papa, Cardinale, Sister.” A woman’s voice pulled me from my wandering gaze. The woman was shorter than me but you wouldn’t know based on the massive heels she was wearing. She wore a latex dress, just as form fitting as mine but stopped just at her knee, it was a nude color so at first glance I thought she was naked. She wore a leather body harness over it and smiled warmly at us. “We’ve been expecting you, I’ve set you up in the VIP lounge tonight.”

“Ah, Manager, it is so nice to see you again.” Terzo crooned, leaning around me to press a kiss to the woman’s cheek in greeting. “However I think we would like to jump right into the fray so to speak.”

“Excellent, Papa. Please let me know if you need anything, I’ve set you up with VIP bottle service for the floor and for your booth upstairs. Enjoy your evening!” With that she sauntered away, heading upstairs herself.

I looked over at Copia who looked smug but anxious and I took his hand, squeezing it as I leaned in to yell in his ear.

“You don’t have to dance if you don’t want too.”

“Si, si…I know. Let us get a few drinks and then maybe I will join…” he laughed sheepishly and tugged on Terzo’s sleeve, gesturing to the roped off VIP bar on the ground floor with his head. Terzo got the message and the three of us walked up to the bartender, a man wearing only a bondage harness and black leather trousers.

“Three tequila shots!” I called out, handing him the black credit card I’d been told to use for emergencies. Clubbing and liquor counted as an emergency right?

Quickly the three of took the shots as the man poured them, sticking three lime wedges on a napkin in front of us. I turned around facing the boys with a cheeky grin.

“To our first hurdle, one down and six rituals to go!” I cheered, a goofy smile on my face as I clinked my shot glass with theirs before throwing it back with a grimace. The liquor itself was smooth as it slid down my throat, sucking on the lime wedge before flagging the bartender for another round.

“Amore, take it slow. We will be here for a while, why don’t we have a few drinks first, no?” Terzo teased, his gloved hand running up and down my bare upper arms as he called out into my ear over the pulse of the music.

“But shots are faster and I need liquid courage for this.” I grumbled, a blush staining my cheeks. “Copia, what would you prefer?”

“I think one of us needs to keep a clear head just in case, Topolino. One more shot for me and I think I will stick with scotch for the evening.” Copia spoke as he leaned against the bar, though he looked casual I could read the tense muscles in his back.

“Why don’t you scope out a spot for us in VIP while I let Papa drag me out to dance, find a good spot to watch us.” I offered, he looked a little more relaxed and nodded before heading towards the stairs up to VIP.

“You are very kind to him, Amore.” Terzo purred in my ear as he curled around me, one hand settling on my hip as he held the shot in front of my mouth. “He may not join us now, but give him some time to warm up and he will come back to you, trust me.”

“I think watching us will be all the invitation he needs.” I mumbled as I leaned my head back on his shoulder, turning to his ear as I spoke. “Let’s do this shot and you can show me some moves, old man.”

“Ooh, stai chiedendo una sculacciata stasera, marmocchio.” You're asking for a spanking tonight, brat. He chuckled darkly as I turned in his arms and took the shot from his hand. I threw it back while maintaining our gaze, my eyes heavy with lust as the strong liquor started to work its way in my system. “Come, let me show you these moves…”

Terzo threw his shot back quickly, taking my hand and leading me out onto the floor of writhing bodies. The dance floor was packed with people, the heat and air thick, making me almost feel like I was moving through a pulsing body of water. Somehow Terzo and I made it to almost the middle of the floor, moving our bodies together with the bass of the music. I followed his movements, facing him at first with my arms around his neck as he wrapped his around my waist. I swayed my hips to the beat as he pulled me close to him, the other bodies around us pressing closer as we began to move with the push and pull of the crowd around us. Like the movement of the tides, Terzo and I swayed together. His hands guided my hips against him as we bounced to the sound of the music, feeling almost entranced between the thrumming bass in my chest and the dark heat of lust in his eyes.

In the pulse of the strobe, Terzo’s mismatched eyes were locked on my face. His white iris looked like it was glowing, I was mesmerized by him as we both began to sweat from the wall of heat around us. Terzo’s hair was slightly hanging in his face as he gripped my hips roughly and spun me around to grind against him. I gasped and leaned my head back against his shoulder as he held firm my hips and refused to let me move away. I felt his cock against my ass and I couldn’t help the shudder that ran down my spine as I writhed against him, dancing to the pulsing beat.

Terzo’s hands started to wander as I matched my movements to his own, the heat of his body and hands bleeding through both his gloves and the thin latex material of my dress. The flashing lights were disorienting and adding in the liquor running through my veins I had to close my eyes so I didn’t feel like I was spinning.

“Stai bene, amore?” Terzo’s voice rang in my ear over the deafening beat.

“I’m fine, just sensory overloaded I think. I never did anything like this before…” I laughed as I reached behind me to cup the back of his head. He pressed open mouth kisses to my neck and I moaned, the sound absorbed by the beat of the music. “Terzo…”

“Amore.” He purred into my skin, his hands running up my sides from my hips to my waist before cupping my breasts as he swayed against me, groaning in my ear as my free hand reached back to cup him over his trousers.

He grunted and thrust himself into my palm, my mouth going dry as his thumbs pinched my nipples through the latex dress. I gasped his name, turning my head to bury my face in his neck. He smelled of incense as always but also something earthy, something so unique to him. I couldn’t help myself as I pressed kisses into the skin of his neck, biting down as one of his hand slipped between my thighs for only a second, sucking and leaving a love bite. He hissed, swearing under his breath as we continued to rock to the beat, before he chuckled darkly.

“Look up, si?” Terzo groaned, hands returning to my hips as I bucked back against him.

I did as I was told and gasped at the slight of Copia watching us from the VIP area, leaning on the railing with a dark smirk. Even in the low light of the club I could see his eyes locked on Terzo and I as we ground against each other. I couldn’t help the whimper that slipped past my lips as one of Terzo’s hands wrapped around my throat, the other teasing my clenching thighs as we danced. His hand gripped the thin exposed section of skin between my thigh high boots and my extremely short dress. Copia’s smirk slipped from his face as he watched Terzo bite my neck, sucking a love bite mark right under my ear. I gasped, arching my back and tugging on his hair.

“Terzo, please.” I gasped, eyes slipping closed as his fingers slipped upwards and just barely brushed against my clenching cunt. “What if someone sees us?”

“Pensi che me ne frega un cazzo, Amore?” Terzo chuckled in my ear, nipping the lobe before speaking again. “Let them enjoy the free show if they want…”

We danced for what felt like hours, Terzo groping me and grinding his cock against me. I felt him edging me so much I was shaking in his arms, panting and writhing like I was on the verge of coming undone in the middle of the dance floor. Twice our personal bottle service came and brought us another round of shots, taking the glasses with them as they went. I felt pleasantly drunk, floating on the edge of too much and not enough alcohol in my system. Just enough to make me think I could dance as well as the cage dancers but not enough to make me throw up.

After the second round, which was actually Terzo and I’s fourth round in total, I had looked up to where I had spotted Copia before but he was gone. Puzzled, I tried to look around for him but Terzo spun me in his arms to face him, pulling me close as he grabbed my ass and we writhed against each other. Without warning he crashed his lips to mine, a strangled gasp coming out of me as our teeth clacked together. His tongue was in my mouth instantly and I fisted his shirt in my hands as I swallowed the strangled sound he made. His hands gripped my hips in a vice, grinding against me as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss.

“You naughty girl, Sorella…” Copia’s voice purred in my ear, I jumped as I pulled away from Terzo and looked over my shoulder.

Copia had a slight flush to his cheeks, eyes slightly glassy from the liquor he’d been drinking, but he also had a cheeky smirk as he watched Terzo and I dance. He curled around me, hands gripping my hips as he pulled me away from Terzo and back to him. Terzo stepped closer, tucking a leg between mine and grinding it up against my core as Copia shifted my hips back and forth with the beat. I let out a groan, head falling back to rest against Copia’s shoulder as the two of them puppeteer my body like a marionette. I had already been close but now I was panting and arching off of Copia while Terzo whispered filthy things in my ear.

“Sento il tuo odore da qui, Amore.” Terzo purred, his hands cupping my cheeks as he tilted my head to look at him. I panted and smiled at him warmly. “You’d drive these little boys crazy if they only knew…”

A blush stained my cheeks as I looked around us, most people were locked together just as much as we were. They were oblivious to what we were up to just next to them, but there was a set of two pairs of eyes in our direction. They were behind Terzo, how he even knew they were looking at us I’d never know, but they were dancing with two pretty girls. They weren’t looking at the girls though, no they were locked on me. I gasped as Terzo pressed open mouth, wet kisses to the keyhole spot over my cleavage. I looked away, my hands running through Terzo’s hair and pulling him against me. I hummed in pleasure and groaned as the tight pull behind my belly button became sharper and sharper, orgasm close as I shook in Copia’s arms.

“Who do you belong to, Sorella?” Copia hissed in my ear, gripping my hips tightly and holding me still as my thighs clenched against Terzo’s. I whined, so close to my orgasm I felt my cunt clench painfully, which earned me a sharp spank on my ass.

“Y-you…you both.” I panted in his ear as his hand curled up to tilt me to look up at his hooded eyes. They were dark and possessive, my heart thrumming in my chest at the look he was giving me. “Only you two.”

Terzo’s thigh slipped further between my legs and I hissed at the feeling of the silk sliding between my legs, but I felt Copia groan behind me. He ground his hips forward against my ass and I knew Terzo had managed to graze his knee against Copia’s cock, the wicked grin on his face giving him away.

“Let her have her reward, Cardinale. She has been a very good girl, no?” Terzo argued for me, a sly smile on his face as he rocked forwards against us with the pulse of the music.

Both Copia and I writhing against one another, I was panting as my hands came to grip Terzo’s collar. I tugged his lips to mine roughly, tongue slipping into his mouth as he slipped a hand into my ponytail and tugged on it playfully. I gasped, sucking his tongue into my mouth and matching my playful flicks of my tongue to the beat of the music. Copia meanwhile was back to guiding me against Terzo’s thigh, grinding his cock against my ass with every rock of my hips. Between the liquor in my veins and the heady feeling on the dance floor I was so close, trembling while I was pinned between my lovers.

“P-please.” I begged, lips grazing against Terzo’s as Copia leaned forward and teasingly ran his teeth against my pulse point. “I-I can’t…”

“Be a good girl, Sorella. Vieni per tuo Papa e il Cardinale.” Terzo crooned, hand coming to take over on my hips. He rocked me faster against his thigh as he rocked against me.

“Sì Sorella, vieni per le tue consorti.” Yes Sister, come for your mates Copia’s voice was gruff as he groaned against me, sinking his teeth into my pulse point as I came undone in their arms.

Terzo pressed his lips to mine as I cried out in bliss, swallowing the sounds as I arched and rocked through my aftershocks in their arms. I felt boneless as I floated there, swaying vaguely with the bass. Both men chuckled as they murmured sweet words of affection in my ear, pressing gentle kisses into my overly sensitive skin. As the pulse of my heart began to return to normal, Terzo slipped his leg from between mine. I stumbled slightly, Copia catching me and I smiled reassuringly.

“Amore…my pants…” Terzo caught my wrist to catch my attention. I looked back at him puzzled for a moment, he was laughing hysterically as pointed to a dark stain on his upper thigh. “Now I will constantly smell like you per la sera.”

My face was bright red and before I could say anything Terzo was distracted by the bottle service girl, who was coming to see if we needed another round. I leaned to Copia who had his hand steady on the small of my back.

“I-I have to go to the bathroom,” I called, leaning back against him to shout in his ear. “I’ll be right back. Order me another rum and coke?”

“Of course, but I think we will need to head back soon. I for one would like to get some sleep before Imperator and the older Emeritus family members arrive.” Copia said before leaning closer to me. “Besides, I have plans for you when we get back to the Monastery, si?”

That was all the motivation I needed to get my ass in gear, an excited smile on my face as I nodded enthusiastically.

“I’ll meet you by the door in five minutes? You wrangle Terzo.”

“Four minutes, and if you are not there I will come looking for you.”

“Oh, is that a threat, Cardinal?” I teased, tugging on his shirt collar before he snatched my hand, pressing a kiss to the inside of my wrist.

“È una promessa, Amato…”

…

I felt like I had been waiting in line forever, but finally I was able to use the bathroom. I had freshened up as best I could after grinding against Terzo’s thigh and a thrill went up my spine as I stepped out of the woman’s bathroom and into the long dark red hallway.

At first there wasn’t anyone as I shuffled my way down the corridor but when I came towards the bend before the short opening to the main club I had to stumble backwards slightly or I would have slammed into a pair of guys who were blocking the hallway.

“E-excuse me.” I stumbled slightly, not trusting the way they were looking at me.

They looked to be in their early to mid twenties, both dressed in black dress suits. One had dark hair, long and pulled into a bun at the nape of his neck; the other had short sandy blond hair. Both were looking at me like I was their next meal and they hadn’t eaten in a few days.

“Una bella ragazza come te non dovrebbe perdere tempo con un paio di vecchietti come loro.” The dark haired one spoke first, leaning on the wall in an attempt to look sexy that just reminded me of a movie villain.

“I-I’m sorry I don’t speak Italian.” I spoke, my tone slightly wobbly as I sobered quickly and fear settled into my veins like ice

My hands were shaking slightly as I tried to peek around them to see if anyone was coming this way. Copia had said if I took too long he would come looking for me, surely it was longer than five minutes right? I realized they were still speaking with me and I looked back at them

“He said why you bother with them, you need someone young to take care of your needs, eh?” The light hair one purred at me, taking a step towards me. I took a step back and tried to not corner myself so I could run back to the woman’s bathroom if I needed too.

“I don’t need anyone to take care of my needs, I’m all set.” I hissed, standing up straight and glaring at them both. Neither of them seemed put off by my attempts to deny them what they wanted.

“Come Principessa, let me show you what a young man can do better si?” The dark hair one spoke again, moving more towards me.

I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as my back just barely brushed against the back wall. I could see down the hall to where the bathroom was and nobody had come out yet, someone would come out right? I could feel the lump forming in my throat as I thought about screaming.

“I said I’m all set.” I snapped, slapping away the blond one’s hand as he attempted to snag my wrist.

“I even ignore the fucked up eye. Unless it is a contact, no?” The dark haired one purred, smirking as his hand reached out to cup my cheek. I slapped his hand away too, mind reeling as I thought about the best escape route.

“Leave me the fuck alone.” I hissed, attempting to shove past them and down the hall to the main area of the club where I could at least attempt to get help or find my companions.

“Come, do not put up a fight, uccellino.” He chuckled darkly, the blond one doing the same. His hands brushed against my upper arm in a soothing motion and I flinched away from him.

“Don’t touch me!” I spat, side stepping them both with a furious look on my face. “If you try and touch me again you will regret it.”

“You put up this much fight for the old timers?” He joked, stepping with me to block my path. “Beautiful girl like you deserves better, no?”

“They are twice the men you boys will ever be.” I spat at him, he opened his mouth leaning in to speak to me again but I heard another voice in the hall.

“Credo che la signora abbia chiesto di essere lasciata in pace, ragazzi…” I believe the lady asked to be left alone, fellas...

Terzo’s voice felt like a lifeline and I had to hold back the sob that hung in my throat as the two men stepped slightly towards him. I could see him standing only a few feet away, a predatory gleam in his eyes and a wicked smirk on his face.

“Vaffanculo, nonno. Nessuno ti ha chiesto di essere coinvolto qui.” Fuck you, grandpa. Nobody asked you to get involved here. The dark haired one spat, as he stepped towards Terzo.

“Sfortunatamente per te, il fatto che tu stia minacciando la mia amata significa che in realtà devo farmi coinvolgere.” Unfortunately for you, the fact that you are threatening my beloved means I do in fact have to get involved . Terzo sighed dramatically, winking at me before turning to the two younger men.

“Amato? Che cazzo, da dove vieni?” Beloved? What the fuck, where did you even come from?

Terzo ignored them and held his hand out to me, nodding comforting as I stepped around the two men and towards my companion. “Come, Sorella.”

“Sorella? She your Sister?!” The blond one said, horrified look on his face as he looked at Terzo and I.

“She is my paramore, my Sister of Sin. My Prime Mover. You will show her respect.” He spoke, eyes dark and white iris flashing dangerously. I snatched his hand and started to pull him away from the men, desperate to get out of there and grab a few drinks for the road.

“Sorella del peccato? Oh, sei uno di quei pazzi satanisti, vero?” Sister of Sin? Oh you're one of those crazy Satanists aren't you?

I didn’t know what came over me, a rage so strong I could taste the copper on my tongue as I whipped around and my furious gaze locked on them.

“Do not speak to Papa Emeritus the Third like that…or of Lucifer.” I spat, my head starting to hum on the edge of a headache. “You will not speak of our Dark Lord like that again, or mark my words you will lose your tongue.”

“What could you possibly do about it?” The boys laughed and I clenched my fists.

“Amore…” Terzo’s voice cut through the low buzzing sound I felt in my head but I couldn’t get the rage to dissipate. Another voice slipped into the fray, one I could have sworn I’d heard before.

Protect my flock…heed my power, Prime Mover…

“I-I will…” I mumbled, Terzo fixing me with an odd look as I took two steps towards the boys.

“Ah you finally make your decision, uccellino?” One asked, a smirk on his face. I smiled sweetly.

“I did.” I purred as I pressed my hands together in mock prayer. “Nema.”

I knew something was up by the way their eyes widened in fear, both taking a small step backwards. It wasn’t till the buzzing sound filtered away that I heard the unearthly growl from behind me. Looking over my shoulder I felt my heart spudder as I realized what I had allowed to happen.

“Sorella…what did you do?”

“I’m protecting our flock, Terzo.” I mumbled, dazed and stepped back towards him as an unmasked ghoul slid forward between the men and I.

Carefully I reached forward, putting a hand on the ghouls shoulder and spoke softly to them. Their head whipped around to look at me with wide glowing eyes. Part of me was terrified but another understood that this ghoul would never hurt me; unmasked or not.

“Your name is multi-ghoul, you will serve me, yes?”

