Page 65 of Drawn into Oblivion

By entering without tripping any alarms or taking along thousands of troops, the empress and a small group of the best people at her command could avoid the Damned One’s entire army and sneak into his stronghold—the one place no empress had yet breached. Once they entered? That was all new territory. But the enormous amount of power Shumei had been granted could—

The candles in the room flickered, and a few were snuffed out, as a massive presence filled the small space. The walls and ceiling creaked, and the squeaking snap of glass followed. Every head swung to the empress. Conversations ceased.

Shumei shone almost too brightly to look upon. She floated high enough to be well above eye level, and her hair billowed around her as the scent of pollen, flowers, and fertile soil permeated the room. Even Vallen stepped back, mouth open as he stared at his empress.

“The Garden is dead and the Divine One dying while you waste time protesting what has already been decided,” she said, voice booming as though from far away. “I am not here for permission. I am here to command.”

As swiftly as it came, the terrible power resting inside the empress receded. She gently landed on the floor, and her inner glow dimmed.

“I do not have enough time to birth a daughter, however much I wish for that. Nor will I let the full year lapse in pursuit of producing an heir and allow another of the Damned One’s champions to wreak havoc upon those of us left.” She paused for the space of a breath, enough for her words to sink in. “Tomorrow night is the darkest night of the month. I shall pass through the Veil with five companions of my choosing. Together, we shall make our way through the demon city and breach the Butcher’s fortress. The Damned One shall face me—and I will strike him down, once and for all.”

Mai had never seen Shumei so fearless. The empress still so young—only twenty—and yet, standing there while surrounded by two dozen people all older than she was—and in some cases much burlier—Shumei exuded more strength, confidence, and intelligence than anyone else in the room.

“Who have you chosen?” Mai asked in the deafening silence, the only question left to be answered. The empress looked at her with surprise, as though she hadn’t expected the obvious question. “Have you…? Am I…?”

“Yes, Mai. You are one of the five,” Shumei answered. “With the power the Divine One gave you—twice—you are the one I require most.” Mai stood straight and nodded. Her fellow Spring elders said nothing, but she felt hands on her shoulders.

“I will also be accompanying the empress,” Vallen announced in a strained voice. It was the first time he’d spoken. Mai hoped he wasn’t ill.

“Yes, the high general and Commander Rosuke have both been chosen,” Shumei revealed. “I know that neither of them would be left behind.”

“And the other two?” a feminine voice asked, though Mai did not see who. She had instead focused on Rosuke, who returned her gaze. She didn’t want to name the emotion digging its claws into her chest, but it was so keen and painful she wondered how she wasn’t screaming or crying—or both.

Shumei took a breath as she folded her hands in front of her. “First, I must emphasize that I will understand if the two people I am about to name do not wish to come. Thus, if you feel hesitancy, say so. Otherwise, you’ll carry a burden along that the rest of us cannot afford.” The house elders all held their breath even though the empress wouldn’t likely call their names. The officers looked as though they were staring a dog solider in the face—ready to kill and ready to die.

“I ask Commander Jun and Captain Yuushi to fight alongside me.” The empress had barely finished her sentence when a wobbly voice rent the air.

“Yuushi, no!” Kagumi cried. Mai wheeled around in surprise as the elder of House Berry ran to the white-faced captain and threw her arms around him. Mai looked to Rosuke, who regarded the couple next to him with something like dawning comprehension.

“So that’s who I saw the other morning,” he said.

Yuushi held a scared and weeping Kagumi tight to his chest as he turned to look at the empress. He opened his mouth, and Shumei interrupted him.

“There’s no need to say anything, Captain. I understand. Commander Jun?”

Jun didn’t hesitate. He thumped his fist against his chest where the symbol of his rank sat, and bowed deeply. “I would be honored.”

“Thank you,” Shumei said, bowing her head in return. When Jun straightened, another officer clapped him on the shoulder, clearly moved.

“How brave,” Elder Taiga whispered.

Shumei leveled her eyes on another officer. “Captain Kiyoshi, would you be willing to join me?”

Kiyoshi’s answer was instant. “You honor me, Empress.” He swiftly bowed, and relief was evident on Shumei’s face. Kiyoshi was a good pick, likely as a scout. He was tall and lanky, but light on his feet and as graceful as a cat. His short hair curled a little, making him seem far younger than his actual age. However, he was nearly ten years older than Mai.

“All others present are asked to witness the gate spell tomorrow night,” Shumei said. “All house elders, with the exception of Elder Mai, shall call a meeting with their houses tomorrow to explain what’s been decided. Do not mention the book. I will meet with my five companions in the morning to discuss a more detailed plan. Tonight shall be spent as you like.”

“But Empress—” another house elder called out.

“There will be no more arguments or questions. I will address concerns only with my five companions, and only tomorrow. I expect everyone to spend their evening as best as they see fit,” she ordered. This time, no one objected. “Elder Mai.” Mai came to full attention with a jolt. “Please remain for a moment. All others are dismissed.”

Conversations both animated and incredulous broke out. Vallen opened the doors, and everyone slowly trickled out.

Mai had a sinking feeling as to what—or rather, who—the empress wished to discuss. Rosuke lingered near the door, looking haunted. Kiyoshi and Yuushi urged him along, their exact words to him lost in the soft din. Yuushi still had his arm wrapped around Elder Kagumi, who had tucked her tearstained face against his chest. Jun gave them a pained look, but he quickly scrubbed the expression off his face.

The rest of the Spring elders gave their regards to Mai before leaving. Nae squeezed her hand. Arashi urged her to join them for the evening meal.

When the last of the attendees had left, Shumei cupped Vallen’s cheek. He closed his eyes in reaction. She stroked the markings on his neck and elicited a moan from him loud enough and carnal enough to make Mai blush and stare wide-eyed at the floor.