I’d known this was coming from the moment I saw those twisted colors light Smit’s hands. Girls with shielding powers were required to serve in the guard. Grandmother and I had managed to conceal my powers when they first manifested. Now, nearly fifteen years later, Wolgen Smit’s lifeless body meant I couldn’t hide anymore. I tried for nonchalance. “So?”
“It’s time for you to serve your country.”
Serving our country was what had killed my mother. I gathered my courage and straightened my shoulders. “If I say no?”
“You’ll spend the rest of your life in jail.”
A woman’s life meant even less when she was behind bars. Conditions were brutal. Rape was common. Suicide wasn’t unheard of. I wouldn’t last a month. Fear bloomed like a toxic flower, but I managed a nonchalant shrug.
His jaw muscle ticked once before his lips thinned into a hard line. He rolled his shoulders, as if shrugging off something distasteful. “Along with every other member of this household.”
My eyes widened. “Are you really that evil?” The words slipped out.
His scowl deepened.
I glanced at the others.
Pierce’s pale gaze shifted between me and Grayson, as if he was calculating the exact probability of my compliance.
Flynn buffed his nails against his chest.
Teal looked slightly pale.
I couldn’t allow Grayson’s threat to stand. “You’d harm innocent girls to get what you want?”
If looks could kill, I’d be on the floor with Smit. I definitely wasn’t making any friends.
“Come with us, or your friends and family pay the price.”
He meant every word. There was only one choice, but was I strong enough to make it?
“Haven.” Grandmother stood in the doorway. Alone. That meant Khouri was safe. At least one thing had gone right today. Assuming we weren’t all dragged to jail.
The men turned toward her, and her sharp green eyes took in the broken glass, the singed upholstery, the upended furniture, and each man who’d invaded her home. She paused when she reached Flynn, and her gaze narrowed.
Under Grandmother’s withering stare, Flynn’s cocky grin faltered. He tugged at his collar and slowly—reluctantly—removed his feet from the table.
Only when his feet hit the floor did she look at me.
“Who are you?” Grayson’s tone commanded an immediate answer.
“Valera Ford. You are in my home.” Her tone made it clear he wasn’t welcome.
“This one.” He jerked a thumb in my direction. “Will come with us.”
“On whose authority?” Grandmother didn’t look remotely intimidated. She held her head high, and even though she stood a foot shorter than the hulking guards, she managed to look down her nose at them.
“Mine.” His stance shifted subtly, feet planted, hands clasped behind his back, square jaw held high—a man accustomed to being obeyed without question.
“And you are?”
“Gunn Grayson, colonel in the king’s guard.”
“Hmph.” Grandmother was unimpressed. “You will not take my—” Clouds blossomed in her eyes, and her white hair lifted off her shoulders as she stared at a future only she could see. The air around her crackled with energy.
Three times. Three times I’d seen Grandmother lost to avision. And each time my spine tightened, my scalp tingled, and I had to fight the urge to run. This time was no different.
Teal retreated until he stood by the cold fireplace, but not before flashing Grandmother a charming smile. “She’s a seer?”
