The priest steps forward. “The gods have spoken through our mighty, wise emperor. I am here to share it with you as it was told to him.”
He lifts his hands, palms facing us, then closes his eyes. I almost laugh at how ridiculous he looks. He acts as if he is channeling something, but he already knows what he’s going to say.
And I am willing to bet my life that whatever it is, it did not come from the gods.
“Darkfall will bring great sorrow and ruin.”
Everyone around us murmurs. Even my ladies gasp and move a little closer together. I watch Brevan. He doesn’t flinch. His eyes stare ahead, bored and distant. His jaw is tense, his posture straight. The perfect model legionnaire. Even his leather armor is impeccable. It looks more ceremonial than the armor I usually see him wear.
“To protect the peace and maintain balance, eight will enter the temple by morrow’s eve to ask the gods for their gifts.”
The murmurs explode into startled whispers. My pulse races. No one had ever gone before Darkfall.
“Hush. The message continues.”
The crowd quiets. I hold my breath.
“The gods have selected their eight. You will step forward when you hear your name.”
I know where this is going. My ears are ringing. The room suddenly feels too big, and my limbs are numb. I’m not watching anymore, it’s like I’m outside my body, hearing this through someone else’s ears.
He reads names I don’t recognize, and men step forward, masking their excitement with stoic expressions.
Then he looks at me. The emperor looks at me. Caiden and Brevan look at me. I can’t breathe.
When they say my name, it’s like I’m hearing it from underwater. I can’t make my legs move.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to be out of here before this.
“Sabina.” Caiden is in front of me, and he clasps my hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you as much as I can.”
I see myself closing my fingers around his hand. Moving my legs to walk forward to join the seven men who wait for theirbig moment. Their glances toward me are not kind. If I was left alone with them, they would certainly ensure I never made it to the ceremony.
Somewhere far away, I hear cheers and applause.
“Now we feast!” The emperor’s booming voice breaks my trance, and I suck in a breath, then blink a few times.
Caiden has returned to his father, and the men I was standing with have rejoined their friends and family. The mood is jubilant. People laugh and hug, and their conversations are excited and joyous.
My ladies are all standing where they were when I left them. Charlotte and Genevieve wear nervous smiles. Antonia and Anya don’t bother to try.
I walk over to them, and they surround me, whispering words of encouragement.
Anya manages to get next to me, and as we head to the ballroom, Anya and I slow down so the others can get a little distance. She leans close and whispers, “You and me, tonight, we run.”
Thirty-Seven
Dinner is being servedat three long tables. The emperor sits at one with his priest, several important-looking officials in uniforms, and a few select courtiers.
The second table is where I’m sitting, next to Caiden and more people in uniforms and exquisite, expensive clothing.
The last table is all courtiers, no legionnaires or officials in uniform. They’re likely the less important people but have enough status to be at this event.
“I’m glad you returned safely,” I say to Caiden.
He leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m glad you survived the attack. I can’t believe they got into your room. Or that you killed two men yourself.”
“One myself, the other was Anya. Speaking of, I have to say thank you for allowing her to join me.” I offer a warm smile.
