My heart breaks into a million pieces at the thought of how many children there were before this, and how many more there might be in the future if nobody stops Caligos reign. I can’t believe Daegel,myDaegel, is okay with that.
I may want to rule so I can claim a blood debt I’m owed, which could be morally questionable, but this…this is vile.
When I see the fire burning bright in Vera’s steely eyes, the passion with which she fights, it awakens something within me.
“Where are you taking them?” Jax asks. “The kids?”
“Ri, me, and a few other Caetras involved in this operation have a safe house where we usually bring the kids when we rescue them,” Vera explains. “There, they’ll heal and rest until they’re strong enough to choose their own destiny and start building their lives.”
“That’s very noble of you,” I say. “To dedicate yourself to something like this.”
Vera smirks. “Once upon a time I was a child in the streets, and someone decided I was worth saving. It’s only fair I return the favor.”
For the first time in years, the tiniest crackle of hope sparks deep within the darkness that looms inside me.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
PHOENIX
The next day, I’m back to training with Kazh.
“If this is the attitude you’ll bring to the Trial of Truth, you might as well not participate at all,” the old woman says and whacks me with her cane.
I don’t flinch despite the sharp pain in my side. I grind my teeth and keep my mouth shut, gaze forward.
Even though I don’t admit it out loud, I welcome the pain and the curses she throws at me. It’s a good distraction from the storm raging inside of me.
Last night…changed everything. I killed someone with my emotional manipulation alone, which I had no idea I could do. Is it something every Decarios is capable of? Is it an ability I possess after that chilling experience during the Culling?
I have so many questions.
And then there’s Daegel…I’m blinded with anger anytime I think about him, and whether or not Vera’s right and he’s aware of his family’s Caligos busin?—
“Focus, you brainless fetus,” Oka Oya spits. “There is not a single fucking thought behind those pretty eyes, is there! Whereis that damn Ezkai who won the Trial of Wisdom without slaying the dragon, huh?”
I shoot her a sharp glance.
“Don’t throw a temper tantrum for me here. I’m too old for that shit.”
She comes to a stop in front of me. I can’t avoid her inquiring gaze.
“Now, tell me what in the sea monster’s ass is the matter with you today? We don’t have much longer before the invitation to the second trial arrives. Every second is precious.”
I don’t want to talk about it. I press my lips into a thin line. The weight of her gaze pins me down, and soon I feel like drowning.
For the training to be successful, there must be trust, honesty, and respect.
I glance around the empty back garden. There’s nobody but the two of us around; Vera and the crew are all inside the studio.
If anyone can answer my questions about my Decarios abilities, it’s Kazh.
“Last night…I accompanied Vera to a…” I pause because I’m not sure how much can I reveal to Kazh. How much does the legendary Oka Oya know about what happens in the shadows? “Let’s say it was a soiree of sorts. And during that soiree, we…got attacked. I used emotional manipulation to protect our group.”
“And?”
I focus my gaze over her shoulder and watch the white fluffy clouds float through the blue sky with ease. My heart races in my chest at the memories of my power last night. How it felt roaming inside me, and flowing through me and out into the world.
I felt…unstoppable.
