Dominique laughs again and shakes her head. “Oh dear, not at all. It’s always been a private business, training Caetras.”
“It belongs to me,” Vera says calmly. My jaw drops. She taps a finger on the table. “My mentor passed it down to me, together with the studio.”
I knew Vera has connections and resources, but owning the entire village in the mountains on top of the studio in the city…I’m baffled.
“Wait,” I say, frowning. “Are you training these kids to become Caetras, too?”
Vera sighs and shakes her head. “I’m disappointed you even have to ask me this, Phoenix. Of course not. The youth are free to do whatever they please with their lives. That’s why we have people like Dominique here, who are masters of various trades and can teach kids useful skills.”
Shame heats my cheeks.
“Yes, indeed,” Dominique says cheerily. “I teach sewing, knitting, and crocheting classes. We have woodworking, blacksmithing, cooking, fishing, and even businesses classes with a retired merchant here. It’s a small, but thriving, community.”
I toy with my cup. “That’s very nice.”
Two girls burst into the kitchen, laughing. When they spot us, they fall silent and quietly go over to one of the cupboards.
“If you’ll have chocolates, you better share them with the rest!” Dominique scolds them.
Giggling, the girls grab a box from the cupboard and rush out of the kitchen. They seem happy, and safe. Nothing like the kids we found in that damn warehouse. And all because of Vera and her generosity.
“So, this is what the Savage King is all about,” I say.
Ver shrugs. “One of the many things.”
“You’re like a badass vigilante,” Jax says with a huge smile. “I must admit, you might be the coolest person I know.”
Dominique and I laugh. Vera rolls her eyes, but gives in to a laugh with us eventually. Sharing the tea and a laugh in this small kitchen makes my chest swell with a familiar, warm feeling.
It’s been so long since I felt this way. I almost forgot how good it feels, how beautiful life is when I’m full of this feeling.
The true intention of your heart, its purest desire, is to make a home, and live every day making an impact.Lorca’s words surge to the front of my mind.
Before I can control it, a sliver of hope blooms somewhere deep within me. Maybe this could be it. This could be a beginning of something meaningful for me, rather than the start of destruction?—
I crush that damn hope like an annoying worm under my foot.
Maybe in another life, this would have been it. Something I could be a part of.
But in this lifetime, my parents are dead, and the man who’s responsible for it still lives and thrives. Keeps people likemein his ironclad grip.
“Come on now, it’s time to get back on the road,” Vera says once we finish our tea. “Thank you, Dominique, for taking us in so last minute. I’m glad to see the children are doing well.”
Dominique waves her hand. “Don’t be silly. You’re always welcome here.”
It’s approaching midnight by the time we get back into the carriage. Once we’re moving, I turn to Vera and ask. “Does Noire know about this? Did Kitajo?” Vera nods. “Are they the ones who put you on it? Why isn’t the government doing this instead of you?”
Vera shakes her head. “This started way before I even met Kitajo. Because Caligos are everywhere—Order of Ezkai and House Dzuni included—I always protected Savage King operations from everyone. If Noire or Kitajo would have gotten involved, if they have involved Ezkai…the word would get out eventually and then all I have built would crumble.”
“Vera, that’s a huge burden to carry on your own,” Jax says. “You know, we’re a team now. Cursed Trio. Correct me if I’m wrong, Phoenix, but just like we work to together to help you win, we can work together to help save these kids from Caligos.”
I nod. The way Caligos are running this country to the ground, the way they pry and use people, fucking kids to enrich their coffers, irks me.
It’s too close to home. Reminds me of King Francis.
The smile Vera awards me with feels a lot like home. My heart sinks.
“You really want to help?”