“Yes, your eminence.” Their voice was rough as they materialized a mask, a silver one like all the ghouls had, and pulled it on to cover their face. “I am yours…”

“See boys? Lucifer shares his power with all who ask, as long as they are deserving…” I crooned, tilting my head as they looked at me like I had lost it. Maybe I had, I felt drunk on power I didn’t quite understand just yet. The multi ghoul growled as he crouched low and close to me, protective stance.

“Omega…” Terzo called softy, the low lighting in the hallway flickering slightly before another ghoul materialized next to us. The boys were shaking in fear now but I ignored their eyes. “Please escort this new ghoul back to the monastery, si?”

“Yes Papa.” Omega spoke, their voice deep and level as they put a hand on the newest ghoul. My ghoul, I shuttered as I felt what was clearly anxiety but not my own. Multi was looking back at me with primal fear in their eyes, I nodded calmly.

“It’s alright. You’re safe with us now…” I tried to reassure them, smiling and nodding as Terzo put his hand on my shoulder. “As soon as I can I’ll come find you, okay?”

They nodded at me before looking and growling at the outsiders before Omega whisked them both away in a void of black. The two boys who had tried to take advantage of me were shaking and looking back and forth between Terzo and I. They scrambled, shoving each other as they tried to slide around us.

“Do remember next time you try to mess with us Satanists, boys! Some of us have a direct line to the big man.” I chuckled, pointing to my white iris. “Some of us are his favorites…”

Without another pause they booked it out of the hall, leaving Terzo and I standing there staring at each other. His chest was heaving and he looked almost furious…almost. I blushed bright red, ringing my hands together and looking away from him.

“I-I’m sorry I don’t know what came over me I-!” I started before Terzo spun me and slammed my back into the wall before crashing his lips against mine.

I gasped at his rough handling of me, back arching off the wall as he drove his tongue into my parted lips and teased my own. He pressed his entire body weight into me, taking my wrists and pinning them above my head so I couldn’t escape him. I whimpered into our furious kisses as he slipped his leg between mine again and I rocked against him. I moaned and rolled my body against his as his free hand gripped my hip so tight I thought I would bruise for sure.

“I lose you both for one minute and this is how I find you…” Copia’s voice made me jump, pulling back from Terzo’s aggressions and blushing bright red.

“Copia I-” I started to speak but Terzo put a hand over my mouth, silencing me. I pushed against his grip on my wrists but he was stronger than he looked and I ended up just glaring at him as he spoke to Copia.

“Non so come abbia fatto, ma la sorella ha evocato un ghoul.” I don't know how she did it, but Sister summoned a ghoul.

“Un demone? Senza alcun aiuto rituale?! Ma non è…” A ghoul? Without any ritual help at all?! But that's not…

“Possibile? Lo so, eppure l'ha fatto lo stesso. Avremmo dovuto discutere del segno di favore prima di fare qualsiasi altra cosa.” Possible? I know and yet she did it just the same. We should have discussed the mark of favor before doing anything else.

“Sai che dovremo dirlo a Saltarian, vero? Per non parlare di Imperator, si?” You know we'll have to tell Saltarian about this, right? Not to mention Imperator, yes?

“La festa è finita, vero?” The party is over isn't it?

“Afraid so, Papa.” Copia sighed before looking at me, a smirk on his face but serious in his eyes. “You, Topolino, are going to have quite a lot of explaining to do when we get back to the Monastery.”

Terzo took his hands off my mouth and wrists and I couldn’t help but pout as we walked from the club.

“I would have thought that of all people, you two would have thought the fact I summoned my own ghoul was cool…” I knew I must have looked childish as I slid into the SUV that was waiting for us, sitting in the middle of the back seat.

“Sorella…” Copia started before Terzo took my chin and tilted it towards him.

“It was one of the sexiest things I have seen you do, Amore, and I have seen quite a bit.” He chuckled, I blushed and looked away slightly. “However, ghouls of this nature…they are supposed to be summoned in a controlled environment.”

“What do you mean by this nature?” I questioned, Terzo looked over to Copia with a question in his eyes. The Cardinal sighed before taking my hands and pulling my attention to him.

“When one is given a mark of devotion, there is a trade that is made so to speak.” He sighed. “You give Lucifer proof of loyalty, one that all can see whenever you open your eyes, as a gift he gives you someone just as loyal to you. Your own ghoul.”

“But the church has so many, surely not everyone has their own.” I pushed.

“True, many of the ghouls that are summoned are done by the clergy or even the current Papa for the Ghost Project. But for senior clergy, it is a final test of loyalty.” Copia spoke, eyes almost unfocused as he looked at me. “But for some like…Papa, his brothers and…because of the mark of loyalty…”

“We have our own personal ghouls, Amore.” Terzo finished, a small encouraging smile. “It is something that comes normally after a rite of ascension, so you are skipping steps here.”

“You had called for a ghoul named Omega…is he yours, Terzo?”

“He is. He is part of the Ghost Project too, but he is my true companion ghoul. He feels as I feel, I feel his feelings sometimes too.”

“And you Copia? Who is your ghoul?”

Copia’s face turned dark and he wouldn’t look at me, stumbling and muttering something before Terzo took over for him.

“Ah, the Cardinale…he…well…he was unable to summon his ghoul at his rite of ascension.”

“O-oh.” Was all I could reply, longing to reach out to Copia but he refused to look at either of us. The rest of our ride back to the Monastery was silent, all of us tangled with our thoughts.

When we pulled into the side driveway, the sun was already coming up. Some siblings were starting on the earliest morning chores, receiving the daily delivery of food and supplies when we stepped from the SUV and made our way inside and back to our rooms. I wasn’t sure if it was the looks on Terzo and I’s face or the waves of anger and hurt pouring off of Copia but nobody stopped us the whole way.

“I am going to go lay down in the other room.” Copia said simply, pausing to press a kiss to my temple. “Congratulations, Amore. I am very proud of you.”

“Y-you aren’t going to come sleep with us?” I asked, a lump forming slightly in my throat as I spoke.

“No, Topolino. I need some time, si?” He smiled softly but it didn’t reach his eyes as he slipped from my reach, down the other hall and into one of the spare bedrooms.

I felt the tears beginning to pool in my eyes as Terzo led me towards our bedroom.

“Come Tesoro, let me get you ready for bed, si?” He sighed as I nodded sharply, fighting the tears back. “The Cardinale? He is…sensitive about this, yes?”

“I-I didn’t know…”

“I know, he knows this too. He just needs some time, Amore.” Terzo sighed sadly, as he helped me sit on the edge of the bed. “Come, let me help you get out of these clothes.”

He tugged my boots off my sore feet, tossing them to the side and helping to pull the latex dress off me. As he handed me my nightgown, I pulled it over my head and clenched my fists.

“If you need to cry, then cry, Sorella. It will not help to hold it in.” He whispered as he came over to me with a wet hand towel, dabbing at the remnants of makeup on my face.

I felt a few tears slide down my cheeks but I refused to let them flow freely, shaking my head like a child. Terzo sighed again but finished helping me take off my makeup, letting my hair down from its ponytail and tucking me into bed. I watched him from my spot in the middle as he took all his own clothes off, wiping his own face with the same towel he wiped mine off with before sitting on the edge of the bed and tossing his jewelry onto the side table.

He slipped under the covers with me, wearing only his underwear and gave me a small smile with his arms open wide. “Vieni qui, mio amato.”

I wriggled forward into his arms, burying my face into his chest and inhaling the scent that was so uniquely him. Even as he rubbed my back a small part of me longed for the warmth of Copia settling in to sleep behind me. I felt my throat constrict as I tried to form the words to speak.

“W-will he always be upset with me about this?” I whispered as I wrapped my arms around Terzo.

“I do not think so, Amore, but I cannot say for sure when he will move on from this…”

It was then I felt the dam I had built up over the last few months of everything going on crack and as one tear became two, more and more leaks appeared in the dam till I was openly sobbing in Terzo’s arms. He shushed me and soothed me as best he could, his hands running up and down my back but I was so pent up and exhausted I couldn’t stop crying. Eventually I did drift off, the soft sound of Terzo humming in my ear soothing me enough to let the exhaustion of the whole trip catch up to me.

#Ghost #the band ghost #cardinal copia x reader #papa emeritus x reader #papa emeritus iii x reader #terzo x reader #copia x reader x terzo #copia x terzo #copia x reader #Cardinal copia #papa emeritus lll #papa terzo #terzo emeritus #my writing #sinners in secret chapters #Spotify

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i-fondued · 2 years ago

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Ghost | Sinners in Secret - Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen - The Hallway Incident Pairing: Cardinal Copia x Reader/Sister of Sin x Papa “Terzo” Emeritus III Rating: Explicit Warnings: Plot, smut, etc. See AO3 for full list of tags!

A/N: oooh boy here it is, this has blatant and EXPLICIT CopiaxTerzo so if that isn't your thing, please feel free to sit this one out; otherwise please enjoy!

Full Chapter List - HERE AO3 Link - HERE

Dinner was an affair to say the least.

When we arrived in the hall, my arm tucked snug against Terzo, everyone stood and bowed their heads at us entering. I blushed and stepped a little closer to Terzo who, for his part, preened under the attention. We followed the long aisle to the head table sitting in the spots we had the night we arrived. I was on Terzo’s right side and Copia on his left.

Copia had nodded at me, his mismatched gaze meeting my eyes for the first time since we had left the club the night prior. I smiled softly at him, giving him a small wave, as Terzo helped push my seat in before he also sat down. On Copia’s other side was the previous papas and Imperator. To my right was unfortunately Vertias and the other Cardinals. I was determined to ignore him, speaking with Terzo through the entire meal but the other man had other ideas.

“I see you left your new pet in your rooms, Sister.” Veritas’ voice pulled me from my thoughts of how to start a with Copia and I turned to look at him coolly.

“Watch your tone, Veritas. I’d like to leave dinner as a civil affair with my family.” I hissed, sipping my glass of wine before glaring at him. “If you must know Swiss is being introduced to the other ghouls here at the Monastery.”

“I’ll never understand the appeal of sharing every feeling, every emotion, with another being.” He muttered, rolling his eyes as he sliced aggressively at the steak on his plate.

“And that is why you’d never be selected for His favor, Veritas.” I locked my mismatched gaze with his eyes, fury clear in his colored irises. “To be given a gift of another being so perfectly in tune with you, it is the highest honor Lucifer can give you, to look at that and refuse him? It's no wonder Papa picked someone more suited to lead the Clergy.”

Veritas’ face grew cold, a dark smirk on his lips as he leaned close to me. I flinched back, Terzo unaware as he was locked in a boisterous conversation with Copia and Secondo, as Veritas leaned in close enough to whisper in my ear.

“Ah, but who still doesn’t have the ghoul to show for his apparent devotion, eh Sister?” He purred, a shiver sliding down my spine like a raw egg yoke. The look in his eye made me squirm. “Who looks upon your gift with envy and jealousy? What makes him more worthy than I?”

My eyes slid over to Copia, who was smiling for the first time in what felt like weeks, and I felt my cheeks flush. I turned back to Veritas with my wine glass clenched tightly in my fingers, glass only moments away from shattering.

“Your lust for power will be your downfall, Veritas.” I hissed back, turning around to my meal again.

I blatantly ignored him the rest of the meal, keeping my eyes locked on my plate or on Terzo who was trying to bridge the gap between Copia and I. Which surprisingly, sort of worked. Copia seemed much more at ease without Swiss around, he actually had a small smile at one point when we were talking.

“Copia I-” I started to apologize but I felt Terzo’s hand on my thigh, stopping me long enough to understand now was not the place nor the time.

“Stellina, it is okay. We will speak later, si?” Copia’s face was soft as he reached behind Terzo’s chair to take one of my hands gently. “I-I do think we need time to talk, just give me time to gather my thoughts…”

I fought back the small lump in my throat as hope bloomed in my chest, nodding excitedly. “O-of course, Copia.”

We finished dinner with soft conversation, none of us mentioning my ghoul or the other night. We talked about the upcoming ceremonies, about all of the meals and menus and parties. It almost felt normal again, the three of us laughing and joking. My eyes watched as Copia’s body language softened, leaning towards Terzo and I as we all snickered at a joke Primo made. His face looked less apprehensive every time he looked at me and my heart soared, he even smiled at a comment I had made about his handwriting.

When the meal finally came to a close we drank the last of our wine, switching over to coffee and tea with the desert that had been served. Even as the siblings made their way back to their rooms in small groups, it seemed like we were savoring the time we had together. The three of us now turned towards each other.

Terzo had pushed his chair back and had helped turn mine to block Veritas, who had left not long after. Copia was turned, his ankle resting on his knee as he sipped his espresso. Secondo and Primo had pulled their chairs to the other side of the table and we were all chatting about the upcoming weeks of preparation and eventually the ceremonies. My cheeks were pink as a few times either Copia or Terzo caught me staring at them. I missed them, in every sense of the word, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Copia would return to us tonight. I let my mind wander away with thoughts of how soon it would be that the three of us would finally be allowed to be a couple together. It wasn’t till someone cleared their throat that I realized they had been waiting for me to respond, stammering and blushing as I came back to the present. We’d been sitting there for what felt like hours and I couldn’t help the yawn that slipped from my mouth, both Terzo and Copia shared a knowing look.

“I think you need rest, Tesoro.” Terzo chuckled

“Among other things…” Copia chuckled, a warmth and a darkness in his eyes. I felt a shiver slip down my spine. I stood, half expecting for them to follow me but neither did.

“Aren’t you coming back with me?” I questioned and they shook their heads, looking like guilty school boys.

“Ah, no Tesoro.” Terzo chuckled, rubbing at the back of his neck. “We have to speak with Nihil and Seestor about something that is..ah…”

“We need to speak with them about something for after our rituals, si? È una sorpresa.” Copia laughed before giving me a smirk. He leaned forward and snagged my hand, tugging me in to press a soft kiss to the corner of my lips. I felt like my heart was going to burst for a moment. “We will see you shortly.”

“O-okay!” I stammered cheeks flushed as Terzo leaned in and kissed the other corner of my lips before giving me a pat on the ass.

“I want you sitting on the bed wearing nothing by the time we get there, comprendere Sorella?” He purred, the pair of them with heat in their eyes. I squirmed and mumbled a quick ‘Yes Papa!’ before practically sprinting out the door and back to our rooms.

I was about half way there, taking a corner with more speed than I meant to and almost slammed full force into the other body. Their hands came to settle on my waist to prevent me from falling, my hands tucking against their chest.

“O-oh! I’m sorr-!” I started before looking up at the other person and having to use all the control in me no to groan out my frustrations.

“Ah, Sister. Whatever could have you in such a hurry, hm?” He crooned, hands gripping me tighter as I tried to step away. “Looking lovely as you are this evening, no doubt for your Papa and of course the Cardinal.”

“What are you playing at Veritas?” I snapped, trying to tug my arms away as he snatched my wrists.

“I’m not playing at anything, I’m merely voicing what every man in that dining hall had been thinking tonight.” His voice was low as he leaned into me. I shrunk back, I could smell the wine on his breath. “Every single one of them was trying to imagine what it would be like to call you their own.”

“Unfortunately for them, I’m not a prize to be won.” I hissed, again trying to snatch my wrist from him. “I already belong to the ones that have my heart.”

I flinched as his free hand came up to caress my cheek as he leaned even closer to me, the heat of his body rolling over me. I couldn’t help the shiver that ran down my spine as his eyes drifted from my own mismatched gaze to my lips.

“You should have been mine, Sister…” He murmured, eyes unfocused from the alcohol and oblivious of the tension between us. My heart thundered in my chest as I tried again to pull away from him, his grip tight enough it would probably bruise. “I could still claim you as my own…call in the ancient rights of inheritance…”

“P-please let go of me.” I stammered, flustered by the tone of his voice as he backed me against the wall behind us into a tiny alcove. “Veritas, let me go.”

My heart felt like it was going to fly out of my throat as I squirmed against the stone behind my back. He wasn’t listening to me, his eyes locked on my lips as he lent down. His breath was sharp as he tilted his head, his glossy eyes had a predatory glint in them as he locked eyes with me again. His free hand reached up to lean against the wall by my head, the other by my waist. I was frozen, unable to make a call if kicking him in the balls was the right move at this moment, and I tried to slide away from him but he stepped closer.

“I envy them, Sister. I envy that they know every intimate corner of your body, that they know what it looks like to have you underneath them in the moonlight.” He whispered, lips almost brushing against mine. “One of the cornerstone cardinal sins and I haven’t felt its touch like this in years. There is something about you, Sister. Like Lucifer himself sent you here to tempt me…”

I was trembling now, heart thundering in my chest. If Terzo or Copia caught us like this I wouldn’t know what they would think.

“I’m not yours, Cardinal.”

“No…but you could be.” His fingers toyed with the ends of my hair, a small cocky smirk on his face as he backed off slightly. “Always time to change your mind, you know.”

“In your dreams, Veritas.” I laughed awkwardly, trying again to put some distance between us, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Before I could flinch he surged forward again, wrapping his hand around my throat and pressing me against the wall tightly.

“If you were mine, I’d have that smart mouth of yours trained. I’d have you on your knees before me begging for release.” He crooned in my ear as I panicked, struggling against the grip on my throat. “I’d have that bratty attitude disciplined right out of you, like a good little whore.”

I was squirming, eyes wide with fear over the strength he was showing, when I heard the low growl next to me. I let my eyes drift over to the side and saw Swiss prowling forward towards us. His dark eyes deadly behind the silver of his mask. I could sense his rage, his unbridled fury at someone touching me against my will like this. I knew he was going to tear Veritas’ arm off if I didn’t deescalate the situation. I looked over at Swiss with pleading eyes, his own dark ones locking with mine.

“V-Veritas, please…” I whispered, hand reaching out to pause Swiss’ advance. Begrudgingly, the ghoul stopped but I knew that I couldn’t hold him back forever. “Papa and Copia will be looking for me soon, please let me go.”

“Let them find us. Let them understand the pain of someone taking what's meant to be yours for their own.” He started to lean forward, I knew at that moment he was going to kiss me, and only paused at the last minute when Swiss’ angry growls caught his attention. “Ah, playtime seems to be over.”

