Page 11 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

The crystals are being passed around from front to back, and of course, by the time my turn comes, there are no more crystals because they were based on the exact number of the regiment.

Damn it.

Perhaps I can do it without a crystal?

But just as I think of ways I can still fight demons without the assurance of the crystal, my brother’s eyes connect with my own.

Oh no!

His eyes narrow at me, and he shakes his head, his expression promising retribution.

I give him a feeble smile.

“You are dismissed. You may gather your belongings and prepare for departure. We will meet at the portal in one hour.”

The crowd disperses.

I’m rooted to the spot, waiting for Kai to chastise me but also thinking of ways to appeal to his brotherly love so he will allow me to come with him.

“Minerva,” he grits out.

Here it comes.

I take a deep breath.

He stomps his way toward me.

“Please, please, please, please, please,” I burst out as I get to my knees and kowtow to him. “Please, please, please, please?—”

“Get up.”

“Please, Kai!” I continue to beseech him while bumping my forehead onto the hard floor in another kowtow.

“Get up, Minerva!”

“Please let me join you. One last time. Please, Kai…”

His hands cup my shoulders and he swiftly pulls me up to my feet.

He glares at me, his cheek twitching with displeasure.

“I already told you no. How did you even get in here?”

“Your security is not very tight,” I say as I give him an awkward smile.

“I’m taking you home,” he snaps.

“What? No, no. Please, Kai. This is my last chance.”

“You were officially discharged from the army, Minerva. I can’t just?—”

“You can! You’re in charge of the regiment. I’m sure you can squeeze me in.”

His lips flatten.

“Please? One last time, I promise.”

“Mother and Father will not like it,” he grumbles.

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