8
The altar was hastily rearranged, and fresh pine resin was sprinkled on the pyre.
But the most striking sight was Tang Feifei tied to the altar pillar.
She was forced to wear a wedding dress identical to mine, but it didn't fit, its neckline slanted, exposing a large part of her shoulder.
Her mouth was gagged with red silk, allowing only muffled cries, her eyes swollen from tears, mascara smudged into two black circles.
The High Priest ascended the high platform, the ceremonial robe flapping in the wind.
"Today, the Tang Family girl has offended the Fire God, revealing wounds through torn clothes, and must use her body to replace the bride and complete the ritual!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. I looked in disbelief at these familiar faces.
Pure joy spread across their faces, as if what was about to happen wasn't a live burning, but a celebration of rain after a long drought.
Four sturdy men with torches approached the altar.