I stare across the sea of unconscious soldiers.Unconscious, not dead. I want to crow with triumph. I don’t know how I dampenedmy magic—gut instinct and desperation probably had something to do with it.
Either way, I did it. I spared the lives of my enemies. Brute strength without control doesn’t make you powerful. It makes you a brute. With both strengthandcontrol, I feel truly powerful for the first time—like I’m worthy of this power.
It’s ironic that I can hardly stay upright as my head spins violently. I almost plant my hands on my thighs, seeking purchase to drag air into my lungs. But I can’t show weakness. Not now.
I left General Shin standing because he cannot concede defeat if he’s unconscious. Unfortunately, I see the flaw in my plan too late as the edges of my vision darken.
Well, shit.
I can’t accept his surrender ifI’munconscious.
“I got you.” Jihun is at my side before my knees can buckle, his grip firm on the back of my arm.
“Perfect timing.” I lean imperceptibly against him, inhaling a proper lungful of air, and the vertigo passes.
“General Shin.” My voice sounds firm and steady, if not as loud as before. “Do you—”
The general falls to his knees before I finish my question. “Please show mercy, Your Majesty.”
Ah, that’s right.General Shin doesn’t know his soldiers are alive. I doubt he cares much about his men’s well-being. But he thinks I killed them all and will do the same to him if he doesn’t yield.I’ll take that.
“Captain Ha, show General Shin”—I jerk my chin toward the sniveling general—“to his new accommodations.”
“With pleasure, Your Majesty.” The captain bows low, then motions for two of the royal guards to follow him. They stumble after him, throwing frightened glances my way.
Confusion lines my forehead until I realize that the royal guards also think I killed the soldiers. Can I blame them? They’ve been undermy father’s ruthless regime for centuries. How can they be sure I’m not like him? I have to earn their trust.
“Captain Song”—I address Jihun formally for the benefit of the guards—“have the enemy soldiers restrained before they regain consciousness.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He doesn’t look surprised—just proud. I nod at him, my chest tight with gratitude. Then he faces the royal guards and commands, “Secure the soldiers. Work quickly.”
Across the courtyard, Hailey, our residentjeoseungsaja, clips Captain Ha’s shoulder as he leads General Shin away from the royal audience hall.
“I’m sorry,” she pants, but she doesn’t slow down to hear the captain’s reply, instead making a beeline toward me. My heart gives a sickening lurch when she reaches me, clutching her side. “Your Majesty—”
“Catch your breath first,” I interrupt her, not ready to hear what she has to say. Sunny is not with her. It can’t be good news.
“Are you okay?” Jihun has the wherewithal to ask.
Hailey nods as she gulps in more air. “But I don’t think this could wait.”
“What happened?” I brace myself.
“Sunny’s gone.” She bites her trembling lip, then blows out a shuddering breath. “She went to the Mortal Realm to stop Daeseong from killing the thousand humans he has kidnapped.”
Everything goes out of focus, and my ears ring with the high-pitched sound of someone flatlining. I lock my knees so they don’t buckle under me.
“Where?” My voice is unrecognizable, harsh and feral.
“I took her to the entrance to the Gray Void.” Hailey hikes her chin up. “I couldn’t stop her, so I helped her.”
I take a stumbling step forward, and Hailey backs away. With an impatient shake of my head, I squeeze her shoulder to let her know I’mnot angry with her. Sunny is a force of nature. She cannot be stopped. I know that, and yet ...
She might still be here. I have to find her. I take a calming breath and blink hard to clear my vision. Taking down General Shin’s army depleted me, but I dig for whatever dregs of power I have left.
Lend me your strength, Mountains.
“Where is the Gray Void?” I manage to rasp.
