Glancing over at Grigori, I watch the gleam in his eyes as he stares at her. A small prick to my conscience passes through my brain before fizzling out. She's such a delicate submissive. One that might wither under Grigori's intensity. I glance back over at Melody and harden my resolve.
"I put forth an odd proposal to The Society. This situation arose in part at Chelsea's misguided infatuation with me. I recommend that she be publicly punished for her crimes then turned over to the care of a Society member who's willing to claim her and keep her from attaching to someone else."
Chelsea's gasp fills the room. Her bright eyes turn to me, fear vibrating her form.
"It's an odd proposal. Is anyone set to claim her?"
"I am." Grigori approaches the dais and crosses his arms. "Be assured that she will not have the ability to think of anything or anyone else. She will be too busy seeing to all my varied needs."
She trembles at his words, and I watch her for a moment before looking back at Grigori. His reputation as a hard master preceded him, even before requesting access to our group. But in all our background checks, he's never physically harmed a submissive. Whatever misgivings I might have, it’s in the counsel's hands now. In order to move on, I need to make sure Chelsea is completely out of the picture.
"Are you prepared to go through with the ceremony within the week?"
He rubs his hands together as he stares down at her. "Without a doubt."
"We agree to this punishment. Richards, you may proceed with the punishment."
Glancing over at Grigori, I shake my head and take a step back. "Since Chelsea now belongs to him, I leave it in his capable hands."
Bowing to the assembly, I step off the dais and head straight for Melody. I grasp her arms and stand her up before swooping her into my embrace. With her safely tucked into my arms, I take us both out of the main room. As we pass through the doors, Chelsea cries out, her pained screams echoing in the building. Melody burrows herself against my chest and covers her ears.