EMBER
“The ember does not know it is fading. That is both its tragedy and its power.”
CHAPTER ONE
PHOENIX
Harsh winter wind whips at my face, making a mess out of my hair. I tilt my head towards the sun and let my eyes shutter closed. Even the sunrays kissing my cheeks are cold, offering little comfort.
With a sigh, I open my eyes and turn my back to the sun. Above me, dark stone Ezkai Castle looms on the highest hill in Jaakii.
Mycastle.
One I earned with blood, sweat, and tears. One I sacrificed love for.
The gaping dark hole that opened up inside my chest the night my family burned in our childhood home has only deepened over the years. I’ve been on a crusade to close it, but everything I’ve done so far has only worsened the condition.
It’s like I’m fighting against the wind.
My family’s dead. Vasquez is gone. Roman’s dead. Jax’s locked up. Daegel’s dead. Vera’s probably dead.
Some days I wonder what’s the fucking point anymore?
Claiming blood debt you’re owed can be a lonely path.The late Ezkai General’s words ring in my mind.
Now I have two blood debts to collect. I close my eyes and sigh.
A chuckle echoes at the back of my mind, and sharp claws caress it. A reminder that I’m not alone anymore.
I’ve grown accustomed to the burning between my breasts where the snake tattoo lies, indicating my deal with the trickster god Lorca.
My punishment.
What is so funny now?It’s getting harder and harder to muster anger these days, which has been my driving force for so long.
You’re your worst enemy, Lorca purrs.
I’m starting to believe the trickster god.
“General.” Noire’s voice startles me.
I spin to find him standing a few feet away, hands folded behind his back. Two Ezkai with masks covering their faces, the ones who always trail after me everywhere I go, stand behind him. Same two personal guards I’ve tricked so I could sneak away and be by myself, wandering the castle grounds.
Noire’s eyebrows hike all the way to his nonexistent hairline.
I roll my eyes. “I wanted some peace and quiet. Don’t I get that much as a fucking Ezkai General?”
Understanding shines in Noire’s gaze. But he says, “It’s for your own protection, General.”
I wave my hand dismissively. No point in arguing—I’d lose the argument anyway.
“House Dzuni is present,” Noire says. “They’re ready for your audience.”
I nod curtly and head back to the castle to meet my government.
I thought competingin the trials was hard. I scoff to myself. That shit is easy as slicing a pie compared to sitting through a meeting with House Dzuni representatives.
The whole auditorium is in chaos, the noise echoing all the way up to the tall dome-shaped painted ceiling. If it were glass, and not stone, it would shatter, raining down upon our heads.