“Back away from Her Eminence. Now.” Swiss’ tone left no room for arguments, I could feel the heat rolling off the furious ghoul. His tail swished back and forth, movements sharp and snappy, broadcasting his irritation.

“Last time I checked, Sister, we didn’t allow mongrels here in the Monastery.” Veritas teased, baiting Swiss successfully as the ghoul lunged forward.

I stepped between them, moving towards Swiss with my hands raised towards him in a mock surrender. He paused and wrapped an arm around my waist protectively, borderline snarling at the smirking Cardinal. When I finally knew that Swiss wasn’t going to maul anyone, I turned to face the other man.

“Enough, Veritas. I will ignore the comments about Swiss and my relationship this time, but I will not do it again. Go back to your rooms and sober up; I’m sure you’ll regret the comments come morning.” I looked down my nose at Veritas whose cheeks were flushed slightly. He smirked as he stood up to his full height and straightened his robes.

“No, I don’t think I will regret it, Sister.” He chuckled darkly as he locked eyes with me, pausing in his retreat momentarily till Swiss growled again.

Only then did he head out of the alcove and back down the hallway where we had bumped into each other. Once Veritas was out of sight I let all the strength and adrenaline drain from my body, suddenly feeling absolutely exhausted. My legs wobbled and before I knew it I was sliding down the wall, sitting on the floor. Swiss sighed, hand running down the face of his mask before he sat next to me on the floor.

“Why won’t you let me eat the bastard?” He grumbled, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “He tried to touch you, t-to hurt you!”

“Swiss please, I-I can’t add this to the list of shit happening right now.” I had gone from laughing to holding back tears, overwhelmed and emotionally drained from the last few days. “I’ll handle it when the time comes.”

“But you need to tell someone…Imperator or Nihil, hell at the very least Papa and Cardinal Copia!”

“NO!” I sputtered, eyes wide as I turned to grab him by the shoulder. I shook him back and forth slightly, as much as one could budge a ghoul of his size. “Can you imagine what would happen if they found out? They would go apeshit Swiss.”

“Exactly!” He huffed, throwing his hands up. “Someone needs to put that asswipe in his place, especially if you won't let me eat him…”

“We just need to get the rituals over with and then we can go home and things will go back to normal.” I rubbed at my face with a heavy sigh before standing, offering my hand to the ghoul. “C’mon, we’ve got to get back. Terzo and Copia were expecting me.”

…

When we made it back to the rooms I looked around to see if we made it back before Copia and Terzo. Swiss padded into the rooms behind me, shutting the door quietly behind us. When I didn’t see either of them waiting for me, I felt a thrill run down my spine. I’d managed to beat them back and I wanted to make sure to follow their instructions to a T.

When I started towards our room, I realized I still had a shadow. I stopped suddenly, turning around to face my ghoul as he almost bumped right into me. He looked down at me with a quirk to his head, mask glinting in the low light of the room.

“Sunshine?” He asked, looking me over to see if something was wrong.

“Swiss…” I started, flush spreading on my cheeks. “I-Is there somewhere more comfortable for you to sleep tonight?”

“I was just going to join the ghouls like I had planned to last night unless you needed me?”

“N-no!” I blurted with a blush before laughing, watching as realization dawned on him. “I think I’ll be okay tonight.”

“Oh. OH. Gross. Maybe I’ll stay in the spare room here instead.” He chuckled, giving me a little playful shove as I giggled. “Enjoy your evening, I’ll be interested to see how this particular emotion is shared.”

“I’ll see you in the morning Swiss, sleep tight.”

“Tight, if I had to guess, is going to be the feeling for the night.” He grumbled and I laughed as I scampered down the hall, kicking my shoes off as I went.

I stepped into our master bedroom as quietly as I could, peaking around the door to see if I could see anyone. The room was dark, curtains drawn against the moonlight, and a low fire was flickering in the fireplace. I sighed as I slipped inside, relieved as I shut the door behind me. Suddenly I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist, lips coming to mumble in my ear.

“If memory serves me correctly, Amore, I had asked you specifically to wait for us on the bed, no?” Terzo tutted, hands wandering to brush against my bare arms. “Whatever shall we do, eh Cardinale? Should we punish Sorella..?”

Punishment? A thrill ran down my spine as my eyes adjusted to the dark of the room. Copia was sitting on the settee at the foot of the bed, leaning back against the footboard slightly. He’d removed his cassock and was sitting in his sinfully tight trousers, the suspenders slid off his shoulders and settled around his hips. He wore a black linen shirt, loose on his wiry frame, the collar was loose around his neck and open to expose his chest. I felt my mouth go dry and my insides do a backflip as our eyes locked, his gaze filled with heat as he smirked at me.

“I think a little punishment for her tardiness would be appropriate, Papa.” Copia purred, pulling his gloves off with his teeth before tossing them to the side. “First we must undress her.”

I leaned back into Terzo’s arms, cheeks flushed as I felt him move against me just so and brushed his already hard cock against my ass. I shivered as he reached for my hand and tugged me towards Copia. Terzo had already taken his papal suit and shirt off, wearing only a pair of his daily trousers slung low on his hips. His eyes were warm as he pressed a kiss to my knuckles. He paused and I stopped, a curious look on my face as he moved behind me, unzipping the zipper of my dress and pressing a kiss to my exposed skin. I shivered, eyes slipping closed as he pushed the fabric off my arms and it pooled around my feet.

I heard both of them suck a hissed breath between their teeth as they realized what I had been hiding under that dress. I wore a lacy bra, thong and garter belt set; the cups of the bra made of lace and sheer, the garter belt holding up a pair of thin thigh high stockings that had a seam down the back of my legs. I shivered with the heat in both their eyes as they looked me up and down.

“Tesoro…did you wear this just for us?” Terzo groaned, resting his forehead against my shoulder as his fingers played with the lace edge of my garterbelt. I nodded coyly, cheeks flushed. He chuckled darkly as he cupped my cheek, turning my head towards him and pressing a kiss to my eager lips, thrill and heat coiling in my belly.

“Papa…we are meant to punish Sorella…” Copia’s tone left no room for argument as Terzo stepped back, a slight blush on his cheeks as he smiled sheepishly at Copia. “Do not make me have to punish you too, si?”

“Si Cardinale.” The submissive tone in Terzo’s voice made me squirm, pressing my thighs together.

“Come here, Topolino.” Copia beckoned me forward and I whimpered at the dark bite to his tone, hinting at what I was in for tonight.

I padded forward and kneeled at his feet, eyes locked on his hands. I settled my fidgeting hands in my lap, fighting the urge to curl up against him and fuck him right here and now. All I wanted to do was have him close, I longed for him after the last few nights. I missed him terribly and to be so close but unable to reach out was making me squirm. He must have sensed this because he cupped my cheek, eyes warm as I leaned into his touch.

“I have missed you, Topolino…” Copia mumbled quietly, his thumb brushing against my bottom lip. “Have you missed me?”

“Yes.” I breathed, heart thundering in my chest while the heat pooled in my belly. “Very much so…”

“Sei una brava ragazza, Sorella.” He sighed, his fingers curling around my jawline as he tugged me close as possible from my position. “I almost want to forget your punizione…”

I whimpered slightly as I felt his free hand curl into my hair, tugging sharply, to angle me to look up at him. His one green eye was blown wide with lust, the heat bore into my belly as I shivered. He chuckled darkly while one hand slipped down to toy with my hardened nipple, a gasp slipping from my lips before I could hold it back. Copia smirked as he leaned down, lips barely brushing against mine as he spoke.

“Do you trust us, Sorella?” He purred, eyes drifting from my face to my lips as I tried very hard to not squirm under him. I nodded, not trusting my voice, and was rewarded with another sharp tug on my hair. “Speak, Sister. I want to hear you.”

“Y-yes, Cardinal.” I blurted, cheeks flushing slightly. I was already panting and they both had barely touched me.

“Good girl.” Copia smirked, letting go of my hair and sitting back. His eyes drifted somewhere behind me and I knew he was looking at Terzo. “Go sit on the bed, do not move unless told. Si?”

“Yes, Cardinal.”

I practically jumped up, stumbling slightly, and I climbed up on the bed eagerly. I sat against the headboard with my legs crossed under me as Copia sat on the edge of the bed. He reached to the drawer of the bedside table and pulled out two long lengths of black silk rope. A thrill ran down my spine, settling in the pooling heat in my belly. My eyes were transfixed as I watched Copia tie the rope around the ornate solid wood posters on either side. My breath was coming in sharply as he sat next to me.

“If you are uncomfortable at any point, you will tell me right away. Si?” He spoke quietly, face serious as he took one of my wrists in his hand.

“Yes, of course Cardinal.”

“If at any point, any moment, it is too much for you; you will tell me, si?”

“Yes.”

“Our safeword is what?”

“Rats.”

“Good girl, Sorella.” He chuckled, leaning to press a soft kiss to my temple. I whimpered, leaning into his touch.

Gods, I had missed him so much it almost hurt. When he pulled away, the serious mask had slid back into place and I couldn’t help but squirm under the intense look in his mismatched eyes. He skillfully wrapped the rope around my wrists, tying my bindings firmly but careful to make sure it wasn’t to the point of bruising the delicate skin. After checking the restraints himself and moving to the other side of bed to repeat the process, Copia’s voice startled me as he spoke softly to Terzo.

“Get on the bed, Papa.” He spoke quietly, his tone serious and leaving no room for negotiations. To his credit, Terzo reacted almost identically to me. He scrambled onto the bed, sitting like an obedient puppy as he watched Copia move towards him.

“Do you remember your safeword, Papa?” Copia asked as he settled on the bed next to Terzo.

“Si, rigatoni.” Terzo chuckled, cheeks red as his eyes flickered over to me. Copia’s hand shot and caught his chin, forcing him to look away from me.

“Do not look at her, Papa. Eyes on me, si?” He hissed, rising up on his knees to loom over Terzo whose breath was coming in rough puffs.

“Y-yes, Cardinale.” He groaned, laying back on his elbows as Copia settled between his legs.

Suddenly Copia surged forward, growling slightly before he slammed his lips against Terzo’s. The other man’s eyes widened before he whimpered into the open mouth kiss, tongue slipping into the other’s mouth. Copia groaned as he pushed Terzo down to the bed, his hand tangling in his hair and tugging sharply. Terzo hissed as he was pulled away from the other man's lips, groaning as Copia’s lips pressed rough bites and sucked his sensitive spot on his neck. Terzo’s hand clenched the covers of the bed, his fingers fighting for control as he itched to reach out and grip at Copia.

The cardinal chuckled as he dragged his blunt nails down Papa’s chest, a shiver running down his back. One of Copia’s hands gripped Terzo’s hip tightly as he ground against him, mumbling something I couldn’t quite hear in Terzo’s ear. The man whimpered, a sound that shot directly to my core, and nodded his head as Copia slithered down Terzo’s body. He pressed wet, open mouth kisses down the column of his neck and down the planes of his chest. I watched as he unbuttoned the other man’s trousers, tugging them off and tossing them to the side. Unsuprizingy Terzo wasn’t wearing any underwear, his hard cock springing forth proudly, and Copia and I groaned at the same time.

My mouth went completely dry as I watched them, my arms slightly stretched out against the ropes. I tugged on them for a moment, a longing deep in my chest to touch them, and when I couldn’t reach for them I whined. Copia’s eyes flickered over to me, a smirk on his lips as he ghosted his hand over Terzo’s cock. He was already painfully hard, the head dripping precum and slick. I wanted to suck him into my mouth but Copia had other ideas. His lips pressed gentle kisses to the sides of Terzo’s cock, leaving slight streaks of his greasepaints. Terzo writhed beneath him and let out a strangled cry as his hips thrusted up slightly. Copia backed off and tutted at Terzo, a wry smirk on his face.

“Ah, ah Papa.” He chuckled darkly, his hand gripping Terzo tightly as he pumped him up and down. I squirmed, thighs clenching as I shifted in my spot, heat pooling between my legs making me pant. “Non puoi cavartela così facilmente, vero?” You can't get off that easy, surely?

“Cardinale…” Terzo whimpered as Copia’s fist teased him, his free hand slipping from his hip to fondle his balls gently. Terzo squirmed, looking for more relief that he was getting and I clenched my fists as I watched him beg wantonly. “Non prendermi in giro…” Don't tease me…

I managed to get my legs under me, rolling my hips against my own leg to try and soothe the ache as the pair of them ignored me and my whimpers in favor of each other. I watched as Copia tugged his shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor, and unzipped his trousers. I whimpered as I watched him slide the tight fabric down his hips, Terzo licking his lips as he watched.

“Nobody said anything about you getting off just yet, Papa…” Copia hissed, letting his own hard and weeping cock free from his tight trousers. “It has been a very long time since I found you under me like this…I intend to savor it…”

Eyes locked on them, I watched Copia lean back over Terzo kissing him roughly again as he ground their cocks together. One of his hands came to stroke both of them in his palm, both men shuttering at the feeling. I felt my cunt clench when they moaned in sync, Copia resting his forehead against Terzo in a moment of tenderness between them. Terzo was the one to surge forward then as he pressed a searing open mouth kiss to Copia’s lips. Their tongues slipping into each other’s mouths, the sound of sucking and wet flesh obscene in the quiet darkness of our bedroom.I moaned wantonly, unable to hold back, before quickly burying my face in my shoulder as my cheeks burned. Both pairs of mismatched eyes found mine and I flushed bright red as they smirked at me. The very idea of them knowing just how much seeing them like this turned me on making me squirm and shy away from them slightly.

“Ah, Sorella. I almost forgot you were here…” Copia teased, his hand moving faster as he groaned and rolled his hips against Terzo.

“Cardinal…please…” I whined, tugging on my restraints and panting.

“Do you think you have been punished yet, Sister?”

“Please…” I squirmed, eyes flickering back and forth from Copia’s face to his and Terzo’s cocks as they gasped and rocked against the other.

“I think you will need to wait a little longer. Papa has been such a good boy, no? He deserves a reward…”

I watched, my mouth going dry again, as Copia helped Terzo up on his hands and knees facing me. I stretched my legs out, opening my thighs to tease them with a view of my incredibly soaked underwear. I saw Terzo take a deep breath, licking his lips as his eyes locked into the darkened wet patch of lace. Quickly Copia slipped from the bed, grabbing a bottle of lube from the nightstand before coming back over to Terzo who was panting. Their heavy, lust filled gaze locked on my flushed face; Copia smirked at me like a predator while Terzo looked like a starving man who found the last apple in the garden.

“Amore…” Terzo moaned, his hand reaching out to caress my calf. I whimpered at his bare hand, touch starved and desperate. “You are wet, are you not? Just from watching us?”

“Yes…” I breathed, chest heaving and eyes blown wide with lust as I looked between the two men at the foot of the bed. There was a crack of a hand on skin and I jumped, half expecting the sting on my own skin but the burning feeling never came. Terzo let out a sharp hiss, rolling his hips back at Copia. The Cardinal wore a sharp look in his eyes as he looked between Terzo and I.

“What did I say Papa?”

“To pretend Sorella was not here…”

“And is speaking with her pretending she is not here, hm?”

“No, Cardinale.” Another crack came and Terzo jumped, the sound shooting right to my clit as I squirmed.

“Eyes on her face, Papa. Not her cunt.” He hissed and I moaned, embarrassingly loud. “Show Sorella what a good pet gets as a reward, yes?”

I watched as Copia squeezed the slick liquid into his hand, his fingers must have been pressing against Terzo’s tight ass because the man dropped like a ton of bricks to his elbows. He groaned, rocking back against Copia and I gasped as I watched him look over his shoulder at Copia. Terzo moaned and I watched Copia begin to rock his fingers in and out of him, hissing a breath between clenched teeth. I whimpered, rocking my own hips to try and get any friction, as I watched as they grinded against each other. After a few more gentle, stretching thrusts Copia added another finger. Terzo whimpered and gasped as he looked at me. His mismatched eyes blazing with heat that made me feel wild, desperate to get out of my bonds.

“Papa, if you can get to her cunt I will allow you to eat Sorella out. As a reward for being un buon cane.”

I perked up at that, locking eyes with Copia who gave me a small nod. I whimpered and bowed my head towards him, my eyes drifting to look at Terzo who looked smug as he smirked at me.

“You’ve been a good, patient girl. But you cannot finish till I tell you or you will be punished, si?” Copia grunted, his fingers slipping away from Terzo as he slicked up his cock. I felt the breath leave me as he lined up behind him, my mouth going dry. “Yes, Sorella?”

“Y-yes! Thank you, Cardinal.” I squeaked before letting out an undignified squeal as I slipped forward and fell back against the bed.

Terzo had wrapped his hand around my ankle and tugged me to him. I tugged at the ropes to try and gain some slack but it barely budged. It was almost too much tension in my shoulders but with a little wiggling I was able to just get my cunt to him. I didn’t even get to say a single word before, with a grown, Terzo buried his face between my thighs. He tugged my underwear down and out of his way, seams snapping as he went. I threw my head back, gasping and arching off the bed as I felt his tongue swirl around my clit, his moan vibrating against my core.

I looked up at Copia who had a slightly warm smile before he caught me staring at him, winking at me. I smiled, biting my bottom lip, as I watched him slowly ease his way inside of Terzo. The man buried between my legs moaned like a wanton whore, arching his hips back as Copia gripped his waist to pull him back against him. I shuttered, the vibrations of his moans against my core causing the pooling heat in my belly to sharpen as he lazily savored me. I managed to use my elbows to move the pillows behind me so I could sit myself up slightly, unable to tear my gaze away from my two lovers as they took all the pleasure they could from each other.

Terzo was like a starved man brought to the trough as he buried his face in my cunt, groaning as Copia thrusted into him. Every grunt, gasp, and moan vibrated against my core; causing me to gasp and tug against my binding as I desperately wanted to to thread my fingers through his hair as I thrusted my hips against his face. I watched as Copia curled around Terzo, gasping and groaning as he rocked in and out of the other man slowly. He set a slow, languid pace; taking his time to stroke the flames of pleasure in Terzo’s taught body. Copia settled his hands on either side of Terzo’s shoulders, tucking his head into the crook of the other man’s neck as he groaned filthy Italian words in his ear.

