Page 53 of The Court of Truth

“First,” Raiden interrupts, suddenly standing toe to toe with the man. “Address our queen correctly or she and her aid will be back across the border before you can fix your prissy tie,” he snarls. His eyes are wide, and I’m certain he’s eager to extend his fangs, reminding this man of what he’s capable of, but, thankfully, that’s not necessary.

Mayor Phillips clears his throat, fixing his suit jacket as his Adam’s apple bobs. “Queen Adrianna, thank you for coming.” He chances a glance at Raiden, who nods in acceptance, and the man eases a little. “We have over one hundred casualties at the hands of that sadistic woman and her followers,” he explains, making bile burn up my throat.

That’s bad. This is all really fucking bad.

“I’m sorry for the town's loss. What measures have already been taken in regards to damage control?” I ask, desperate to begin helping.

“We’re searching what remains of homes, registering all those we have lost, and taking refuge in the town hall. Some are foraging for any food we can gather while others are standing guard around the town hall, protecting the young and elderly or injured inside,” he explains, and I nod.

They’ve gone into survival mode, which is great. That means we can start focusing on rebuilding what was lost while they strengthen their bond as a community and support one another.

“What have you been doing, Mayor Phillips?” Raiden asks, tapping at his chin as he assesses the man, and I frown, unsure what he’s getting at, and it seems I’m not the only one.

“You’re going to have to explain what you mean,” he grumbles, fidgeting with the sleeves of his blazer as he peers at my vampire.

“I’m looking around, Mayor Phillips, and it’s clear to me that everything in this town has been met with catastrophe… except you.”

“Excuse you?” The mayor takes an offended step back as my frown deepens, until understanding dawns on me, but Raiden is already spelling it out for the man before I can speak.

“Look around, Mayor. Everyone here wears a pall of despair, stained with filth, and fumed with smoke, yet you’re standing here dressed to perfection. What have you been doing to help the people that need you now more than ever?” he asks, cocking a brow, and the mayor fumbles.

“I, well, I, uh…”

“Are you simply ordering everyone around or has someone else been taking command?” Arlo asks with a sigh, and the man slumps.

“Commander North has been orchestrating the recovery of our town,” he admits, waving toward a gathered group in the distance.

I’m moving before I realize it, the chorus of grumbling coming from behind me as I head off without protection once again, but they’re going to have to get used to it because that’s never going to be how I operate.

I lead from the front.

I need to remember that just as much as they do.

Nearing the group of thinly protected soldiers with threadbare armor, I halt. “Commander North,” I call, my gaze scanning across the crowd until a pair of eyes settle on mine.

I know it’s him without saying another word by the pain in his eyes, the determination in his stance, and the tic to his jaw. The jagged scar that rips down his face flares when he takes a step toward me.

“Who’s asking?”

My instinct tells me to play it cool, lay low, be the wallflower I was before I stepped foot on academy grounds. I’m used to running around the City of Harrows with my hood high and my back pressed against the shadowed walls, but now? Now it’s all different, and it’s time I started acting like a leader instead of a refugee.

“Queen Adrianna Reagan. Now, tell me how we can help.”

30

ADRIANNA

The only sign of exertion noticeable on my body is the sweat that clings to my brow. We’ve been out here for hours, too many hours, sifting through the remains of the rubble, but thanks to my wolf abilities, I’m not out of breath, I’m not down on my knees with exhaustion, and I’m not straining under the weight of the materials.

Raiden, Janie, and Kryll are with me, taking Commander North’s orders without a single complaint as we try to help heal their exposed wounds.

The silence that clings to the village is eery, but the sense of community that strengthens them is something else entirely. They’re synchronized. Piling the remains of destroyed homes and buildings together so they can see what they’re working with when it comes to rebuilding their homes and workplaces.

Placing a large stone with the rest, I take a step back, planting my hands on my hips as I assess how much we’ve actually done here today as the sun slowly sets in the distance.

“I’ve got to hand it to you, Queen Adrianna, you’ve been of far more use than I expected.”

I blink up at the commander, noting the hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, and I give him a pointed look. “I’m going to take that as a compliment because that’s definitely how you meant it,” I retort, unable to keep the whisper of a smile off my face. “But can we take a moment to imagine how much quicker this entire process would be if you let me use my magic?”

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