Page 109 of A Hunter for Luna

Rage boiled inside me, so intense it nearly choked the breath from my lungs. "He’s our blood, the rightful heir to both clan and empire. And youletMoonshifter drive him insane?"

"Francesco was unlikely to produce an heir," she said coolly. "He preferred the company of men, and the empire can't afford a barren line. We need strength, someone who can revitalize the kingdom. Someone like you."

She continued, settling in one of the chairs, “His lack of discipline drove him mad when he read Ruin’s book. I’ve worked to fix this situation in my own way. My more effective way. Shortly after the ritual is done, you’ll be emperor, Francesco will be sane, and I will be a goddess to replace the dead patron of Dimare.”

She’d lost her mind. That was the only explanation.

I paced the room, trying to contain my temper. The polished floorboards gleamed mockingly beneath my feet. I whirled to face her. "Where did you find this ritual? It’s madness, Mother. The gods are absent, and humans aren’t meant to replace them. Otherwise they would have, centuries ago."

Mother folded her hands. "Don't be naive. Power is never given, it's taken. And I’m reaching for the ultimate power. The ritual is one of Ruin’s, altered and improved by me."

I shook my head in wonder. "You’ll succeed where Sorcerers fear to tread? Power isn’t worth anything if you get it like this."

Her expression hardened, any pretense of maternal warmth vanishing. "Really? If you had power, you wouldn’t be here, would you? Power gives the ability to protect what you care for, be it a cause or a person. Wearing the empire’s wreath Benedetto, you have the strength to lead the Dimare into a glorious future."

She was insane. I swallowed against the bile rising in my throat. Completely mad with lust for power. And she wanted to drag me along with her.

"You're insane," I whispered. "And I won’t be a tool."

Her thin lips curved into a sharp smile. "Tool? No, my dear. You're the key to the future of the empire."

She rose, approaching me. “After the ritual tonight, I will take my place as a living god, and you’ll be set on the throne. The empire will be unstoppable."

The room spun around me. I couldn't fathom the depth of her ruthlessness, the cold calculation behind her elegant mask.

Mother moved closer, her perfume enveloping me. No notes of jasmine in it, only myrrh, the scent of death and funerals. “Think of it. Luna and Francesco at your side, and me as the protector of the empire above all of you. The conquests and glory you’ll find. Just cooperate.”

I bent my lips in a smile I hoped looked sincere. “And what of Luna? If you have her here, is she to be a part of the ritual?”

The expression must have fooled her. Mother smiled at me, happiness in her face. “I’m glad you’ve accepted your part. Yes, she will. She’s agreed to do it.”

Mother was always an excellent liar. Luna would never agree. “And the babe?”

“That might be a problem, but even if she miscarries from being the power focus, you’re both young. And there’s no guarantee that she wouldn’t lose the child in the normal course of things.”

I drew in a long breath, tainted by her perfume. The walls of the chamber closed in, the air thick and suffocating. As I met my mother’s unwavering gaze, I realized with sinking dread that I might be out of options.

"You're talking about using an unborn child in this magic ritual," I said with deliberation. "My child. Luna's child. Your grandchild."

Mother spread her hands. "You’re going to rule. Sometimes a sacrifice must be made for the greater good. How many more infants will be safe because of the sacrifice of this one? Imagine what we will accomplish once it’s done."

"You're insane," I said wonderingly. “There's nothing you won't do, no line you won't cross, is there?"

Her smile sharpened, a predator scenting blood. "I prefer to think of it as being willing to do whatever it takes. Much like you, my son. How many ghouls did you help over the years? The empire needs a strong hand to guide it. With the power to make my vision real, we'll be unstoppable."

Mother reached up and patted my cheek, her touch like ice against my skin.

"You'll come to see the wisdom of my plan," she said, her tone comforting. "Once the ritual is over, you’ll be moreamenableto what's best. But if you cooperate willingly, you can have yourwife back before then. You can support her as she is prepared for the ritual."

I jerked away from her. "You want to strip me of my free will."

"Only if necessary," Mother said, her gaze never wavering. "But if you make the right choices on your own, there won't be any need for that."

I took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing myself to speak calmly. "And Moonshifter will cure Francesco?" I asked quietly. "Reverse what was done to him?"

Mother walked to the door and rested her hand on the knob. "It should be feasible. Francesco was a necessary sacrifice, but one I regret. He’s still my son."

She glided from the room.

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