I screamed, and my mother rushed into the room with fear lacing her eyes. “Roland. What are you—?”
Her words cut short as my father revealed a syringe. “The officials are after me,” he panted out. “I have to hide the mercury.”
Before my mother could scream her protest, my father stuck the needle into my arm and pushed the plunger down. Fire coursed through my veins, searing me from the inside out. He clamped his hand over my mouth to stifle my scream.
My mother beat against his back, but it was no use. When the officials kicked in the door, he’d already beat her into a lifeless lump and hid her away, and disposed of the evidence. They ransacked our home, tearing into files, photos, overturning furniture, and breaking into the walls.
But they never found the stolen mercury.
It ran through my veins.
I close my eyes, seeing the memory play vividly across the backs of my eyelids. Pressing my lips together tightly, I push down the rage that boils just under the surface of my skin. Then I cleanse my lungs with a deep breath.
As I open my eyes, I try to focus on my mother’s words, words that should mean more to me than the harm my father caused that night, and more than the words Carina used so callously and has no idea the pain they elicit.
The goddess Alyah saved my life. I’m here for a reason—a purpose.
I turn and head back toward the training facility, determination marching my steps forward. Carina has left. I don’t know if she’ll return.
And I don’t care.
As I step into the room, I take in the wide eyes of the Nactue, and say, “I’m your leader. From now on, you’ll take orders from me.”
I do not fear Carina. Or anyone else.
Lilly raises a quizzical brow and trades a look with Willa before they both fall into line with Missa and Van. The Nactue stand before me, looking for my direction.
Hell.
In the heated moment with anger burning my insides, declaring my leadership role felt right. Now, I’m not sure what I’m doing. I press my fingers to my temples and think about everything I’ve learned through years of training in the protectors. And while we’re here training—possibly for an attack we have no way to prepare for—I wonder who is keeping watch over Empress Iana.
I close my eyes and center my thoughts on her. Then I feel the connection to the empress—the tiny pulse of her life force through the Nactue bond.
The former Nactue are watching over her. They left here early to guard her. Councilor Henna had them placed with the empress while Carina trained us—Councilor Herna wanted Carina away from the empress.
My eyes snap open in alarm. I’ve been taught that the Nactue bond will alert us if she’s in trouble, that I can feel her life force to know when she’s safe—but should it give me this much information? Do the other Nactue sense it in detail?
Shaken, I step forward and say, “Run through your usual warm up drills. I’ll be back in a moment.”
I start toward the double oak doors, but Lilly catches my arm. “Kal, is everything all right?” Her deep amber eyes show the worry she must be struggling with inside.
“Yes,” I say, nodding. “I just need to ask something of Councilor Herna.”
She grips her fist and cracks her knuckles as her mouth pinches together. “Let me know what’s going on.”
I give her a quick smile. “I will. I promise,” I say. And I mean it. I won’t be like Carina, keeping secrets and leaving everyone to wonder and panic. “Now stop cracking your knuckles before they’re too gnarly to wield a sword.”
She bats my arm and turns back to warm up with the other Nactue, and I head out the doors and into the corridor. While I’m making my way toward the Council’s chamber, I recite everything I need to say in my head. My face is flush, and I can almost feel the mercury rising to the surface of my skin. Whenever my emotions run high, the mercury makes itself known. Like I’m a blasted thermometer.
Alyah, have mercy.
A guard raises her hand as I reach the chamber doors. “Who are you here to speak with?”
“Councilor Herna,” I say, forcing my voice steady.
She nods and opens the door. “Protector Kaliope
is here to seek council,” she says, her head peeking between the cracked doors.