Page 65 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

“Soldiers. We have an announcement. Eight new members will be added to the Praetorian guard at the request of Praetor Amulius.”

Just the name of that vile man made every muscle clench, Verian’s teeth gritted as the Prefect continued his message. “Gaius Cento, Verian Corvinus, Florentius Crus, Drusus Falto, Phaedrus Getha, Marcius Glicia, Alcaeus Scipio, and Ampelius Sulla. Step forward.”

His stomach turned at the call of his name, a deep resignation at the inevitability of the matter. Of course, a promotion was a good thing, but he’d had his eyes set on centurion. Perhaps he’d been naïve to think he could skip right past working directly with the abhorrent Praetor, not an unusual feat, but not common either.

Verian and Drusus glanced at each other from across formation, but followed the small group up to the front of the campus. They lined up with the others as the Prefect looked down from his podium.

“You will give your oath of allegiance to the Praetor and Shadowholde.”

The men repeated after the Prefect, Verian growing more uncomfortable with each new statement.

“By the Gods of Shadowholde, by the valor of our ancestors, and by the strength of our arms, I solemnly swear:

To stand as the shield against all threats.

To uphold honor, discipline, and courage.

To protect all officials with unwavering loyalty.

To keep our secrets sealed within the walls of Shadowholde.

To march with pride, clad in the raven cloak of the chosen few.

To follow and defend the Emperor’s decrees.

May Galo witness this oath, and may Orus grant us victory.”

As the Prefect placed a pitch black cloak over Verian’s shoulders, a knot welled in his throat, unsure if all the sacrifices were worth it.

CHAPTER 28

Vita

“WHO ARE YOU?” VITA asked, still caught in the enormous man’s clutches.

There was a deep bellow of a laugh as he dropped his hand from her cheek, the smile never leaving his face. “I am Petran. Petran Valentius. A friend of Renatus, and Aurora, of course.”

Vita had not been aware the High Consulhadfriends beyond Aurora. Thralls? Yes. Lovers? Certainly. Butfriends?

Her head pounded, tension squeezing her temples as if she were being crushed between two mountains. Lack of sleep made her woozy, not to mention her thoughts of Verian and the High Consul.

When she said nothing, Aurora stood, walking over to greet her. “Out all night, dear? And with your handsome guard friend, no less.”

Well, that just made the ache in her head worse. “How did you know?”

“Renatus has eyes everywhere, silly girl.” Aurora’s lips curled into a smirk, a familiar navy dress dripping down her body as if she had just emerged from a pool of water.

Vita’s eyes widened at the implication. “Is he… upset?”

“With you?” Aurora scoffed. “Never.”

She tried not to be pleased with that answer.

“And with Verian?” Vita quirked a brow, arms crossed over her chest.

Aurora waited a long time before rolling her eyes and answering. “No. As he said, you are free tocomeand go as you please.”

A deep flush burned through Vita as Petran let out another deep bellow of a laugh. With a sympathetic smile, Aurora sent her off.

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