The sudden lack of sound snaps me back into myself. Whatever furious wave I was riding abates, and I suck in a panicked breath.
No.
No.
I was trying to avoid this show of violent power; I was trying to prove today that I wasn’t someone to fear—
The shadows recede, but their task is already done.
Four bodies lie broken on the floor. I didn’t just kill the councilor—I killed his wife and sons, too.
My hands start to shake, and I fight to stop it. I can’t let anyone see how rattled I am by my own actions.
I would doanythingto protect the people that matter to me—and the shadows understand that darkest part of me, pull it out even when I shouldn’t show it.
My head and heart are aching and empty as I stride back up the royal dais, turning until I’m sure every single noble in the audience is looking my way.
“Now you’ve seen what your queen is capable of.” My throat scrapes like broken glass, the voice that emerges from my mouth strange and terrible.
Who have I become?
Siegrid was right—I never should have allowed the shadebending to take over. I should have remained in control.
Still, I lift my chin. I have to look strong and commanding in front of all these people. Somehow,somehow, I need to convince them I’m not insane.
“The former Councilor of Sturmfrost’s treason could not go unpunished. He attempted to murder your sovereign. He killed one of my closest advisors. He killed my—”
I can’t speak anymore around the tightness in my throat. Thankfully, Anassa’s presence perks up in my mind, a warm slide of fur against my brain. And more—her approval. I may have felt out of control, but my vicious wolf would do it all over again.
I’m not sure that I’m comforted by that.
“Treason against the kingdom will not be dealt with lightly,” I say. “And it seems I need to be clear: In my eyes, nobles, Bonded, and the common people are all of equal standing. Everyone’s life is of value.”
And yet, you took lives so easily, my conscience jeers. I press my lips together to hold back the thought. I’ll have time for self-loathing and regret later. Right now, I need to get these people in line.
Muffled sobs are now heard from nearly every table. I can almostsmellthefear off the nobles in the room. The common people in attendance, too, are cowering. The Bonded, however, are looking at me in respect.
“I do not intend to rule Nocturna with an iron fist,” I announce. “But if I discover any more plots against me, or against the kingdom, they will be dealt with swiftly and with the appropriate level of justice. I will protect you and your families with the same fervor.”
I scan the room, meeting the eyes of a few of the nobles I met earlier. Each gives me a nod of acknowledgment as I stare them down.
The tension around me is thick and hideous. I stand there a minute longer, until every head in the room is bowed in submission.
“Stark.”
“My queen,” he says, stepping toward me.
“See that the bodies are removed.” Distantly, I register his agreement. Turning to Siegrid, I say, “Make sure that nobody leaves the castle grounds until I say so. We must ensure that this entire conspiracy has been… eliminated.”
She nods, gesturing to a few other Bonded, tersely sharing orders with them.
They move to the doors, and the shadow barriers I’d somehow created melt back into the floor. The Bonded open the exits, and nobles and commoners stream out, rushing to put as much distance between them and me as possible.
I ignore them, turning to look where my eyes have been unwilling to go. Down at the motionless body of my friend.
Her head is still cradled in Tomison’s lap. Nevah squats next to him, rubbing his back, whispering in his ear. I can tell she’s trying to get through to him, to snap him out of the wordless daze he’s been in from the moment Izabel’s body stilled.
My first friend in all this, now lifeless on the floor.