Terzo whimpered as Copia sucked at his pulse point, digging his teeth into his skin and marking him. I rolled my hips against Terzo’s face, heat coiling in the pit of my stomach. My eyes couldn’t pull away from the men between my legs, my chest heaving as I took sharp breaths. Copia was gentle at first, taking his time to let Terzo adjust to the size of him, before he started to quake with the force of keeping his thrusts shallow and slow. It wasn’t long before Copia started to grip Terzo’s hip possessively, growling as he flicked his hips with sharp thrusts.

The movement rocking Terzo and his teasing tongue deeper against me, both of us groaning as I writhed against him. Copia’s hand curled around Terzo's neck, fingers gripping him as he pushed him deeper between my legs.

“Mostra alla sorella cosa può fare la tua lingua, voglio sentirla strillare per te…” Show Sister what your tongue can do, I want to hear her squeal for you… Copia hissed between gritted teeth, using his other hand to smack Terzo’s ass. “Ma se la lasci finire, me la prenderò con la tua pelle, Papa.” But if you let her finish I will take it out on your hide, Papa.

Terzo groaned, his hands gripping my thigh tightly as he pushed my legs open as wide as he could, before slipping his tongue inside me. I threw my head back sharply, gasping and moaning as he swirled his tongue around my clip before teasing my entrance with the tip. I pulled against the ropes, the silk biting into my wrists, as I groaned with frustration. I wanted to touch them, let my fingers run through Terzo’s hair as I rode his face. I wanted to curl around Copia, nails dig half moon marks into his biceps as he gripped my hips. I longed for them even though we were together, I desired more.

“P-Please…” I croaked, throat dry and scratchy as I looked at Copia with watery eyes suddenly.

“Ah, Ah Sorella.” Copia grunted, his pace quickening as he slammed into Terzo with so much force the writhing man beneath him practically fell into my lap. “You were late, Papa was on time. You must wait your turn.”

I whimpered as he bit his bottom lip, running the hand that had been on the back of Terzo’s neck around to grip him tighter from the front before yanking his hungry lips away from me to press against Copia’s chest. Terzo’s back was arched sharply, his cock leaking precum from the tip, his head resting on Copia’s shoulder. Copia kissed Terzo as he continued to pound into the other man, Terzo gasping for breath in between their kisses.

“Ride me.” Copia commanded, I moaned quietly as I squirmed in my spot.

Terzo groaned as he began to rock against Copia’s cock, rolling his hips against him and letting his eyes close as he gasped every time he sunk back down on him. I clenched my thighs, mouth watering as my eyes flickered to Terzo’s cock as it bounced with every rough thrust backwards. All I wanted was to join them, tugging on the ropes fruitlessly. Deep down I knew our time for that was coming in the next few weeks but by Lucifer it was getting harder and harder to wait when they looked so deliciously sinful together. Copia’s hands gripped Terzo’s hips tightly, leaving what would surely be a bruise in the morning, as he guided his movements. My cunt clenched when Copia let out a gasping moan before biting down where Terzo’s shoulder met his neck. The writhing mess that was Terzo gasped, arching his back as Copia thrusted upwards roughly as he trembled. I broke out in a shudder as I watched Copia roll against Terzo, languid lazy strokes as he spilled his seed inside the other man with a grunting moan.

I was gasping, chest heaving, as my cunt throbbed at the image in front of me. Terzo was panting, shuttering as he rocked Copia through his aftershocks with a whimper. The Cardinal’s chest was heaving as he pressed gentle kisses to Terzo’s shoulder where he had left several angry looking love bites. Terzo was whimpering, his eyes barely open as he continued to ride Copia’s softening cock, before he looked over at me. I’m sure I looked insane. Tugging against the ropes, desperate for release of any kind after their little display. My eyes drifted to lock with Copia, a shiver running down my back at the dark lust in his eyes.

“Sei stato un così bravo ragazzo, Papa.” You've been such a good boy, Papa. Copia purred, hand wrapping around Terzo’s straining cock. His hips jumped forward, whining and gasping, as Copia spoke quietly. “Perché non usi la sorella come preferisci, hm? Non credo che le dispiacerebbe.” Why don't you use Sister as you please, hm? I don't think she would mind.

No. No, she didn’t mind one bit.

Terzo didn’t even wait, his pupils blown wide with lust as he looked at me before lunging forward. I squealed in surprise as Terzo settled between my legs, throwing them over his shoulders, before sinking full inside me with practically no warming.

“T-Terzo, fuck!” I gasped, back arching off the bed as he drilled into me with little warming.

“Ti senti così bene, Sorella.” He growled, leaning down to press his lips to mine hungrily.

The angle pushed my knees practically to my chest as I gasped, my head whirling from the feeling of him moving inside me, his thrusts almost animalistic in nature. I could feel my orgasm building quickly, my cunt clenching tightly at the friction, and I struggled against my bindings.

“Sorella…” Copia’s voice startled me and I looked to the side where he was sitting on the edge of the bed, toying with the knot that was holding my hands back from grabbing him. “You want out of this, yes?”

His face was full of mischief and I gasped, as Terzo gripped my hips as he pounded into me sharply. He hit the spot that made my toes curl and I cried out.

“Y-yes, please!” I begged, tears welling my eyes suddenly as one of Terzo’s hands gripped my shoulder tightly so I couldn’t slide away from him. “Please, Cardinal…I’m s-sorry I was late.”

“Ah, Amore.” He crooned, tugging one of the ropes free as he leaned over to press a soft and tender kiss to my lips. “You know I cannot resist when you have tears in your eyes.”

I almost started crying, chest and throat tight with emotion as Terzo curled around me and buried his face in my neck. His tongue teasing my sensitive spot by my ear as he mumbled in broken Italian. My eyes were locked on Copia’s naked form as he stretched over me to untie the other side. When my hands were free I let one arm curl around Terzo’s shoulders, fingers tangling in his hair as he sucked on my earlobe to make a shudder run down my spine. The other flew out, managing to snatch Copia’s upper arm and pulled him down to me to kiss him roughly. His face was clear, surprised for a moment, before he opened his mouth with a groan and his hands cupped my cheeks. His tongue teased me, gentle at first before he took the lead and sucked on my tongue. I cried out in surprise as Terzo sat back, moving to pull me into his lap and away from Copia.

The loss wasn’t long however; Copia settled behind me as Terzo’s hands gripped my hips and rocked me back and forth on his cock. I was a panting, whimpering mess. My head rolled back, resting against Copia’s warm chest as Terzo sucked one of my nipples into his mouth over my bra. I arched my back, gasping and digging my nails into his scalp as Copia reached over and turned my head to the side, our eyes locked and I whimpered as he softly nipped and sucked at my sensitive neck. I felt his bare hands slide down my sides before slipping to caress my clit. I moaned, heat pooling in my belly as the thread of my orgasm was pulled so tight I thought I would snap in half.

“I-I’m so close.” I whimpered, my free hand coming up to cup Copia’s face.

“Then let go, Amore.” He purred, punctuating his words with quick flicks of my clit.

“Vieni per me, Tesoro.” Terzo ordered, his mismatched eyes possessive as he thrusted up to meet my rocking hips. I felt Copia smirk into the skin of my neck as he bit down on my pulse point as he teased my clit.

That was all it took, in full sensory overload, for me to fall tumbling over the edge. I cried out, eyes clenched tightly, as I rocked against Terzo’s pistoning thrusts before he too fell apart inside me. I felt his cock twitch as he finally earned his own release. He grunted, snapping his hips a few more times as we rocked against each other in our aftershocks. I felt boneless, like I was floating, as a goofy smile settled on my lips. Still inside me, Terzo laid me back as he pressed soft wet kisses all over my chest. Copia curled around me, his fingers splayed out over my belly as he mumbled how good and patient I had been and how he was proud of me.

I was dozing off in their arms, saited and happy, when I felt Terzo slip out of me and out of the bed. I heard running water as he presumably started a shower. Alone together for the first time in days, Copia stiffened slightly before he too started to slip from the bed. I couldn’t let the night end like this, my heart suddenly tight and pounding, wracking my brain for what I could do. Panicking, I sat up and lunged to snatch his wrist. He paused, looking back at me with wide eyes.

“Amore, go back to sle-” He started but I couldn’t help it as I shook my head quickly, chest heaving as my eyes filled with tears.

“Please don’t leave me.” I whimpered, voice watery as I tried to swallow back the sob that threatened to spill from my lips.

“Topolino I-”

“Please, Copia. Francesco.” That seemed to get his attention if the shocked look on his face was anything to go off of. He sat on the edge of the bed, taking my hands as I trembled. I couldn’t look him in the eye, I couldn’t see his face as I spilled everything I’d bottled up over the last few days. “I-I know things have been off between us bu-but I want you to know that no matter what I am here for you. It’s always been you for me, Copia. I-I haven’t wanted another in the same way I want you, at least not till Terzo came along and even then I can’t picture my life without either of you anymore.”

“Sorella…” Copia’s voice was small, cheeks flushed, as he cupped my cheek and brushed a rogue tear away. But I couldn’t stop, I just kept talking, spilling my guts like I had fallen on the sword that I felt had been looming over me.

“You were my first friend at the abbey, you were the first person to make me feel like I hadn’t made the wrong call following this path, this call I had felt. You were the first person to make me feel welcome. I remember that first night we spent together like it was yesterday, I’ll never forget it. I don’t care that you don’t feel like you are the right choice for the Clergy seat, I don’t care that you aren’t Papa or whatever arbitrary goal someone has set for you to meet. I don’t care that you don’t have a ghoul or that you are the frontman for the Ghost Project. All I care about is us, together, building the life we want together with Terzo too. You are worthy of a life of happiness Copia, regardless of what anyone in your past has told you.”

“A-all I’ve wanted to tell you since the night at the club was just how much you and Terzo have made me feel alive, feel wanted, feel loved.” I could feel the tears falling freely now as I finally looked up at Copia.

His face was swirling with emotions, some I could name others I couldn’t. I knew my uninterrupted speaking time was coming to a close and I was already in this far, might as well send it all the way. I took a steading deep breath as I reached up and cupped his face in my hands, feeling his sideburn scratch at my palms as I looked him in the eye.

“Cardinal Francesco Copia I have been in love with you since I first saw you curled around the giant book in the library, jotting down notes and humming to yourself. I’ve loved you since you first left me a note to join you in the confessional booth one late evening. I’ve loved you since the first time you snuck me a cup of tea to the library in the cold of winter to keep me cozy. I am completely and utterly in love with you and the idea of you leaving me because you don’t feel worthy of my love terrifies me.”

My confession hung in the air between us like a long forgotten memory, pregnant pause as I sniffled and tried to steady my heartbeat. Copia’s chest was heaving, his eyes wild as his hand wrapped around my shaking frame. He tugged me into his lap and I felt the tears coming faster as I watched the blush spread across his cheeks, a small warm smile on his face before he spoke.

“You remembered my name, my birth name…” He chuckled awkwardly before I roared backward, cheeks flushed and rage running through my bloodstream.

“I just confessed I’m in love with you and all you notice is that I remembered Lillith-damned name?!” I roared before Copia started to laugh, a clear and true happy laugh.

“Mi dispiace, Amore,” He teased, pulling me back to him as he hugged me tightly. His voice suddenly thick with emotion. “I-I am not good at this kind of thing, si?”

“Copia…” I started but he pressed a quick kiss to my lips to silence me, resting his forehead against mine with his eyes closed as he spoke.

“I remember seeing you when you toured the Abbey the first time, you looked so ethereal..bellissima. Your face was like an open book, I could see every emotion and everything thought as you took in the space. When I watched your face light up in the library, a smile shining brightly, that was when I knew that I had to know you.”

“Then we were working on traduzioni together, spending all our time together. There was a day in the winter when the sun was bright and the stained glass was behind you when we were working, it looked like you had a halo behind you. It was the first time I thought ‘This woman had to have been sent for me, for how could I deserve her if she chose me on her own?’ and so every day since then I have been trying to be worthy of you. Of your love, Amore.”

“Copi-”

“I love you, Stellina.” He cut me off abruptly, looking down at me with a dark blush and a wry smirk. “Si, I do. I have for a long time, probably as long as that first day I saw you wearing your worldly clothes before taking the habit. I remember thinking when they told us of the vision that I would lose you to Terzo. He is the most charismatic of us…but the idea of sharing you with him? It is like we are one person, Terzo and I. It does not feel like sharing, more like trading an object between hands. It feels natural, like all the choices I have made over the years, all the momenti difficili, have led me here. I would not trade it for anything, Amore.”

“I love you, Sorella. I will not leave you, not now and not ever.”

I was crying openly now, but they were happy tears, as Copia coupled my face and kissed me softly.

“I love you, Copia.” I whimpered, smiling happily as I buried my face in his chest. His hand smoothed down my hair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “I’m not going anywhere either, I swear.”

“You are mine, ours. Our Prime Mover.” He murmured in my ear, the possessive tone causing a shiver to roll down my spine. “Anyone who dares, they will not meet a swift end, Amore.”

#ghost #the band ghost #cardinal copia x reader #papa emeritus x reader #papa emeritus iii x reader #terzo x reader #copia x reader #copia x reader x terzo #copia x terzo #Cardinal Copia #terzo emeritus #my writing #sinners in secret chapters

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i-fondued · 2 years ago

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Ghost | Sinners in Secret - Chapter 12

Pairing: Cardinal Copia x Reader/Sister of Sin x Papa “Terzo” Emeritus III

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Plot, smut, etc. See AO3 for full list of tags!

A/N: Okay…fair warning…this chapter is plot and fluff filled but that is because next chapter we are going back to our PWP roots okay? GONNA GET REALL SMUTTY NEXT TIME!

Chapter One - HERE

Chapter Two - HERE

Chapter Three - HERE

Chapter Four - HERE

Chapter Five - HERE

Chapter Six - HERE

Chapter Seven - HERE

Chapter Eight - HERE

Chapter Nine - HERE

Chapter Ten - HERE

Chapter Eleven - HERE

Chapter Eleven and 1/2 - HERE

AO3 - HERE

I stirred awake, stretching lazily, before I realized I was cold. Still half asleep I opened my eyes and looked around. The fireplace had burned down to small embers, not nearly enough to heat the massive bedroom. Behind me was Terzo, sprawled all over the massive bed and snoring softly. He had at some point stolen the blankets and managed to kick them onto the floor. I smiled fondly and brushed his hair out of his face, he stirred and leaned slightly into my touch.

I looked to the other side of the bed and Copia, who had fallen asleep with us I had thought, was gone. I felt the bed and his side was cold which meant he’d gotten up quite a while ago. Looking around the room as the tendrils of sleep slipped away I noticed he wasn’t in the room at all, the bathroom door open and light off. I slipped out of the bed, feet chilly on the bare marble floors, and scurried to grab a fluffy robe from the wardrobe. I slipped on my slippers by the door and quietly stepped into the hallway, closing the door to the bedroom as quietly as possible.

Wandering the extensive rooms I checked for him in the other two bedrooms, the kitchen, and even the dining room and I couldn’t find him. I started to worry, brows knitting together as I tried to think where he could have gone. When I passed into the living room for the third time there was a faint glow from the private courtyard. I narrowed my eyes and saw the familiar shape of Copia, sitting on the sunbed. I smiled as I walked over to the sliding doors and slipped out into the chilly evening.

Copia looked back at me and I realized he was smoking a cigarette, his face sheepish as he put it out on the stone patio and tossed the butt into a small bin next to him. He was wearing his tracksuit and was leaning back against the sunbed, legs outstretched as he looked up at the stars above us.

“Scusami, topolino.” He chuckled as I came and sat next to him, wrapping my robe around me tighter against the chill. “Nasty habit I picked up when I was young.”

“It’s okay.” I mumbled as he tugged me to him. I settled between his legs and rested my head on his chest. “I was wondering where you’d snuck off too.”

“I hope I did not worry you, Sorella.” He sighed, resting his cheek on top of my head for a moment.

“What are you doing up, Copia?” I asked, sitting up to look at him. His face looked hard but his eyes betrayed the worry deep in them.

“I could ask you the same question, Stellina. I would have thought Papa and I tired you out.” He teased, pressing a soft kiss to my furrowed brow.

I gave him a look, brow arched and mimicking a look he’d given me on several occasions when I was deliberately avoiding something. He tried to placate me with a smile and when that didn’t work he sighed, head falling back against the back of the cushion.

“I am…ansioso…about tomorrow.” He mumbled, looking up at the stars as they twinkled in the sky.

“Why are you anxious?”

“I-I worry about the decision, Stellina…” His voice was low, his arms pulling me tightly against him and I laid my head against his chest. “Veritas being on the Council is a conflict of interest, I tried to bring this up to Saltarian but he said to not let it worry me.”

“I won’t lie, I don’t trust Veritas.” I sighed, arms wrapping around his waist as I mused. “But you trust Saltarian and if he says to not let it worry you then maybe we should try and listen.”

“Easier said than done.” He grumbled. “I cannot help but feel things had been too easy, I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“Copia, I swear I will do whatever I need to do to prove to those assholes that I am the best candidate.”

“You are the only candidate, Amore.” He chuckled, fingers reaching to tilt my chin up to lock his eyes on mine. “Lucifer himself chose you. You are handpicked for Papa and I.”

“Copia…” I mumbled before he cut me off with a kiss, his lips gentle and filled with an unidentifiable emotion.

“Relax with me, hm?”

“Of course.”

We stayed like that for what felt like hours, quiet in the deep sleep of the night. It reminded me of when we first started to spend time together, staying up all hours to get even five minutes of uninterrupted time alone. I couldn’t help but think back to all the times he and I would lay in each other's arms and muse about the future. It was almost funny how far we’d come and despite how much had changed about the nature of our relationship; some things were just fundamentally the same. We were just two lonely souls who looked for comfort in the other's embrace. I could feel his hands rubbing soothing circles into my back, humming an unfamiliar tune. I looked up at him and my cheeks flushed at the content smile on his face.

Copia had removed his paints before bed at some point, his face clean with only his mustache and sideburns to accent his sharp features. He had a few wrinkles that hinted towards his age, something in the past he had grumbled about as I was several years his junior. His hair was ruffled about from sleep and his tendency to run his fingers through it when he was anxious. For many in the sibling circles he wasn’t something to fawn over, no that title went to Terzo. But to me? Copia had always been the object of my affections.

