A ripple moves through the crowd.
They latch onto his statement, as he regurgitates the same fruitless words his father often does during his campaigns. Malric Vale has won his seat for two ten-year terms consecutively without fail. His surname protects him, and his favor with the people is unshakeable.
“As Commandant,” he continues, letting the title roll across the room, heavy and unshakeable, “I ask you to remember that it is not your classification that defines you, but action in the face of upheaval. The Gifted may hold power, but the strength of any soldier comes from their resolve, loyalty, and the willingness to face what the world throws at them, no matter how impossible it seems.”
His gaze turns to me. He holds it for what feels like an eternity. I shift uncomfortably under the force of his gaze and the meaning behind his words. He breaks the intense eye contact, allowing me to suck in a deep breath. It almost sounded like a compliment. Like he was trying to say, you don’thaveto be Gifted to make a change. But then again, only a fool would take his words for truth.
“Founders’ Day is not simply a celebration of the past, but a reminder that each of us, Gifted or Common alike, has a role to play, and an obligation to fulfill. It is only when we honor that duty that we truly serve our nation, and each other.”
Applause fills the room, and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes.
“That man could sell water to a fish,” Rei says. “His father would be proud of him.”
I watch Ender with clear disdain. There will always be another Vale waiting to step up and rule us with an iron fist. First, it was his grandfather, Bane; then his father, Malric; and Ender would be next. And someday it would be his child.
Well, Mercy and Ender’s offspring. The thought makes me shudder, and I feel a sliver of guilt for putting my sister in this situation. It was supposed to bemelocked up in his stifling house, preparing the wedding, while she roams freely.
I can’t help but feel like she got the short end of the stick.
Clover is still following him like his shadow. Occasionally, her hand falls to his elbow, lingering there for several minutes.
I put my sister in this position. The least I can do is ensure that the man I trapped her with doesn’t publicly humiliate her. Invitations have already been sent out for the engagement party. A week from now, everyone will know that Ender Vale and my sister intend to wed.
I head over to where he is speaking with a retired military couple. The man is in his full regalia. His white mustache twitches at my approach like a rabbit hiding in the underbrush. My lack of medals and gift classification makes him instantly turn away, dismissing me as a lowly, powerless cadet.
“May I speak with you, sir?” I ask curtly.
Ender’s eyes meet mine.
“Not now,” he says. “Return to your squad.”
“It is important,” I say. “It’ll only take five minutes.”
Clover’s eyes narrow suspiciously. Sheshouldbe wary, because I am about to ensure that Ender never looks her way again.
He belongs to Mercy, and if he forgot, then I will remind him of his place.
If I can’t make him love her, I can sure as hell make sure he remains loyal.
Ender surprises me when he nods towards the terrace.
“Someone better be dying, Warrick,” he mutters.
“Someoneisdying,” I say.
We step outside, and the sweet, night air drifts toward us.
Ender folds his arms across his chest while I head towards the banister, leaning my back against it.
“Well?” he asks. “Who is dying?”
“You,” I say sweetly. “If you don’t stop publicly cheating on my sister.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” I say. “Whatever was between you and Clover ends tonight. I won’t let you destroy my sister’s reputation.”
“I don’t have time for this nonsense,” Ender says, irritated. “You pulled me away from an important conversati?—”
