Noire frowns. “Mr. Kregger took the General’s life. That’s an unforgivable crime. Our traditions dictate that a life for a life is a fair bargain.”
My stomach drops. “I won’t kill him.”
I would rather keep him in prison than have him executed.
I can’t watch another important person die.
Not. A. Fucking. Chance.
“He made his bed,” Kazh finally speaks. “Now he must sleep in it.”
Noire meets my gaze. “I’m not speaking about death, but sacrifice.”
I frown.
“There’s an ancient ritual that dates way back when, before the Ezkai General times, when one could bind their life to another’s as a means of protection,” Noire explains.
“Okay, okay,” I murmur, nodding. “What does that mean exactly? Jax can bind his life to mine and become an Ezkai?”
“He can never be an Ezkai,” Noire says. “He’s not a Decarios. This role is something different. He isn’t required to be an Ezkai because it’s penance. We’d perform a ritual, during which the spirits of the gods would bind his life to yours. If you were ever on the verge of death, his oath and duty would be to sacrifice his life to save yours. Eternal service or death, these are the only paths for him.”
I’m stunned. That doesn’t sound like the perfect solution, but…
“And what would happen if he were to die?”
Noire shrugs. “Punishment would be served. You’d not be harmed.”
“That doesn’t sound like a fair bargain to me.”
“It’s the most fair bargain Mr. Kregger can get, considering the circumstances,” Noire says gently.
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth while I consider Noire’s solution.
Would Jax agree to this? He’s been fighting to gain back his freedom, and instead, it’s this. Another form of slavery.
I sigh. “Okay, Noire. I will ask him. He must choose his destiny himself. If he says yes, what will this ritual require?”
“House Dzuni must approve,” Noire says and I groan. “Jax must face the trial for his crimes.”
I run my hands over my face. Fuck me.
“How long will this take?” I ask. “I don’t have the time to waste entertaining the nobles. I need to get Jax out and head north.”
Noire purses his lips. “It can be done in a day. I’ll call House Dzuni in for the trial tomorrow.”
I nod. “Perfect. I’ll speak to Jax now.”
“May I have a word with you in private, General?” Noire speaks just as I’m about to head out.
I pause and glance at Kazh and the Ezkai.
Kazh waves her hand in air. “Tell me when you’re ready, General.”
With that, she leaves. My Ezkai guards look at Noire for permission to be dismissed. It irks me to no end. He nods and they close the door behind them, leaving us alone.
“I know this may not be the best time, but the monks reported that they’re ready,” Noire says.
I frown. “Ready for what?”