Long before my Prime Mover title, long before Terzo joined us. When I had first come to the abbey it was Cardinal Copia that had made me feel welcome. The odd shy man had kept me company while I agonized over if I had made the right decision joining the siblings. He was the one to keep me company in the library, who helped bring out my talent for language and Latin translations. He had been the first lover I’d taken once I joined the clergy, something not insignificant in a religion that put forth carnal sins as the ultimate way to offer praise and thanks to Lucifer. But even in all that he had been my friend, my confidant, and my loyal companion. It had always been rattling around in my chest, those three words, but I’d always thought Copia was meant for more. I’d always seen him one day stepping away from me to fulfill his duties; little had I known at the time that I was part of his duties.

“Amore..?” Copia’s voice was soft, his cheeks slightly flushed, and it dawned on me that I'd been staring at him.

“S-sorry.” I mumbled as my own cheeks grew warm. “Copia…I-I’ve wanted to tell you this for a long time, I think a lot longer than I originally thought.”

“Sorella…”

“I don’t want you to think Terzo is replacing you, because he isn’t…”

“ Sorella… ”

“-and I don’t want you to think I’m only telling you this because I drunkenly blurted out my feelings to Terzo, which I’d like to add I did not say I loved him. I said I was falling in love with him, which is different.” I babbled, clearly on a roll and ignoring Copia’s attempts to get my attention.

“Mio amore.” Copia chuckled, cupping my cheeks with his warm bare hands. “Save this for after the incontro, si?”

“But…” I started to whine but Copia put a finger over my lips, shushing me.

“There will be a time for you and I to have our moment, Amore. That is when we will come back to this conversation, okie dokie?”

“Okie dokie Copia.” I giggled at his choice of words before laying my head back down on his check, yawning softly.

“Rest, Bella.” He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head as I drifted off slightly. “Domani è un grande giorno.”

My eyes heavy with sleep stayed closed, the comforting feeling of Copia’s warmth lulling me to sleep quickly.

…

I woke up sweating.

Stirring slightly, I opened my eyes to find myself back in the oversized bed. Terzo was on his side, curled up to face me and snoring softly. His face was free of grease paints and he was naked under the covers I’d been tucked into. Turning as carefully as I could I couldn’t help but smile at the relaxed expression on Copia’s face. He had been holding me tightly in his arms, grip only relaxing when I wriggled around.

I heard the chime of someone ringing the bell to our rooms, neither man even stirred. I tried to ignore it at first, burying my face back in my pillows, but whoever was looking for us was persistent. When Copia stirred slightly I carefully slipped from my spot in the middle and down off the foot of the bed. As quickly and quietly as possible I snagged my nightgown from the floor where I had left it after getting dressed the day before, pulling it over my naked form and slipping out of the bedroom.

“I’m coming, I’m coming…sweet Satan…” I grumbled as I scurried to the front door. Yanking it open with a scowl, I looked into the hallway. “Yes, how can I hel-”

“Oh, Sister, I didn't expect you to answer the door…” Caterina stood with an odd look on her face as she tried to lean subtly to peak behind me. I stepped slightly forward, closing the doors a tiny bit and leaned against the wood, crossing my arms. “Is Papa inside?”

She was dressed in her customary habit with thigh high slit on one side, however her long blond hair was covered by a form fitting coif and wimple combination, black veil over that. I had to admit she was strikingly beautiful, a pang of envy in my chest before I shook the thought away.

“He’s sleeping.” I replied, an icy smile on my face as she looked me up and down.

“Ah. I understand, what about Cardinal Copia, hm?” She shifted her stance, mirroring my standoffish pose. I felt anger pool in my belly and I had to resist the urge to snap at her.

“He’s also still sleeping.”

“How would you know th…” She grunted before it seemed the pieces clicked and her eyes locked onto my neck, visible from the deep neckline of my long silk nightgown. “ Oh. ”

“Oh indeed, Sister Caterina.” I couldn’t help the gloating tone that slipped out, a Copia-esque smirk on my lips, despite the flush on my cheeks from her staring. “Is there something you need?”

She finally peeled her eyes from the love bites on my neck and collarbones, seeming to understand she was gaping at me. A very light blush spread across her cheeks before she straightened her back and looked down her nose at me.

“My brother, Cardinal Veritas, sent me to collect you all. He wanted to let you know that the council meeting will begin after breakfast, starting with the individual interviews.”

“Is that all?” I arched an eyebrow, standing straight and stepping back into the room. She nodded, an odd look passing over her face before I could register it. “Please inform your brother that Papa, Cardinal Copia and I will be down for breakfast shortly.”

As I started to close the door, Caterina stuck her foot out slightly to catch the door. I couldn’t help the scowl as I looked down at her foot and back up to her dark expression.

“He’d like me to escort you down to breakfast, Sister. If you don’t mind…” She said, smiling sweetly.

Today was just starting off fantastically, I fought the urge to roll my eyes before stepping back and gesturing for her to come in.

“Please take a seat, it might be awhile.” I grumbled, shutting the door as she stepped in with a snide bow in my direction.

She looked around the space, a flicker of nostalgia in her eyes, before she came to sit at the sofa by the fireplace. She smoothed out her skirts and took in the room.

“I’ll be right back, please make yourself at home.” I sighed, running a hand through my sleep tousled hair as I walked away. I didn’t bother to wait to see if she had another comment for me.

Stepping back into our shared bedroom I closed the door and leaned against the ornately carved wood. Both Terzo and Copia were still asleep however since I had slipped from the bed they sought out the other source of warmth in the bed. I bit my bottom lip and chucked wishing I had a camera to take a picture of them.

Terzo was, as always, sprawled about the bed however at some point Copia had tucked himself into Terzo’s side. Copia’s arm was slung around the other man’s waist and he was breathing heavily as he slept. I felt terrible about waking them up but I knew that Caterina wouldn’t take too kindly to waiting longer than she deemed appropriate.

I snuck back into the bed, crawling over Terzo’s legs and straddling his hips. Terzo stirred slightly, the arm under Copia’s head moving and pulling the other man closer as he reached to grab at my hips.

“Mm, Cara Mia…” Terzo groaned as he ground against me. “Buongiorno to you too, Amore.”

“Terzo…” I groaned as he held firm to my hips, rolling his hard cock against me. He’d slipped his arm from under Copia and slightly woke him in the process. “Not now, we have a guest who’s waiting for us.”

“They can wait…” He chuckled, mismatched eyes dark from sleep and slowly growing lust.

“We’ll be late to breakfast.” I chuckled, Copia stretching with a small squeak before smirking at me. “Back me up here Copia?”

“Papa is right Sorella…”

“Si, I am always right.” Terzo laughed, hooking his leg with mine and flipping us so I was under him and pinned by his weight. “Maybe we ask this guest to join us, eh?”

That ruined my mood entirely, scowling and ripping my wrists from his hand. I squirmed out from under a confused Terzo, shoving him slightly as I slipped to stand at the side of the bed with my hands on my hips.

“What is the matter, Amore?” Terzo asked, eyebrows cocked at me.

“ Sister Caterina is waiting in the living room to escort us to breakfast per her brother Cardinal Veritas.”

“Ah cazzo…” he grumbled, Copia chuckled and patted him on the back.

“Si, Papa. Fuck indeed.”

“We need to hurry and get ready.” I huffed, walking to my wardrobe in the corner and flinging open the doors to look for something to wear. “After breakfast they will begin the council meetings, Caterina mentioned they would be conducting interviews though I’m not quite sure what that means.”

“They mean to interview us, Stellina. They will want to know about how Papa and I feel about you and the role as Prime Mover.” Copia called over his shoulder as he pulled out a crisp red cassock for the day. Terzo had already pouted his way to the shower, I could hear the water running in the other room.

“Should I wear something in line with a sibling or should I dress as a Prime Mover?” I groaned, holding up my normal habit and robes from back home.

Copia, now wearing his tight trousers and undershirt with suspenders hanging from the waist of his pants, came over and smiled softly at me. He pressed a soft kiss to my temple before speaking softly.

“Whatever you wear will suit you, Amore.”

“Right but I want to make a good impression…”

“What you wear will not change their minds if they have already decided…” Copia muttered cryptically before stepping away to get dressed, my eyes following him as he checked his buttons in the mirror.

When I finally finished getting dressed, I sighed at my reflection and threw my arms up as Terzo came out of the bathroom. “This is as good as it’s going to get.”

“Sei bellissima, Tesoro.” Terzo called as he pulled on his normal papa suit, his paints already applied for the day. Copia sat on the edge of the bed and nodded at Terzo. “See? Cardinale agrees!”

I was wearing a simple black dress that fell to a few inches beyond my knee, buttons running down the front. The dress had long sleeves with white cuffs and puritan collar at the neckline. I wore black stocking against the November chill in the air and our standard issue ankle boots for the siblings.

“I literally wear something like this every day…” I scoffed but couldn’t help the small embarrassed smile on my face. “Come on, I’m sure Caterina is over waiting for us.”

…

Breakfast had been a tense affair to say the least.

Copia had been out of sorts since the odd look in his eyes when I was getting ready. He hadn’t spoken to either Terzo or I at all through the meal and he seemed far away in his thoughts. Terzo, unable to sit still in the silence, tried to speak for both himself and the cardinal. He was trying to fill the emptiness with chatter but all he did was put me on edge.

None of the council Cardinals would look or speak with me. Saltarian was busy with attempting to pull Copia from his thoughts. Veritas made the same sort of snide comments as he did the night before and I just flat out ignored him besides the occasional head nod or noncommittal sound.

Once the plates were cleared and people began heading off to their daytime chores, Saltarian stated the council would be starting the session in five minutes and they would start by questioning Copia.

They had started almost an hour ago and Copia still had yet to come out.

“Amore?” Terzo’s voice cut through my mulling on what it could mean and forced me to stop pacing in front of the door. “Cerca di rilassarti, try and keep calm.”

“He’s been in there an hour, Terzo…” I mumbled, resting my thumb between my teeth as I fought the urge to bite my nails. Instead I started to pace again, throwing my arms up in the air as I spoke. “An. Hour.”

“It is a simple council meeting, Tesoro. Do not fret, si?” Terzo attempted to calm me. His hand reaching to snag my own, thumbs rubbing soothing circles into my palms

“But what if they decide I’m not fit to be Prime Mover, what if they don’t care about Lucifer’s blessing?”

“Amore, please…”

I heard the creek of old wood and iron hinges, my head whipping back to the door as Copia stepped out and closed the door behind him. His face was unreadable, eyes hard. I watched him lock eyes with Terzo and the other man gave him a small nod. Copia walked up to us quickly and my heart pounded in my chest.

“Copia…” I started but he cut me off quickly.

“Be strong, Sorella. Do not let Veritas try and trip you up. Remember we have allies in that room, si?” He mumbled, hands coming to cup my cheeks before he surged forward and kissed me fiercely.

I whimpered into the kiss, my hands gripping his cassock roughly. All too soon he pulled away from me and his eyes looked at my face like he was trying to memorize everything down to the smallest imperfection. His brow knit together, kissing my forehead before he tore himself away from me and walked quickly down the hallway. Like he was running away from me before he could stop himself, like this was goodbye. My heart clenched painfully and I started to take a few steps after him, my mouth dry and throat too tight to call after him.

Terzo’s hand wrapped around my wrist and I looked back at him, tears brimming in my eyes, he shook his head sadly before tugging me to him and wrapping his arms around me. I buried my face in his chest and pushed down all the tightness in my throat as Terzo spoke.

“He is anxious, Tesoro. He does not want to lose you to this decision.”

“Why would he lose me?” I asked, leaning back to look at him quizzically. Terzo’s face was serious, something I wasn’t used to at all and I felt even more anxious than before.

“There is not much they can use to argue against your position as Prime Mover, especially since mio fratello had the vision. The older Council non ti importa di me, but they do trust Secondo and his abilities with rituals.” He sighed, looking towards the double wooden doors as he was unable to meet my desperate eyes. “They see no reason to not allow us to be bound, specialmente since I am Papa and my word is law in the end…but Cardinale? He may be the senior clergy figurehead but it is unorthodox for Papa to share.”

“Terzo…they aren’t going to make me pick, are they?” I whispered as tears finally flowing as my heart thrummed in my chest, threatening to burst out.

“They may, Amore…”

I opened my mouth, words threatening to spill in a panic, but Terzo cupped my cheek and gave me a small warm smile.

“Prove to them why Lucifer sent you for us, Amore.” He mumbled, thumb brushing the tears off my cheek. “Show them how powerful you really are. Show them their old ways are dead, that we will usher in a new era.”

Terzo pressed a soft kiss to my temple, hugging me tightly before he stepped away and over to the doors.

“It’s time, Tesoro. Cardinale and I will be waiting here when you are done. Prometto, si?” He said as I walked towards the doors. He playfully gave my ass a smack and I blushed as he opened the door for me. “Non dimenticare che ti amo, Sorella.”

Terzo put his hand on the small of my back as he mumbled in my ear, giving me a gentle push forward, my feet feeling frozen as I took in the intimidating sight of the Council meeting room. There was a massive fireplace on the right side of the room, a fire crackling to keep out the November chill. On either side of the fireplace were two large arched windows that faced towards the open lawns of the grounds. I could see siblings and ghouls moving about and going about their chores for the day. The walls were the same stone the whole monastery was built from, the floors still the checkerboard black and white marble. The large back wall held a massive tapestry, from the floor to the ceiling every bit of stone covered.

It was ornate and old in some spots but I could see where it had been repaired and modernized slightly. As I walked closer to the Council table I could see what had been woven into the weave. There was a gold border and various depictions of Lucifer’s fall from grace and subsequent worship by the Clergy; but the main focus was essentially a family tree. Realization dawned on me that I was watching the progress from the origins of the church all the way to Terzo and his brothers.

I followed the line backwards till I found where the Emeritus line connected with the Clergy line, where the last Prime Mover who’d taken two lovers was painstakingly embroidered into the tapestry. I’d begun following the line of succession for the Clergy, eyes focusing on names getting closer and closer to the present day when someone cleared their throat and caught my attention. I blushed and smiled shyly at being distracted.

“Sister, please sit.” Saltarian’s tone was warm and friendly as he gestured to the seat set a few feet back from the long council table.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself, thinking back to my conversation with Lucifer and straightening my posture. I slid on my best impression of Sister Imperator’s cold and indifferent mask as I walked to where there was an ornate rococo style chair waiting for me. I gave the Council a small curtsy before sitting in the chair.

“Good morning, your Excellencies.” I spoke, voice feeling more confident than I felt inside. I looked at each man sitting in front of me, eyes meeting for a moment to let them know I was not going to let them bully me into anything.

Saltarian sat in the center seat, there were two cardinals on each side of him. The table was littered with papers, letters and files. I could see the small leather filer that Copia had brought with us sitting in front of Saltarian. Cardinal Veritas sat to Saltarian’s right side, his eyes locked on me with a hard expression and a small smirk. I couldn’t help the little shiver that ran down my spine, adjusting my posture to cross my legs and settle my hands in my lap and looked back at Saltarian as he began to speak.

“Sister, thank you for joining us today. I understand this must have been quite a shock to receive a summons to the monastery.” He chuckled, clearly trying to make me feel more at ease before they began.

“I-It was, I’ve never so much been in detention since I’ve joined the clergy.” I stuttered slightly before clenching my fists and continuing. “I must say your hospitality has been such a comfort while we’ve been here. I feel quite at home.”

It wasn’t a total lie, I felt comfortable and at home in our suite. Besides, a little flattery and formality wouldn’t hurt to plead my case, right? Going off of three of the five men sitting in front of me it was clearly going in the right direction. Apparently I just needed to charm them like I was Terzo, something I wasn’t always great at when I was anxious.

“You must understand that this is mostly a small formality…”

“I wouldn’t say so, Saltarian.” Veritas’ voice cut off Saltarian, tilting his head to look at the other man. His tone was filled with barely hidden mockery and I could feel my blood beginning to simmer. “It’s rare to find a Prime Mover. Even more so one that Lucifer himself gave a prophecy in her blood.”

“Come now Veritas, Cardinal Copia brought the records of her initiation and her recent ritual to show us himself.” The oldest cardinal groaned, clearly having had this argument with Veritas before. “The girl is as has been presented to us, there is no plot afoot.”

“Am I the only one who found it odd that conveniently Copia had everything he needed to prove that Sister is what she says?” Veritas mused, looking to the other men at the table before crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. “This is after he was brought over the Atlantic by Papa himself to the same abbey that apparently held the first Prime Mover in over half a century and one who is going to usher in a new era of the bloodlines of the Emeritus and Clergy?”

“Nonsense, Veritas!” Another Cardinal cried out, throwing his arms up and turning to glare at the other man. “If she was not sent by the Dark Lord, how would you explain the vision Papa Emeritus II saw when he performed the ritual after her black baptism? She was nothing to the family at that time and we all know the relationship he has with his younger brother.”

“Well who’s to say this girl would be able to keep Papa in line, the whole point of him binding to a Prime Mover is to reel him in on his leash. If anything, by the accounts we’ve been given from other siblings she’s encouraged him..” Another added, vaguely gesturing in my direction.

“Copia is a good man, he will follow the dark lord's will. It’s Papa we must worry about.”

“Having a wife and a family will slow Papa down, it will force him to focus on his project and to continue the line.”

I sat there, fuming quietly, as they argued their various points. I felt my blood boiling as they spoke about Terzo and Copia like they had any idea or right to make judgements against either of them. None of these men had known anything about me prior to now, nor did they know who Terzo and Copia really were behind closed doors.

“Cardinal Copia is a fine man,” One Cardinal’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “But is he truly the right one for this job? For him to preserve the sacred line? He’s not part of the bloodline, though Papa did pick him for his title.”

“Not this argument again.” Another groaned, my eyes locking on him.

“All I am saying is Copia had been heading to a more scholarly pursuit with the clergy prior to his ascension by Papa’s hand…”

“That was many years ago, Cardinal…” Saltarian’s voice was low, a warning thinly veiled as he let his eyes locked with mine. “Copia’s ascension was blessed by the Dark Lord himself, the proof is clear in his eye.”

