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She nodded slowly, feet frozen in place.
“Do you think there’s a reason he doesn’t fear me?”
Again, she nodded.
“Speak it.”
Her mouth opened and immediately snapped shut.
“Speak.”
“Because you are friends.”
Lifting Chaos from my belt, I twirled the curved handle. “And what do you think happens when people are mean to my friends?”
“Deyanira.” Hollis meant to protect the woman, but only because of his own fear. No doubt, Drexel had given her too much leash, and she needed to be reined in.
“Speak,” I demanded again.
“They… You…”
I stepped forward, sliding my dagger back into its sheath. “Do you know who else is my friend?”
She shook her head, glancing to Hollis for an answer, though he said nothing.
“No. You don’t. So, watch what you say and how you say it to every single person, Genevieve, because I know where you sleep, and I’m very good with weapons.”
She nodded frantically, sweat clinging to the blonde curls framing her face.
“You’re dismissed,” I purred, plucking the parchment from her hands.
The clack of her heels faded away, and the old man stepped in front of me, taking my hand and whispering, “If ever you question your strength, remember the kindness inside of you has its own power. Your morals and restraint are your true power, Little Dove.”
“Too bad it’s not dancing,” I said, reading the carefully scripted lines of the message.
Maiden,
Darkest soul, your mountain to climb
In shadows cast, can brilliance shine?
No battles fought, no weapons held,
Dance alone, silent laments spelled.
No need for blades, nor show of might,
Onstage you’ll shimmer in the night.
With weapon poised, but ne’er to employ,
Seduce the crowd, your presence a joy.
Ever yours,
DV
“Right.” He flashed a kind smile, pulling the paper from my hand. “You can’t pull your weapons, but you can take them onstage.” As he so often did, he lifted the long golden chain from his pocket and clicked open his beautiful watch. “Time to charm the masses.”
