Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
“Did the group pass your test?” I demanded. “Did we kill the right soldiers?”
“That is to be determined.”
Whatever. I would learn the truth through Cyrus or Domino. “Tell me why, at least.” An all-encompassing demand meant to cover everything I’d just witnessed and endured.
He didn’t pretend not to understand. “There are many reasons. Let’s start with the footage of your friend and the former leader of the Tome Society. It was important that you see them. There are indications you’ll be with Cyrus long term. Therefore, you must comprehend what occurs to those who betray us.”
Us. Meaning CURED. “Last I’d heard, Mykal and the Soalian escaped.” Wasn’t like no one suspected Cyrus shared behind-the-scenes details with me. “You showed me old feed.”
“That doesn’t make it any less haunting.” A chiding note colored his voice. “She’s infected with Madness. Recapturing her would be a mercy for everyone who loves her.”
When a meta turned a corner, heading our way, it moved from the path, deferring to Mr. Vyle. A shock I would have explored further any other day. Here, now, I had only the strength to think, Later.
We rounded corners and climbed a flight of stairs, and I picked up our conversation where we’d left off. “Cyrus is the one who captured John Victors. In fact, he’s the only royal to ever do so. Crown him king and let him do it again.” He could dismantle CURED before Astan’s horns ever sounded. No “human hosts a god” necessary.
The executioner performed a double take, as if staggered by my words. “Your loyalty to Cyrus is unmistakable, and commendable, but he doesn’t need to be king to succeed in such an endeavor.”
I wondered . . . Did Mr. Vyle wish to be king himself? I hadn’t forgotten what I’d seen when I’d spirit-walked with Domino. Vyle, prostrate, begging Astan for power.
“You asked about my reasons for pitting trainees against each other,” he said. “If you are chosen for this . . . special assignment, you’ll be expected to do objectionable things without argument. At times, you’ll need to invade Soalian strongholds, and when you do, you’ll discover that people you trusted are your enemies. What will you do then?” Asked with a leading edge.
“I’ll always do what I believe is right,” I vowed.
He misunderstood and nodded, as if pleased. “Best to remember a moment of misery is a small price to pay for a lifetime of privilege.”
“And what misery do you suffer, Mr. Vyle?” The question left me before I could run it through a filter.
He stopped, forcing me to do the same. Peering at me, almost agonized, he admitted, “The kind you cannot even comprehend, Lady Roosa. I’m not ashamed to admit you are a mystery to me. I know Soal courted—or courts—you, but as I said, your loyalty to Cyrus is unmistakable. And his to you. I have witnessed your resourcefulness firsthand. You are a novice, yet you are skilled enough to shed a trained tail, help a high prince defeat an army of feeders, and beguile multiple men at once. In the beginning, I underestimated you. But no longer. I’m confident you can be a major asset to us. Or a terrible enemy. If that’s the case, I will wreck you without hesitation, Lady Roosa. Be assured of that.”
He moved on, leaving me floored, and I had to hurry to catch up, his threat clanging between my ears.
We turned another corner, and a familiar tug ignited as if . . . no, no, surely not. But what if?
The tug flourished, as if the Rock loomed nearby. I fought to control my reactions, not wanting to give anything away. Confusion set in. I’d been assured a doorway to Soal’s library hadn’t yet grown here.
The tugging faded when we snaked around the next corner, but I glanced over my shoulder, mentally photographing the hallway. Multiple entrances, all closed and flanked by armed guards.
We reached another guarded door, this one made of solid gold. Mr. Vyle motioned to the watchmen on duty. They pressed a series of buttons on a wall pad, and the metal opened automatically, unveiling a chamber with high ceilings, massive marble columns, and white floors veined in scarlet.
“Astan will help you, if you’ll let him. His methods might be unexpected, but his results are unparalleled.” Having said his piece, Vyle strode off.
Unexpected? Unparalleled? Try disastrous.
With no idea what awaited me, I stepped into the space alone. A temple. Silence reigned, not a single sound penetrating the air. Cyrus and the other royals perched upon silver thrones, arranged along the side walls, each chair flanked by towering statues. Those sculptures represented a different god, their forms a medley of ancient power. Among them were Briar Rose and Bala, the pet dragon-thing, as enigmatic as ever.
My gaze lingered on the exquisite Briar Rose, drawn to her by a magnetic force. She wore a gown studded with gemstones and flowers. Unlike the others, she projected otherworldly grace and dignity. I might have stared at her for hours, if shadows hadn’t caught my notice. They nestled against the deities as well as royals. Recalling what those shadows had done to me and my fellow trainees, I reared back, repulsed.