Ah. So that was why Copia had the one white iris. I tucked that little bit of information to the side for now, trying to catch back up with the conversation that was growing more and more rowdy. Two of the other Cardinals were borderline yelling in Italian and pointing at each other as Saltarian rubbed his temples. Apparently this was why it had taken so much longer than expected to speak with Copia.

As I listened to them all argue, not about me like I had thought, but about Copia and Terzo I felt my anger rising. Who were these men who lived halfway across the world to get involved in my choice? Who were they to question not only what Secondo saw but my own interactions with Lucifer himself? I could feel my fury growing, feeling like I was being manipulated once again in my choice. I tried to calm myself down, heart pounding in my chest and head aching with the clenching of my jaw. I was pulled from my thoughts by Veritas’ voice.

“Cardinal Copia is nothing more than a usurper in rats clothing. Who’s to say he isn’t looking to replace Papa himself, using his Prime Mover against him?” He chuckled darkly, arms crossed and eyes locked on my face.

I knew I was gaping at him, ears ringing as the rage flooded my blood. I felt my hand shaking and my breathing short as all the shouting started.

“You are out of line Veritas!” One Cardinal cried, pushing back in his chair.

“L'invidia è un mostro dagli occhi verdi e non ti sta bene, Veritas.” One cardinal laughed, shaking his head disbelievingly.

I couldn’t take it anymore and I rushed to my feet, feeling the room spin as my head throbbed. It felt like a bolt of lighting had gone and struck me at the base of my neck. The men in the room grew silent, all looking in my direction as the chair scraped against the old marble floors.

“You will not speak ill of either of them in my presence, Veritas.” I hissed, fingers clenched into fists as I fought the urge to blow up. “Both Papa and Cardinal Copia have given much of their lives to the service of Satan, sacrificing much to ascend where they are now. You will show them the respect they deserve, regardless of any bonds between us and any bad blood between you.”

“You know not what you speak of, Sister.” Veritas laughed, waving me off before continuing. “Be a good girl and sit and let the men speak, yes?”

“E-excuse me?!” I sputtered, hands resting on my hips. “Am I to believe that me being dragged from my abbey, flown halfway across the world, my entire ascension plans being overtaken by the clergy is because of a pissing match between Papa and Copia, and yourself Veritas?”

Suddenly things grew silent and before I could figure out what was going on someone whispered in my ear.

“Forgive my intrusion, little lamb…”

I turned around to see Lucifer smiling softly at me as he walked towards me, hands behind his back. He was dressed in a long black coat, black trousers and black shirt. He looked just like he had the last time I’d seen him.

“My Lord?” I went to kneel at his feet but he caught my arm.

“No need for that, Sister. Please.” His voice was raspy but soft as he took my arm and led me over to the fireplace. “I sensed your rage, tell me what’s wrong little one.”

“I-I don’t know what to do. They won’t believe me and I don’t know what to do to convince them or if I even can. They don’t want me to be with Copia but…but I won’t abandon him, either of them.”

Lucifer's face was unreadable but he seemed to be listening to me, nodding along with what I was saying before a small smile appeared on his face.

“Sister, I had told you before that I knew you would make the right decision for the flock. I trust you my girl. Come here.”

Lucifer led me gently over to the tapestry, his fingers brushing against the golden thread of the line of succession. He paused on the first Prime Mover to birth the Emeritus line, smiling softly.

“The Clergy questioned her too, you know?” He sighed, looking back at me through his thick eyelashes. “Even in a more liberal church like ours, there will always be men who feel threatened by powerful women.”

“Threatened?” I echoed, eyes trailing his fingers as he paused on the clergy line shooting off from the Prime Mover.

I watched as his fingers trailed beyond where I had paused before the meeting started, getting closer and closer to the end. For some reason I couldn’t focus on the very last name on the line, my eyes unable to focus on it.

“Yes my lamb, threatened.” He chuckled, turning towards me to gently brush my cheek and pulling my attention away from the tapestry. “They understand that you being found will challenge so many plans they had carefully laid to bring down the Emeritus family and those who are loyal to them.”

“How will I stop them?” I whispered, heart thudding my chest. “How can I save them?”

“Do you know what a mark of devotion is?” He purred, eyes drifting from my face to my lips.

“N-no, Sire.” I replied, flustered as he stood closer to me.

“A mark of devotion is something I only give my most loyal servants,” His lips were so close to mine, they brushed softly against my own. I shuddered slightly. “It is something that will prove to those old me that you are truly sent by me.”

“Only if you think I am truly worthy.” I whispered, my breathing growing heavy. Lucifer chuckled, hands coming to cup my jawline as he leaned forward.

“Oh my dear,” He purred, forehead resting against my own. “I would not have handpicked you from my flock years before you even joined the siblings, Sister, if I had not believed you were destined for this. That you were not the only one capable of this task.”

“Then please, your eminence, bestow the mark to me.”

Lucifer chuckled before mumbling against my lips. “Good girl, Sister.”

He pressed his lips against mine, soft but possessive. I felt a burning pressure behind my eyes and after a moment I woke with a start, attempting to sit up from the arms I was in.

“She’s awake!” Someone cried out, commotion happening as my mind started to focus on where I was. “Someone fetch the doctor now.”

“A-amore?” Terzo’s small voice caught my attention and I turned my head in his direction as my eyes focused on the blurry shape of him. “Grazie al signore oscuro, you have come back to us.”

“Wh-what happened?” I asked groggily as I tried to sit up. A familiar feeling of leather gloves on my arm made me look at the body I was leaning heavily against. “Copia?”

The other man didn’t say anything at first, he looked like he was on the verge of tears as he nodded at me. “Si, Amore. Are you alright?”

“Si, are you okay?” Terzo asked, scooting closer to us. His eyes grew wide before his hand shot out and caught my chin, effectively holding me in place. “Aspetta che cazzo?!”

“What?” I gasped, jumping slightly before looking between Copia and Papa’s shocked faces. “What’s wrong?”

“Tesoro…did you speak with the Dark Lord?” Terzo asked quietly as the Cardinal started to gather where we were on the floor.

“Yes? He did appear to me, he offered me a choice.” I said, brows knitting together as realization dawn on Copia and his eyes also locked on Terzo’s.

“Stellina…” Copia groaned but before he could say anymore Saltarian and Veritas stepped up to us.

“Sister, you gave us all quite the fright, slipping into a commune without warning. Are you quite alright?” Saltarian’s voice was pleasant as he spoke, I turned to look up at him with a blush on my cheeks and his face looked shocked. “Ah.” Was all he said.

“I hope you know, Sister, that a commune spell like that will not get you out of this council meeting.” Veritas hissed before I looked at him, he grew pale and mouth gaped. “Sweet Satans…”

“What?!” I panicked, looking between Copia and Terzo “What’s going on?”

“Amore…your eye.” Terzo mumbled, hand reaching out to cup my left cheek. “It is like mine, like Cardinale’s.”

“Wh-what?” I stuttered, looking around helplessly for something to look at my reflection.

I scrambled to my feet, looking around and seeing the golden water goblets on the council table. I scrambled over to it, holding it up to look at my warped reflection. Sure enough, my left eye was no longer ringed with color. Instead all pigment had left and it was start white. I had always assumed it would mess with their vision but I could see perfectly as I looked back helplessly at Terzo and Copia. Both of them came to my sides, expressions filled with awe and worry for me.

The other cardinals seemed to be drawn to the commotion and they all paled as my now colorless eye locked on them. I straightened my spine, trying to convey my seriousness and stop acting like a terrified child.

“Lucifer himself has marked me with a mark of devotion. He sends this message. He has handpicked me for this task for I am the only one capable of it, it does not bode well for you to question his will.”

The other men in the room who argued against myself and my men seemed to understand this threat and paled slightly. Veritas however, looked almost purple in his fury. He stormed up to us, Copia and Terzo stepping in front of me protectively.

“You may think that you have won this,” He hissed, eyes roaming between the three of us. “But this is far from over, Emeritus. I want what was supposed to be my birthright. Come hell or high water I will get it one way or the other.”

Veritas glared at Copia as he clenched his fists before, without another word, he stormed from the room. He threw open the doors without a second thought and didn’t look back as he disappeared from view. Saltarian smiled at us that looked slightly more like a grimace.

“Well I for one think that we have our answer, don’t we? All in favor of ascension say aye?”

A chorus of ayes came and I couldn’t help but sigh in relief, leaning against the table behind me. I felt a hand slip into each of mine, looking between us the three of us laughed and smiled at each other. My heart clenched and I had to fight the sudden lump in my throat as the emotions of the day piled up.

“The ayes have it, welcome to the senior clergy Prime Mover .” Saltarian teased, resting a hand on Copia’s shoulder in a paternal way before smiling at me. “I’ll be calling Sister Imperator and letting her know that we will be moving forward with the rituals here in Italy and that the family should join us here.”

“Thank you, Saltarian.” I said earnestly, he gave me a little bow before speaking again. “Thank you for being on our side.”

“You are very welcome, I’ve known these two since they were still Primo’s altar boys. I think you’ve got your hands full Sister.” He laughed before leaning in and stage whispering to us. “I think they won’t arrive till tomorrow morning so you three have tonight to get up to anything you wouldn’t like Imperator to know about.” He winked at Terzo who had a big stupid grin on his face. “If memory serves me there was a set of old keys to one of Papa Nihil’s cars on the bookshelf in the papal suites…but who am I to remember…”

He chuckled as he walked away and Terzo turned to Copia and I with mischief in his eyes. “We are going out tonight, to celebrate.”

“Papa…” Copia groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose as we started to walk arm in arm out of the council space and back to our suite. “Last time was una tale catastrofe, we cannot let it get so out of hand, Si?”

“Si, si Cardinale. I will behave.” Terzo waved him off, a gleam in his eye as he spoke. “Behave in the way fitting of la polena of the Satanic Church.”

“Abbi pietà di me, Lucifero.” Copia groaned as Terzo and I laughed. I couldn’t help but tug them closer to me as we walked a smile on my face.

“Now Sorella do not think our joy outweighs la situazione con il tuo occhio, hm?” Copia mumbled in my ear, giving me a quirked eyebrow and a small smirk before he could help himself. “We will need to have a conversation about that later, si?”

“Of course, Cardinal.” I teased, Copia giving me a little growl as we walked. “For now can we just enjoy this one step towards our binding?”

“Si, Tesoro is right. Now is the time for celebration, tonight we go out and we spend some time with just the three of us. I will book the reservations!” Terzo chattered happily, holding open the doors to the suite as Copia and I entered arm in arm.

As Terzo buzzed about, chatting about where we should have dinner and what to do after, Copia slipped his arm from mine and begun to laugh and bicker with Papa. I couldn’t help but watch them, a goofy smile on my face. This was it, this was what my life was going to be like. I couldn’t help but get emotional again as I realized that we’d won over the council, granted at the expense of one of my eyes but that was fine. I could still see, I just matched my boys now. I felt a tear slide down my cheek and suddenly I was crying, sniffling and laughing all at the same time.

“Oh no, Amore. Why must you cry?” Terzo soothed, slightly shoving Copia as he rushed over to me, disgruntled Copia on his heels.

“Do not cry, Topolino.” Copia mumbled into the crown of my head as he tugged me to him, Terzo’s hands resting on the small of my back.

“I’m not upset,” I sniffled, smiling as I looked at them while wiping the tears away. “I’m just happy. I was so worried this morning, I’m just glad something is going our way.”

“Si, me too.” Terzo smiled, putting his free hand on Copia’s arm and leaning to kiss my cheek.

“We still have a little ways to go but I am happy too, Amore.” Copia chuckled “Now we must prepare for the rituals, there will be much to be ready for.”

“Si, si Cardinale. But first, we party!”

“No goat sacrifices! I promised Sister Imperator I’d keep you under control.” I laughed, calling after Terzo as he scampered off in the direction of our room.

“Amore, not even you can keep me from my desire to fight that bastardo Pope in his palazzo.”

#Ghost #the band ghost #cardinal copia x reader #papa emeritus x reader #papa emeritus iii x reader #copia x reader x terzo #copia x reader #terzo x reader #copia x terzo #cardinal copia #papa emeritus iii #terzo emeritus #my writing #Sinners in Secret Chapters

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i-fondued · 2 years ago

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Ghost | Sinners in Secret - Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven - The Dance Incident

Pairing: Cardinal Copia x Reader/Sister of Sin x Papa “Terzo” Emeritus III

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Plot, smut, etc. See AO3 for full list of tags!

A/N: Don’t throw a shoe at me for the way this chapter ends, I swear I will update by Monday night!!

Chapter One - HERE

Chapter Two - HERE

Chapter Three - HERE

Chapter Four - HERE

Chapter Five - HERE

Chapter Six - HERE

Chapter Seven - HERE

Chapter Eight - HERE

Chapter Nine - HERE

Chapter Ten - HERE

AO3 Link - HERE

Terzo hadn’t been lying, Italy was beautiful.

I was glued to the windows, watching the old stone homes and manicured gardens pass by as we traveled through the busy streets. In the distance I could see Vatican City, including the catholic church's headquarters. I thought about asking Terzo and Copia if we’d have time to visit but I thought back to what Imperator said and decided to bring it up another time.

We seemed to be on the outskirts of the city where there were large homes and fancy cars. I watched as we followed a curving street as it followed a large stone wall before we turned into a little private driveway and up to a large ornate gate. On the gate was the seal of the satanic church, the grucifix proudly sculpted in an oxidized copper. There were two ghouls dressed in almost militaristic garb, a gun strapped to their hips mostly for show for the humans in the neighborhood. They took a quick look at the ghoul in the front seat and glanced at us three in the back before they nodded at us, opening the gate with a press of a button and letting us onto the enormous property. I couldn’t stop staring at the grounds as we pulled up to the expansive villa and monastery. Everything was a very traditional italian style, I felt like I had stepped into a renaissance landscape painting.

“Terzo…this is incredible…” I couldn’t help the awe that was clear in my voice, he chuckled as he pulled my hand into his as Copia rolled his eyes with a small smile. “Do you know the history of this place?”

“Amore, this is one of quella della mia famiglia old homes.” He gestured to the approaching villa. “This one is not even the oldest or the nicest. There is one in Venice that overlooks one of the main waterways, è bellissimo in the summer.”

“I’d love to see it someday.”

“Before we leave Italia, we shall take you Sorella.” Terzo chucked, Copia nodding and leaning to press a kiss to my temple.

“There are many places Papa and I would like to take you before we leave, Stellina. We have some plans for you.” Copia’s voice was thick with unspoken promises and I couldn’t help but shutter. Both men chuckled at me.

The driveway curved around in a circle as we pulled up to the front of the home of the Satanic Church. In front of the large villa were a few familiar faces and some new ones. There were four cardinals, two of which had been at the airport earlier, one who was a new face and Cardinal Veritas. In the center of them was a man dressed in a simple suit with a welcoming smile on his face. When the SUV stopped, the ghoul who had been driving came to open the door for us.

Copia stepped out first, his eyes narrowing at Veritas before turning back to offer me his hand as I slipped from the backseat. Terzo, ever the center of attention, stepped from the SUV and gave a little silly bow. I rolled my eyes, Copia taking my hand and tucking it into the crook of his arm. We walked towards the gathered group as Terzo lagged behind us, telling the ghoul that was helping with our bags to bring everything to the papal suites.

“Cardinal Copia! It has been far too long!” The man in the suit smiled, he was an older man with darker skin. A welcoming smile was on his face as Copia stepped towards him and shook his hand.

“Saltarian, it is very good to see you again.” Copia’s face softened slightly and he gave the other man a genuine smile. “It is very nice to be back home.”

“We are happy to have you, Copia. You know you’re always welcome here Cardinal.” Saltarian said, his eyes moving from Copia to me. He offered me his hand, taking mine and kissing my knuckles. “This must be our Prime Mover, yes?”

“This would be the one, Saltarian. Her blood was tested by Papa Emeritus II, I have brought the notes and her file with us for the council for review.” Copia cut me off before I could reply as Terzo finally joined us, taking my hand and tugging me to him. Copia started to pull out the files that Imperator had given him before I was able to stop him. “Shall I hold on to them for now?”

“I-Uh…I say hold onto them for now…”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Saltarian Sir.” I chuckled, reaching out to shake the older man’s hand, Copia seeming oblivious to the other man’s reaction.

“Welcome to Vatican City, Sister. I’m sure you’d like to settle in. Why don’t you follow me and we can have a little tour?” He laughed, gesturing for us to follow him. “Gentleman, we’ll convine the Council tomorrow. We will see you later this evening.”

The cardinals beside Veritas nodded vaguely and bowed to Terzo before disappearing down a gravel path towards what looked like a large chapel space. Veritas unfortunately stuck with us, only a step or two behind Saltarian. As we made our way into the sprawling villa, Saltarian pointed out various objects and tapestries. My little historian heart soared with all of the relics and old objects that they had on display. The whole building was made of stone, the floors of swirling black marble, and the ceilings high and decorated with ornately carved wood beams. There were many open air archways that faced sprawling courtyards, some of the hallways had nothing but gothic imagery apon stained glass.

A part of me was desperate to come back in the summer, when a warm breeze would blow through the open air as we moved from the main villa space, where the siblings worked and learned and had meals, to the separate wings of the monastery that the siblings and clergy called home. As we walked down the hallway where at the end was an enormous stained glass window that depicted the fall of Lucifer from the heavens, the hall split into left and right directions.

“Papa, we had taken the liberties of having the Papal Suites readied for you if you follow me. You each have your own room should you need it.” Saltarian turned from the large window and smiled as he waved us to follow him.

“Saltarian, Sir. I hope you don’t mind, I hadn’t thought to mention it till now. As I understand it, the congregation in the States that you came from do not have segregated quarters for men and women, correct?” Cardinal Veritas’s voice was sickly sweet as he turned towards the three of us, a wicked smile on his face as he looked at me.

“What is your point, Veritas?” Copia’s voice was low, nose upturned as he made an attempt at looking down at the taller man.

