The High Priestess threw back her head, and laughed. “All the bloody Glaith has done is allowed your daughter to come into her power, unchecked. It’s made her weak. A creature of impulseyoucreated, and the only cage that might be capable of containing her should I fail, is made of the dirty Glaith your precious Caledonians seek to force upon the Blood. Does that surprise you, Senator?” she asked, brow raised. “That I’ve seen the dirty Glaith you’ve staked your daughter’s life on? Goddess, we created itlong beforethe Caledonians did. It’s an alloy made with iron. Cheap production,” she said with a sniff and flick of her fingers, cheeks flushed with passion, “but capable of rendering a ki-wielder utterly senseless. A slave. Is that what you want for your only daughter?”
“Of course not!”
“Then to have suchperfectconviction, you must’ve spent a lifetime studying the Blood, the Glaith, and how they compliment or hurt one another?”
“Again,” my father said, though his tone had quieted, “of course I haven’t.”
“Then you’ll be happy to know Ihave,” the High Priestess snapped, eyes returning to mine. “I don’t know why the Goddess has sent a second challenger for my seat, but I don’t much care. I won’t see you descend and neither will I see you enslaved. Not if I can help it.”
Shifting, my father crossed left ankle over right, but said no more.
“I’m prepared to offer you a unique position here at the temple, Mila. No one need ever know what you are.”
Swallowing, I flexed my fist around the Glaith. “What does that life look like, Mistress?”
She pressed her palms flat to the table and took a breath, offering a fleeting smile. “You’ll learn to control your power under my personal tutelage, but will be ranked as Triloth of moderate ability.”
Unfolding, my father sat forward once more. “A convenient lie that keeps her under your thumb.”
No, it was freedom. I wouldn’t have to accept the trade of pendant for ring and allow the captain to go unpunished. I could bridle those dark wings begging for freedom, learn to train them before I flew.
And when the captain and I next met…
“These grounds are the home of more than just the religious center of our faith. Mine is an offer of sanctuary. You may pursue your intellectual interests, become an artist, or enter the faith. It doesn’t matter to me as long asyouare safe, Mila.”
“And as long as she’s never recognized as a challenger for your seat,” my father returned, scowling. “You’d keep her hidden away. Your secret weapon.”
The High Priestess stood, rounded her desk, and moved for the door. “Join me,” she said. “Allow me to show you this place is no prison, but a home for rare and dangerous things.”
I watched her go, barely able to contain my smile.
My father stood, shoulders stiff as he drew me to his side. “As you say, Your Grace. But I’d like a moment alone with my daughter, if you don’t mind.”
“Then I shall join young Josh and protect him from the living walls. Don’t linger.”
When the door whispered shut behind her, my father wrapped me in an all consuming hug. “Goddess, Mila. I’ve been sick with worry. Are you alright?”
I nodded against his chest, taking a moment to absorb his strength before I pulled away, and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
He squeezed me, unaware that his embrace no longer felt like home for a rare and dangerous thing.
Chapter 10
“Where we goin’, Your Grace?” Josh asked, tight on the High Priestess’ heels as she led the way through twisting halls.
“I thought our newest Triloth Priestess might like to see the seat of worship here at the temple.”
“Your newest”—Josh whipped around, wide, honey-brown eyes finding mine in the half-light—“Miss Tannovic, you’re… you’re…”
“A Triloth Priestess of moderate ability,” the High Priestess said, patting his shoulder with a smile.
Gaping at me, he shook his head. “But how’s such a thing possible?”
I shrugged, grinding the virgin Glaith into my palm. “Late bloomer, I guess.”
“These things happen,” the High Priestess agreed, breezily dismissive. “It’s not overly common, but they happen.”
My father squeezed my shoulder, and my chin dipped once in acknowledgment. We could do this. It was an easy lie built from the dregs of popular expectation. Nothing more than what they all wanted to hear and see, for of course, both Trila-Glís were already living and accounted for. No one was looking for a third. A rogue. For that matter, no one was lookingoutsideof the Tritan women of faith for afourth…and this one absent Tritan blood altogether.
