My fists clench tighter-I think back to the night when I’d taken my first life, when I’d stood over Dante’s body. Let the pain force her heart to beat so rapidly that it bursts. The terror flowing from her feeds directly into me, and the voices in my head explode into shouts, filling my ears with their delight. Behind her, the entire crowd flinches in unison as eyes and heads turn away from the sight. She lets out a choked scream as she falls to the ground and claws at the dirt. I clench my fists and fling an illusion of pain across her body. “The day will come when we strike you down,” she’s saying. The woman is still talking, even as I stop before her. So while the woman continues her speech, I swing down from my stallion. You see, Magiano? This is what happens when I show kindness. But you cannot crush our spirits beneath your Roses’ heels-you cannot win.”Īt one time, I might have been intimidated by words like these. You’re a coward queen, hiding behind your army. “You have one of your lackeys do it for you. “You can’t even bring yourself to spill our blood.” She nods in the direction of Sergio, who has already started to draw his sword. “Is that so?” I tilt my head at her curiously.

You think we will sell you our souls for a few coins.” She lifts her chin. “You think that you can come here and destroy our homes, kill our loved ones-then make us grovel at your feet. “You want us to fear you,” she growls at me, speaking now in accented Kenettran. I turn my glare on her, but she doesn’t back down. She spits at me, then calls me some name in Dumorian that I don’t understand. Someone in one of the groups refuses to pledge. More able-bodied men and women are brought before me. I motion for them to rise, and a patrol of Inquisitors comes to lead them away. One by one, they answer without hesitation. He mutters to several of his men, and they head off into the shadows, disappearing behind a door. I’ve become very good at knowing when Sergio senses danger. His eyes turn to the perimeter of the square. Pledge your loyalty, and I will make sure that promise is worth your while.”įrom the corner of my eye, I see Sergio stir uneasily. “I shall not tolerate potential rebels in my midst. “If you refuse my offer, you and your family will be imprisoned.” My tone deepens. One of them grabs his satchel so frantically that the coins tumble out, glittering in the light. At each one, he makes a show of digging into his bag and dropping heavy satchels of gold Kenettran talents in front of them. To make my point, Magiano descends from his stallion and approaches them. You will be armed, fed, and clothed, and your families will be looked after.”

You will ride with me to the Sunlands and the Skylands. “If you do, you will train with my captains. “You have the chance to join my army,” I tell them. As expected, all those chosen by Sergio and his team are strong, muscled men and women.

The midnight star by marie lu