“Well I had assumed Sister would be staying in the Sisters of Sin quarters…” Veritas made a vague gesture to the other hallway, I saw some other sisters coming and going from the rooms with curious looks at us newcomers. “I took the liberty of getting her rooms ready, she would be next to the head Sister.”

“She will be staying with me, with us , Cardinal.” Terzo’s voice was deadly serious, eyes dark as he put a possessive hand on my waist.

“My apologies, Your Eminence. I was not made aware there would be an exception to the rules…” Veritas was looking at Terzo, arms behind his back with a smirk. I’d never seen anyone in the clergy size Terzo up like this and I was so shocked I didn’t even have anything clever to say. He leaned in close to whisper to Terzo as Saltarian spoke to Copia quietly. “Though you always did have a fondness for rule bending in your favor…”

I felt Terzo stiffen beside me, his hand gripping me tighter as he scoffed at Veritas. Terzo struggled to calm himself, I could see him almost shaking with fury in the corner of my eye.

“Fareste bene a ricordare anche con chi state parlando, Cardinale…” You would do well to also remember who you are talking to, Cardinal. Terzo’s voice was deep and gravely, a shiver shooting down my spine. I could have sworn I saw his white iris shimmer in his fury. “Potresti avere un po' di influenza con il consiglio, ma ricorda chi è il responsabile qui…” You may have some leverage with the board, but remember who's in charge here.

“Papa…” Copia’s voice was calm, his hand resting gently on Terzo’s shoulder and pulling our attention away from the increasing tension between the Terzo and Veritas. “Ora non è il momento…”

“Sister isn’t just a sibling, Cardinal Veritas. She is going to be our Prime Mover, she will be senior clergy after all! It is customary for the Prime Mover to stay in the Papal Suites.” Saltarian spoke, tone soft as he stepped into the hallway that led to our rooms. “Come, let me show you your rooms. Cardinal, why don’t you go check on the dinner preparations? I’ll meet back up with you in my office after. ”

Terzo led me away from Veritas, barely looking back at the other man. My eyes however were drawn in and I locked eyes with him before turning back to look at Saltarian who was speaking warmly with Copia. The blond had a curious look on his face, halfway between fury and desire.

“Are you okay, Terzo?” I mumbled quietly, giving him a playful hip check to try and lighten his mood.

“I’m fine, Amore.” His tone made it very clear that he was anything but, however I knew better than to try and pry it out of him right now.

“Here we are.” Saltarian stopped in front of a pair of French doors, Terzo’s personal grucifix crest mounted on the doors. He pushed the doors open and I was taken aback by the design and decor of the space

Where most of the villa we had seen was done in dark woods and traditional renaissance styles, the Papal Suites were light and airy. Light woods and cream fabrics were everywhere, with accents of gold and silver inlays in the tables and chairs. We stepped into the main suite living room, widows all along the back wall facing the sun brought in tons of light. On the left was a massive fireplace that had a merry fire roaring, a set of couches angled for perfect conversations. To the right was a small office space with a desk, it seemed like it was more for formal show than any work. There were a few bookshelves as well, filled with books, and a little reading nook in the corner. Behind the desk was a large set of sliding doors that opened out to a private courtyard that had a small path that seemed to lead to the main path outside that led to the Church hall.

Down the hallway to the left was a small bathroom and two bedrooms, both of which had their own private bath. There was also a small kitchen and a good sized dining room with a large ornate dining table. To the right was another hallway that led to a massive master suite, complete with a bathroom that rivaled even my own at home. After I finished my quick inspection, I joined Copia on the couch while Terzo directed the ghouls on where our bags were to go.

“I’ll let you three get settled in. Feel free to make use of the grounds and the villa. I just ask that you join us for a formal meal this evening, drinks and dancing after for the senior clergy.” Saltarian spoke, waving us off as he headed for the door with his hand in his pocket. “I’ll see you then!”

Once the ghouls left, Terzo came and flopped on the couch and laid his head in my lap. I sighed, taking his sunglasses and tossing them on the coffee table, rubbing his tense shoulders.

“Well…that all could have gone worse with our track record.” I joked, both men giving me a disbelieving look. “What?”

“Not funny, Amore.” Terzo grumbled, his hand pinching the bridge of his nose. “Quel topo bastardo vuole combattere.”

“Who? Veritas?”

“Si.”

“What is his problem anyways? The looks he’s been giving me have been downright creepy.” I grumbled, looking to Copia for answers but his gaze was locked on the crackling fire.

“Cardinale Veritas is…” Copia started to speak but Terzo sat up abruptly and flung his hands in the air, practically foaming at the mouth.

“He is a jealous cad, he does not respect anyone he sees as beneath him.” He fumed, standing and pacing in front of the fireplace. “I do not want you alone with him, Amore…I do not trust him.”

“Papa…” Copia’s voice was steady but there was a warning passed between them.

“Don’t Cardinale…”

“She deserves to know the truth.” Copia said simply, my head whipping back and forth between them feeling completely left out.

“Se le dico la verità, le farà male. Non voglio ferirla con quanto sono stato stupido in gioventù!” If I tell her the truth, it will hurt her. I don't want to hurt her with how stupid I was in my youth! Terzo snapped before huffing and storming for the doors leading out to the courtyard, slamming the door behind him. I jumped and looked at Copia, brows furrowed.

“You better tell me what is going on…” I sighed, crossing my arms and crossing my legs under me on the couch. “We need to all be on the same page with the council meeting tomorrow, we need to present as a united front.”

Copia sighed, taking off his biretta and leather gloves before tugging my legs into his lap. I slumped against the arm rest and he began to rub my feet.

Copia did as I asked. He told me everything.

When they were young and Terzo had come to study at the villa when he turned eighteen, he grew close with Copia and Veritas because they treated him like another person and not a future Papa. Copia told me stories of their summers in the Italian countryside, raising hell and learning ritual lessons. He told me of one time they had snuck off, stealing Nihil’s old car and drove to the seaside to play hooky from lessons and spend the day by the ocean. I watched as Copia got lost in the memories, something that clearly he had been doing all day, and I couldn’t help but curl up closer to him as he spoke.

He told me of when the day came and Terzo was expected to ascend after so many years in Italy. Papa had known there was an empty Cardinal spot he was leaving and the Clergy had requested him to make a choice of who would take the spot.

“He picked you didn’t he?”

“Si, Stellina.” He sighed, running his bare hands through his hair to push it away from his face. “To this day, I do not know why he did. I had been just a Black Priest at the time, known for my translations and skill with meticulous rituals. Nothing special. Veritas was furious, he had thought himself more charismatic than me which made him a better fit for the role.”

“I can’t imagine you being uncharismatic, Copia.” I teased him lightly, pulling a small smile from his face.

“Ero timido da giovane, I barely had the courage to speak with a Sister half the time.” He laughed, turning his mismatched eyes towards me fondly.

Copia continued with their history. He told me that when it had been announced they needed a cardinal to report to our abbey back home, Copia had once again been Terzo’s first pick. Veritas had hoped to take over the head Cardinal position Copia was leaving vacant but apparently Terzo had insisted Copia take the role with him over the Atlantic and instead Saltarian had filled in the position.

“A work rivalry is what caused all that?” I questioned, brow knitting together and Copia actually took a second to look embarrassed before continuing.

“Ah..no, Amore. There is always more to the story, si?”

“Why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like where this is going.” I grumbled, Copia smiled sheepishly before continuing.

No, work rivalries were not the end of it.

Copia told me about Veritas’ sister. Apparently when they were young, Terzo and her had been very close. Copia skirted around some details I could tell, but he had said that there was talk of her becoming Terzo’s unofficial Prime Mover. When they discovered my selection, she and Terzo had broken things off. That had been several years ago after I had first joined the Church.

“It was that serious..?” My heart clenched painfully, looking out towards where Terzo had stormed off. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t been discovered as a Prime Mover, would I have ever grown so attached to Terzo?

“It was just a rumor, Topolino…” Copia’s voice was soft as he cupped my chin and turned me to look at him. “You had always been fated to be ours, hellsent for us.”

“Is she why you both don’t want me to stay in the sisters quarters?”

“It is part of it, si…”

“What’s the other part?” His sudden hesitancy made me suspicious as he refused to look at me.

“Amore…”

“Spit it out Copia.”

“Papa and I have…earned a reputation over the years we spent here with the sisters. Neither of us wanted you to find out from them about our…histories.”

I huffed and stood up dramatically, Copia jumping slightly at my sudden movement. Checking the clock over the mantle, I knew I had a few hours before I needed to get ready but I needed some space.

“Sorella..?” Copia’s voice was concerned but I held my hand up to him before I spoke.

“I understand you both had lives before we all became entangled, just like I’m sure you know I also had a life before the abbey. It’s another thing to have that knowledge be something that could derail our entire relationship.” I rubbed my eyes before sighing and storming towards the master suite and its fabulous bathroom.

“Amore?” Copia called after me.

“I’m not mad you two had a slut stage, I’m just mad it wasn't just with me!” I called back, I could hear him laughing in the other room. “I’m going to take a bath. Alone!”

…

I felt slightly better after soaking in the tub that easily could have felt another four people in it.

When I came out of the bathroom I started to dig through my bags to try and find something I could wear. I hadn’t realized that formal meals here in Italy were truly formal events. Copia had been sitting on the bed waiting for me, I paused when he stood and played with his hands.

“Amore…” He started but I cut him off.

“What are you wearing?” I asked, mouth practically hanging open.

Copia was wearing a suit of sorts. He wore a black leather tailcoat over a black vest and button up shirt. On the left and over his heart was a beaded grucifix, ornately detailed with beads and various colored threads. His trousers were sinfully tight, leaving very little to the imagination. His hands had his normal black leather gloves, his hair slicked back slightly and he didn’t wear his biretta.

He looked like some sort of gothic romance character and I felt like I was drooling. Copia looked at himself with a puzzled look before shrugging at me.

“What do you mean, Stellina? I am wearing my formal outfit, no?” He asked, gesturing towards the piles of clothes around the room where I had torn through my bags looking for something to wear. “What about you? You also need to get dressed.”

“I don’t have anything appropriate, at least not if everyone is dressing that formally.” I groaned, tugging out a few different linen dresses. “What am I going to do?”

“Nonsense, Topolino. The other siblings will be dressed in their uniforms, a little more formale than yours but nothing that will make you stick out too much.” Copia tried to comfort me as I panicked, my thoughts instantly on the senior clergy who’d be attending.

“Maybe I can make it seem like I’m extra pious by wearing the simple habit and robes?” I groaned, burying my face in my hands. A soft knock on the door drew my eyes up to the slightly subdued form of Terzo; hanging over his shoulder was a long black garment bag.

“I…hope you do not think it too formal of me but…well I had a feeling you did not have something appropriate to wear tonight, Amore…” Terzo seemed sheepish as he walked over and laid the bag on the bed.

Slowly I unzipped the cover, a gasp slipping past my lips as I pulled the heavy gown from the bag. The dress was made of a dusty dark blue velvet, almost black in particular light. It had a high neckline, fitted at the waist and a long flowing skirt with a slight train. The back was almost completely open, the neckline tying around my neck. The dress also had bishop sleeves with the sleeves becoming fitted from my forearm down, with pearls stitched to look like stars. All along the chest were more pearls sewn sporadically, the ends of the necktie that would brush against my back covered in pearls.

“Terzo this is…it's too much.” My voice wavered, thick with emotion, looking over to him as he stripped down and grabbed a towel from the rack.

“Nonsense Amore.” He laughed, waving me off as he came to press a soft kiss to my temple. “You are il mio tesoro, you deserve the world and I will give it to you.”

“Let me help you, Sorella…” Copia’s voice was thick as he looked at me with heated eyes. “Papa, you must hurry and get ready as well.”

I felt Terzo pull away, heading into the bathroom, before Copia helped me into the dress, fabric heavy as I slipped the sleeves on. Copia helped zip up the little invisible zipper, pressing a kiss to my bare back. I shuddered, turning to look at him through my eyelashes.

“Positivamente squisito…” His lips murmured into my skin as his hands settled on my waist, pulling me back against him. “Maybe we should just have dinner here, si?”

“While it's very tempting…” I sighed, eyes closing in bliss as he continued to press kisses to my shoulders and neck. “We have the Council to face tomorrow and I don’t think skipping out on dinner would win me any favors…”

“No, I suppose you are correct.” He chuckled before stepping back, obvious discomfort at the snug trousers crushing his manhood. “Finish getting ready, I will meet you in the main room.”

I quickly did my hair, pulling it up in a simple bun with a few curls uncooperative and settling along my neck. I kept my make up simple, mostly because I was never good with make-up in the first place. I slipped on the earrings Terzo had tucked into the bag, a pair of small dangling grucifix, and the pair of black heels. I tested them a few steps, satisfied I wasn’t going to break an ankle. Once I was done I followed Copia’s lead and went into the living room where he and I waited for Terzo.

“Ah, Amore. You look incantevole, I knew that blue would be a good color for you.”

I turned to look back at Terzo, a smile on my lips, and I felt like I was going to swoon. Terzo was dressed like he had just stepped from a Jane Austen novel.

He wore a high collar, double breasted black tailcoat. His black undershirt had a clerical collar, the little white band standing proudly. He wore his normal white satin gloves, his insignia ring on his right middle finger. His trousers, much like Copia’s, were sinfully tight and were tucked into a pair of knee high riding boots. His papal paints had been touched up and his hair slicked back, for the first time I noticed his ears were pierced. In one he wore a black diamond stud and on the left he wore a grucifix earring, matching the ones I was wearing.

“I-I think this is the first time I’ve seen either of you wear something besides your uniforms…” I giggled awkwardly, squirming under the weight of their eyes on me. “I-It’s a nice change.”

Terzo’s face softened as he came and took my hand, giving me a chance to spin for him. He whistled low, pulling me to him and pressing a gentle kiss to my temple.

“Tesoro, I will dress like this every day if it pleases you…” He teased before taking my arm. Copia came to my other side and took the other. “I’m sure Cardinale feels the same way, Si?”

“Only if Sorella dresses like this every day…”

“I’m not sure how the Siblings back home would feel about that.” I laughed as we made our way back to the dining hall we had been shown before when we arrived.

As we made our way down there we ran into several siblings of various ranks, all of them welcomed us with a mumbled “Your Emenceces” and a bow or curtsy. I was thrown off that they were including me at first, till I remembered just who I was striving to become. I was determined to live up to the task Lucifer himself blessed me with, standing tall as we walked with my head held high.

When we arrived at the dining hall I couldn’t help the shock on my face. The space was very large, several long tables set up following the length of the room and under the massive set of stained glass windows on the far end of the hall was the head table. All the tables were set with white linens, polished silverware and large centerpieces of exotic flowers.

“Ah, our guests of honor have finally joined us.”

I had to hold back from rolling my eyes as we turned towards Veritas. He was dressed similarly to Copia, in a form-fitting suit, however his was made in a deep red fabric and he wore his biretta. His hair was pulled back at his temples again, the pieces braided together. I put on my most diplomatic smile, extending my hand and giving him a cool look till he took it and kissed my knuckles in greeting.

“Cardinal Veritas, I apologize. I’m not sure if we were ever told what time dinner was.” I attempted to smooth things over as I could feel the dark looks on my companions faces. “Let us sit.”

Terzo took my arm back, giving Veritas a dirty look as he guided us to the head table. Copia pulled out my chair to Terzo’s left hand, helping tuck the chair in for me. Terzo sat in the center spot at the table, Copia on his right and I on his left. On Copia’s other side was Saltarian who began to happily chat with him, both seeming to be caught up in catching up together. On my right side was Veritas, which I had to fight the urge to tuck myself closer to Terzo. Veritas stood, clinking his glass and calling the attention of the siblings who seemed to scurry to their seats.

“I propose a toast. To our most auspicious Papa.” Veritas’ smirk deepened as he nodded at Terzo before locking his gaze with Copia. “To our clergy head, Cardinal Copia.”

My throat tightened as his eyes looked to mine, his face looked kind but the dark glare at me conveyed what he didn’t say.

“And finally, to our prospective Prime Mover. May Lucifer himself bless you and your bindings, should you choose to take them.” For some reason that felt more like a threat than a toast, but I tried to wipe the grimace from my face and sip my champagne. “Papa, would you like to say a few words to your most dedicated flock?”

Terzo choked slightly on his drink, a scowl on his face for a split second before he attempted to recover face. “Ah, Si. Si Cardinale.”

He stood, clearing his throat and holding his glass up, looking out over the large dining room. I looked up at him lovingly, trying to encourage him with my smile.

“Ah, buona serata everyone.” Terzo shuffled slightly, a few kind responses of ‘Good Evening, Papa’ sounded across the room. “I thank you all for joining us here and for welcoming us with open arms.”

Terzo looked over at me and with a cheeky smile, I gave him a warning glare to which he winked at me.

“A toast to Saltarian’s generous summoning, resulting in my little vacanza italiana. To Cardinal Veritas for his lovely toast; and most importantly to mi compagne, il mio primo motore, mio amato. Long May She Serve.”

A chorus of ‘Long May She Serve’ rang out, much to my surprise. I heard Veritas scoff to my right side as I glanced at Terzo with a dirty look. He smiled, reaching out to caress my cheek before turning back towards the siblings seated in front of us.

“Please, enjoy your meals. Let us offer thanks to our Dark Lord.”

Terzo spoke a quick Latin prayer, many people’s heads bowed as they mumbled along, and Copia and I caught each other's eye. The Cardinal shrugged at me, both of us thrown off by Terzo’s more subdued approach at leading a meal prayer. He sat back down and instantly I knew something was off, he kept making small talk with me and drawing my attention away from the siblings as they ate their meals.

I was tense throughout the whole meal whenever I wasn't speaking with Terzo. Cardinal Veritas’ eyes were constantly lingering on me and he took every moment I wasn’t speaking with Terzo to cut in and make some sort of snide comment.

“Ah, Sister. I don’t mean to pry but I was curious what you normally do for tasks at your abbey.” His voice was thick with sweetness, a few of the Cardinals on the council sat to his right side and I didn’t want to be rude with tomorrow’s meeting.

“I work in the library.”

“Ah, Cardinal Copia was always such a big fan of the library here. Did he help you get reassigned to that position?”

