It’s a miracle I remain on my feet.
The big guy punched me with his whole heart.
“You are supposed to guard her with your life.” Bjorn spits the words out. “It is your duty as the Blood Sentineal.”
My blood boils. I check my jaw.
It’s intact.
No teeth missing.
“I’m aware,” I say, my voice rough.
Bjorn’s nostrils flare. He’s about to swing a second punch.
I don’t try to block it.
I deserve every punch that comes my way.
Elder Arcon raises his palms, stopping the fight from escalating. “If Ezkai General is to come to any harm, the bond will do its job.” He turns to me. “If the General wills it to do this alone, we have no other choice but to agree. We all serve her.”
Ezkai Bjorn huffs and returns inside. Emil and Ravenna follow after him.
I roll my shoulders to ease some of the tension. “I’ll leave and go back to Jaakii first thing tomorrow morning.”
Elder Arcon frowns.
“I’ll be more useful to the General there,” is all the explanation I offer before I herd Luna and Midnight back to their stables.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
VERA
“Knowing what you know, would you choose differently?” The moment the words leave my mouth, darkness swallows them.
I’m on my back, in the middle of my cell. Starting at the endless abyss stretching above me.
The ceiling is the only place I haven’t explored here yet.
The only unknown place in what has become my new world.
How long have I been here?
Where’s Phoenix? What is she doing?
Does she think I’m dead?
Is she dead?
No, a voice says. If she were dead, Reizei would be here rubbing it in my face.
That gives me satisfaction. Until Phoenix lives, Reizei won’t win.
“Would I choose not to be the Ezkai General?” Kitajo’s voice is all around me.
My mind seems to have reached its limit. I cannot conjure his presence next to me. I can only hear his voice.
My chest tightens.
