Page 42 of A Love of Wrath and Rapture

I feel the need to interrupt. “As long as Evangeline is welcomed home and treated with the respect she deserves.” Despite my best efforts to control my emotions, the thought of these people chasing her away makes my voice sound harsh and threatening.

Evangeline nods, to my surprise.

“Xeros and I have been through several trials together. Our bond is true and I can ensure everyone in the village’s safety, but only if I’m allowed to continue my life as one of you.”

I listen intently as she continues to speak.

“I’m asking you, the council, to set aside your prejudices and consider the value of Xeros’s protection. He has protected me and made sacrifices to ensure my safety.” She looks from the council to the crowd. “He can do the same for you.”

I take Evangeline’s hand and we stand in solidarity as we wait for the council to respond to her request.

19

EVANGELINE

“Not to be rude, but you would be fools to turn us away,” I speak with authority that I don’t truly feel. My heart is racing and my knees feel weak.

Still, I know I have to put on an air of confidence or the council will reject whatever I say.

My voice is steady when I speak again, not giving anyone a chance to interject.

“It’s common knowledge that a rogue band of waira has camped nearby. It’s only a matter of time before they lay siege to the village.”

I point to Xeros, who is standing menacingly next to me, his eyes scanning the faces of the council members.

“They wouldn’t stand a chance against him.”

With my head held high, I take the time to make eye contact with each member of the council.

Harold’s hand is playing with his long, bushy beard. He’s calm and collected. Hilda’s face is as hard as a rock and her eyes unyielding. She meets my gaze with no hesitation.

Polyn adjusts his spectacles, not looking directly at me. Jeremiah is standing tall, a sour expression on his face.

After a moment’s silence, they share glances and something shifts in their eyes.

It’s Hilda who speaks first. “We cannot deny that the waira are a worrisome matter… their scouts draw nearer with each dawn. With that said…”

Jeremiah’s shrill voice pierces through my confidence. “Inviting a monster into our village… the mere thought is ludicrous!” He spits out the last word and points angrily at Xeros.

Xeros, in return, glares at Jeremiah, his lips curling in a terrifying sneer.

I bite back laughter when the councilman jumps back a few paces, his pale face going even whiter.

“Would you rather have the village plundered, the elderly and men brutally murdered, and the women and children stolen to live as slaves?” My voice shakes as I address the council, trying to make them see sense.

The crowd starts murmuring once more, this time worried about the looming threat.

I watch as the council members exchange hesitant glances, their deliberation influenced by the weight of their responsibilities.

I know that they know the village’s survival depends on accepting my terms.

Xeros shifts uncomfortably next to me. I can see he’s getting impatient with the diplomatic discussion. I’m sure he’d rather scare the council into submission.

“There lies truth in what you say, Evangeline.” Harold’s voice betrays the worry he feels for the village’s future.

Jeremiah interrupts him, his face contorted with anger. “We simply cannot let a monster stay here! What if he—he decides to eat one of our children? Or take our women for his beastly desires? He could bring in more of… whatever he is!”

I feel my face grow red with anger of my own. Such vulgar accusations!

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