“Um, no. I had always worked in the library since I had joined the Church. I’ve always had a talent for languages, when I proved I had a skill for Latin translations they had me start working on the translation requests.”

“Most impressive, Sister.” One of the other cardinal’s nodded, sipping his wine as he listened to me speak.

“Thank you, Cardinal.” I smiled, nodding demurely at him. “Since I started doing translation works, I’ve been entrusted with very old ritual translations and various documents and journals of clergymen and the Emeritus family.”

“What about your ritual experience, Sister?” Veritas’ voice was smooth and I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes. “You must know how important that particular skill would be if you become the Prime Mover.”

“I wasn’t aware I was on trial here, Cardinal Veritas.” I said sweetly, my smile practically dripping with sarcasm.

“Forgive me, Sister.” He clearly didn’t catch or chose to ignore my icy tone. “I’m merely curious what drew Papa to your side, and Cardinal Copia for that matter.”

“Who says I drew them in?” I almost snarled, placing my silverware down and shoving backwards in my seat. “Please excuse me, I need to get some air.”

Copia and Terzo both instantly looked in my direction, concerned on their faces. I waved them off with a small smile. “I’ll be right back.” I mumbled to them and they both seemed to settle down.

With my skirts swishing behind me, I slipped out of the dining hall and down to where the restrooms were. I stood in front of the marge mirror on the wall behind the sinks, gripping the edge tightly as I took some soothing breaths. I knew I couldn’t lose my cool here. There not only was too much riding on this going well but I knew if I made the wrong move or miscalculated a step, I would lose one or even both of the men I’d grown to love.

I took a moment to splash some cold water on my cheeks, face flushed from the heat of the thick fabric of my dress. I heard a toilet flush and someone come out of one of the stalls, standing straight and putting on my best Imperator face.

The other woman was tall and willowy, her face sharp and elf like. Her hair was long and pin straight, a buttery yellow shade. She wore a dress like the other siblings. It was a similar robe to what I wore back home but in a silky material with a high slit. Instead of a traditional habit she wore a sheer veil, her hair slightly covered.

“Oh, my apologies, Sister.” She startled slightly, hand over her heart. “I didn’t hear anyone else come in after me.”

“No, I’m sorry.” I smiled as she came over and washed her hands before checking her makeup in the mirror. “I just needed a minute away from the hall, I don’t tend to do well in the spotlight.”

“Unfortunately, you may be in the spotlight a little longer. Dancing and drinks after dinner means more so networking for the Cardinals with Papa.” She laughed before giving me a small bow. “Where are my manners? My name is Caterina, I’m the head Sister of Sin.”

“A pleasure to meet you Caterina, I’m…” I started to say before she looked back at the mirror and cut me off.

“I know who you are, Prime Mover.” Her tone turned slightly icy as she looked at me out of the corner of her eye.

“Oh.” I mumbled, cheeks blushing as she looked me up and down with a critical eye. “I should probably head back…”

“Of course, you wouldn’t want to keep Papa waiting. He never was the type to wait patiently.” She smiled sweetly as she floated past me as my brows furrowed. “Please enjoy your stay here in Vatican City.”

“How do you know what Terzo is like?” I turned to ask her but she had already left the bathroom.

…

“Ah, Cara Mia!” Terzo’s cheeks were flushed slightly with the wine he was drinking, dinner plates had been cleared while I was gone and dessert was being served as I joined the table again. “I was just about to send Cardinale to go and find you.”

“I’m fine, just got sidetracked is all.” I mumbled absentmindedly as I scanned the crowd for Caterina. She was seated at the Sister table closest to us, smiling and laughing with other senior siblings. My eyes narrowed slightly at her and I took a deep sip from my glass.

“Amore?” Terzo’s voice was quiet as he leaned towards me as he spoke. “Stai bene?”

“Everything is fine, Terzo.” I brushed him off, trying to smile to reassure him. “I think the jet lag is finally catching up with me is all.”

“We can skip the after party, Tesoro.” He said, placing his hand on top of mine. “I’m sure the Cardinale would understand if you needed to rest before the big meeting tomorrow.”

“I’m fine, Terzo.” I sighed, eyes still watching Caterina’s movements as I sipped my wine. “I don’t want to give the Council a poor perception of me.”

“Whatever you wish, Amore.” Terzo withdrew his hand and leaned over to speak with Copia while I simmered in my seat, racking my brain to who this woman was to Terzo before.

“Ah, Sister. Welcome back,” Veritas’ voice was the last thing I wanted to hear and I had to hold back a groan. “My sister told me she was very pleased to have time to chat with you.”

“What?” My head whipped in his direction, eyes narrowed on him.

“Sister Caterina, she is my sister.” He gave me a smirk, gesturing with his head to the object of my irritation.

Before I could formulate a response, Saltarian stood and dismissed the siblings and ghouls. He invited the senior clergy to follow him to the function room down the hall for some after dinner drinks and dancing. While he spoke, Veritas slipped away and joined his sister who locked eyes with me and smirked at me. Now seeing them standing together I couldn’t believe I was so dumb as to not recognize the resemblance, they could have been twins.

“Sorella?” Copia’s voice was soft as I turned to look at him, hand outstretched to me.

I graciously took it, standing and letting him tug me close as we waited for Terzo. He smiled sheepishly before taking my free arm and tucking it with his. We walked the three of us, following the other Cardinals and Saltarian to the room a few doors down from the dining hall. This space was far more intimate, about half the size of the dining hall.

The back wall was almost entirely stained glass, the other walls had various works of art hanging on the walls. The space looked like it was normally used as an art gallery but someone had added in some cocktail tables, a small bar and a small quartet that had started playing music. The majority of the room was made of us older clergymen, many sitting and chatting amongst their brothers. However there were several younger members and Sisters mixed in. A few were paired up in couples and looked eager to start dancing.

“Ah, Amore. Finally a chance to show off my dance skills.” Terzo teased, leaning in to murmur in my ear. “Though I doubt there will be much thrusting.”

“Papa who says you get to dance with Sorella first, eh?” Copia purred, tugging me towards him. “Last time I checked, one of us got formal training.”

“Come Cardinale, true dancing is not something you learn in lessons. It is something you do con emozione, si?”

I was distracted, nodding along as my two overgrown ten year olds teased and taunted each other about dance lessons. My eyes were following Cardinal Veritas and Caterina around the room. She dazzled, public speaking seeming to come to her naturally. She knew exactly who to act like a pious nun with and who to flirt a little with.

She didn’t laugh too loud or go on too long about Latin translations than the conversation called for. I wasn’t sure if it was that I’d had too much to drink or if my mind was being particularly cruel to me tonight, but I couldn’t help but wonder if Lucifer had made the wrong call. Coming back from my mind wandering I could tell Terzo and Copia were still arguing about who would get to dance with me first. I couldn’t help the little small fond smile as I squeezed their arms and pulled them slightly closer to me.

“Topolino?”

“Amore?”

“I’m glad you are both here with me.” I mumbled, cheeks flushed at the tender looks on their faces.

“Sasso carta forbici?” Terzo suggested, Copia nodded before the threw out their first instinct.

“Fanculo!” Terzo cursed. He’d chosen rock, Copia had thrown out paper. His face was far more smug than normal as he tugged on my hand, pulling me away from Terzo.

“Fair is fair, Papa.” He teased while Terzo fliped him off as he pouted. I laughed, reaching to cup his cheek.

“You can have the next one, Terzo.” I soothed before Terzo reached out and pressed a kiss to my bare wrist. I shivered at the lusty look in his eyes.

“Amore…I will have your last dance of the evening and every evening if tomorrow goes our way.”

“Papa, the Cardinals would like you to open the dance floor.” Veritas’ voice called out as he waved us over. I had to fight the growl back as I saw him standing with Caterina. “It is tradition after all.”

“Well, scusami Cardinale. I was hoping to sit the first dance out…” Terzo trailed off, looking at me as Copia gave him another smug smile. I rolled my eyes.

“Nonsense, the first dance must be by Papa. If Sister is already occupied, you must pick another partner. May I suggest Caterina?” Cardinal Veritas crooned, practically shoving his sister into Terzo’s arms as he stepped toward the dance floor.

Terzo looked at me helplessly as Caterina led him out onto the floor while the strings struck up a twinkling melody. Copia followed suit as Terzo began to swirl around the dance floor with another woman in his arms. I felt the rage bubbling in my chest as I watched him as Caterina tried to step closer towards Terzo but he maintained perfect form as they waltz around the floor. Caterina’s skirts billowed out as they twirled, a seductive smile on her face as she spoke lowly to Terzo. I couldn’t make out what they were saying and my heart clenched in my chest at the thought.

“Stellina?” Copia’s voice was deep as he pulled my attention back to him. I smiled as my cheeks flushed, embarrassed at being caught. “Will you join me?”

“O-of course, I’m sorry I’m not all that great at dancing.” I mumbled as he put his hand on my waist, holding my hand delicately as I placed one on his shoulder and the other in his open palm. “I didn’t have much time for dancing in my life before all this or even the church.”

“I will make up for what you lack in experience, Amore. Just let me lead you, yes?”

“Yes, Cardinal.” He smirked at my use of his formal title before we began to follow the simple one, two, three of the beat and spun around the floor. Other guests had begun to pair up and follow in our steps, Terzo still in the center of the floor with Caterina.

“You are distratto, Amore.” Copia murmured into my ear as he twirled me around, my dress ballooning outwards before swishing around my legs. “It couldn’t be because you are gelosa, no?”

“Me? Jealous? No, of course not…” I chuckled embarrassingly, cheeks flushed. “What would make you say that?”

“If you keep glaring at Rina like that, Sorella, she will burst into flames.”

“Rina?” I narrowed my eyes at him, he had the decency to look sheepish. “I didn’t realize you were close with her either…”

“Amore. We grew up together here, it was so many years ago. Lifetimes ago.” He said, eyes growing warm with fondness as he took in my flushed cheeks and pulled me closer to him. He pressed a soft kiss to my hand he held in his own. “You were hell sent for us, Lucifer himself hand picked you. Papa knows this, I know this. Why would either of us look to vecchi amanti when we have a goddess awaiting us every night, hm?”

“Copia I…” I mumbled, face flushed even more as he spun me out dramatically before pulling me even closer to him. “I trust you, both of you. I just don’t trust her, there is something she is planning I can feel it. Something to discredit me.

“We will handle it, amore, together like we promised.”

The song came to a close, Copia dipping me and I couldn’t help the little giggles as he pressed a kiss to my forehead before helping me back onto my feet.

“Let us go get a drink, Si?” Copia smiled, tucking my arm into his as we started to head towards the bar. That was till an arm snuck around my waist and pulled me backwards.

“Not so fast, Tesoro. You promised me your second dance.” Terzo purred in my ear as he tugged me towards the dance floor. “That drink can wait.”

“Terzo!” I laughed as he pulled me close, his hand warm on my bare lower back even with his white gloves on. “Slow down, I’m going to trip.”

He had a wolfish grin as he began the dance, twirling me with more style than I thought I could keep up with. He held me tenderly, pulled closer than other dancing couples by far.

“I would not let you fall, Amore.” He purred, hand sliding to allow his pink to slip into my dress, brushing against the bare skin of my ass. Terzo groaned, leaning forward to rest his forehead against mine. “Non indossi biancheria intima, piccola?”

I gave him a wicked grin and shook my head no, I heard him curse under his breath as hand pressing me against him as we twirled.

“Sarai la mia morte, Amato.” He growled, pressing a warm kiss to the inside of my wrist. “I want to take you back to my rooms and make you beg for me.”

“Say the word and we can ditch this party, Papa.” I purred in his ear, his hand holding mine tensed up like he was fighting the urge to just drag me from the room.

“Let us finish this dance, get a few drinks, and I am sure nobody would notice if we went missing, si?” He hissed in my ear, taking a pause in the steps to press his hardening cock against my thigh, a shiver running up my spine. “I’m sure Cardinale would join us too.”

My heart soared, I had forgotten in my melancholy that Terzo wanted me just as much as I wanted him. He hadn’t been tricked or forced into this just because I was a prime mover. My mind wandered back to all the moments in the early mornings he had held me, tangled limbs and sweet words between us. My cheeks flushed as I thought about all the times he’d praised me while he gently rocked against me or when he would fuck me till I couldn’t see straight.

I’d always known there was the unspoken truth between us. The longing looks in the hallways, the notes I’d find left on my workstation in the library, the times he would mumble into my skin after we’d curled around each other and chased our bliss in the other's body. While later I was sure I would place the blame for my confession on the amount of wine I had drank earlier that night, I surged forward knowing tomorrow all of this could be taken away from me. I didn’t want that to happen before I was able to tell Terzo the truth.

“T-terzo..?” I mumbled, suddenly shy.

“Si?”

“I…I…IthinkI’mfallinginlovewithyou.” I blurted, looking to the floor as we twirled one final time. The dance coming to a close, we paused in the middle of the floor as the couples around us politely clapped. Terzo stood there, mouth slightly agape, with his eyes locked on me. “T-terzo?”

He didn’t say anything, surging forward and pulling me into his arms. His fingers tangled in the loose curls at the base of my hairline as he kissed me firmly. I let out a squeak of surprise before my hand came to rest on his warm chest. Terzo tilted my head, cradling it gently as he pulled away. His mismatched gaze was heated but soft as he smiled a genuine grin.

“I thought you would never say it, Amore.” He sighed. “Ti ho amato dalla prima volta che ti ho visto giurare il tuo servizio a Lucifero con mio fratello.” I've loved you since I first saw you swearing your service to Lucifer with my brother.

“Terzo, people are staring…” I squirmed, feeling the eyes of the partygoers on us, Terzo was unfazed.

“I love you too, Sorella.” He continued, tugging my hand as he lead me to the side. I grinned like an idiot, cheeks flushed and eyes feeling like they were going to water any moment. “Let them stare, I do not care. Tonight calls for celebration, for tomorrow we do not know what will happen.”

…

Terzo and I celebrated a little too much.

Copia had been speaking to Saltarian off to the side, I wasn’t sure what was going on but I was so caught up in my post-confession high I didn’t think to seek him out. When he did come and find us he looked relieved for a moment before taking in the sight of Terzo and I curled up on a sofa; the two of us drunk off our asses with wandering hands and giggling like children. The good news for us was that the party was winding down, most of the older clergy had already gone to bed. There were only a few siblings, Cardinal Veritas, Copia, Saltarian, Caterina, Terzo and I left.

“What has gotten into you two, eh?” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose but I could see the small warm smile he tried to hide.

“We are celebrating!” I cheered, throwing my hands up and almost falling from Terzo’s lap. Copia surging forward to catch me by my arms.

“Celebrating? Festeggiare cosa?” Copia turned to Terzo who, while he looked more sober than I, was plastered.

“Sorella finally admitted what we all knew, that she is completely in love con me.” He crooned, hand possessively coming to my neck which caused me to shudder and lean into his touch. “Il che significa che ho vinto la scommessa, Cardinale.” Which means I won the bet, Cardinal.

“È così, fratello?” Copia’s eyes were locked on mine, a dangerous heat in them. I squirmed under the weight and tried to look away. “Is that true, Sorella…hm?”

“Well I…I didn’t want to go into tomorrow without being honest with you both.” I mumbled, cheeks flushing as I was finally able to tear my eyes away from him.

“Hm. I see.” His voice was low, I felt two fingers slip under my chin, tilting my head back to lock eyes with him. “ed io? Cosa provi per me, principessa?”

“I…I…” I stuttered, eyes glassy as I took in Copia kneeling in front of me, his eyes dark and stormy with a smirk on his face. “Fuck.”

“Hm, fuck indeed Sorella.” He chuckled.

“Well now if I say it then it feels like it's not special.” I whined, unable to help the childish pout that popped up. Copia chuckled darkly, taking my hand and tugging me from Terzo’s lap.

“Come you two, it is time for bed. We will have a long day ahead of us.” He sighed, tugging Terzo onto his feet as well before leaning in between us to mumble for us. “I have many ideas on how to punish you two for leaving me out of this confessionale, hm?”

Terzo and I locked eyes and both had stupid grins on our faces as we followed Copia obediently through the halls. It was quiet besides the sound of our shoes on the marble, I was still drunk and I couldn’t help myself to fill the silence.

“Terzo?”

“Si, mio amore?”

“If she touches you again, I’m going to rip her hair out.” I said sweetly, stepping into the double doors of our suite. Copia burst into laughter, smacking my ass as I passed him on the way in.

“Who?” Terzo looked confused as he slightly slurred his words, I glared at him with my hands on my hips.

“Caterina, Terzo.” I hissed as I kicked off my shoes and stumbled my way to the bedroom, Copia and Terzo hot on my heels.

“Amore…I’ve never seen you like this…I like it.” Terzo purred, hands sliding around my waist and tugging me to him.

I felt his cock hard against my ass and I whimpered as I ground back against him. Terzo leaned to press sloppy kisses to my neck as he untied the velvet ties there. The dress slipped forward slightly as his quick fingers pushed the sleeves down my arms. I arched into his touch as his hands slid from my shoulders to my waist where he was able to quickly undo the zipper. The heavy gown fell to the floor with a thump and Terzo, ever the gentleman, helped me step out of it. I was standing in his arms, naked.

“Do not encourage her Terzo.” Copia’s voice startled me, my eyes opened and I noticed he was standing in front of me. “Sorella is a good girl, no?”

He had removed his gloves, I could feel his fingertips dusting against my skin as he cupped my aching breasts. His thumbs brushing against my pebbling nipples, I arched into his touch and whimpered as Terzo’s hands gripped my hips roughly. He tugged me back against him, rutting his cock against my ass. I could feel how hard he was though his tight trousers.

“She is always a good girl for Papa, Cardinale.” Terzo murmured in my ear as I panted, Copia leaning to nip and suck at my collarbone as I shuddered between them. “Come, Sorella. Show your papas how good you can be, eh?”

Oh sweet Satan, I was going to die tonight

#Ghost #the band ghost #cardinal copia x reader #terzo x reader #papa emeritus x reader #copia x reader x terzo #copia x reader #cardinal copia #papa emeritus lll #papa terzo #terzo emeritus #my writing #Sinners in Secret Chapters

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