Page 216 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“You mean to tell me you did not submit the anonymous tip yourself?” he asks with narrowed eyes.

“Anonymous tip? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I tell him, confused.

He continues to regard me with suspicion.

“Commander Azerius received a tip that you’ve successfully defeated a greed demon—something no one outside the special squad has done. You say you had nothing to do with that tip?”

I blink. Who would submit such a tip? Who would even know about the greed demon in the first place?

“I really have no idea about any tip. I vow it.”

He nods thoughtfully, his body relaxing slightly.

Is that why he was so frosty? He thought I’d sent an anonymous tip in about myself? I scoff at the thought but only because I didn’t think about it first and someone beat me to it.

Who?

“The tip was rather detailed about how you worked day and night to find a way to vanquish the demon and protect the mortals. You did this without the full scope of your abilities, too, and as such, Commander Azerius wishes to reward you.”

“He does?”

“He has spoken to the House of Moirai on your behalf.” He takes a few steps until he’s in front of me. Touching two of his fingers to my forehead, he neutralizes the shield he’d placedbefore. My energy returns with a vengeance, flowing through me from head to toe.

“Your powers have been returned.”

“That’s very kind of Commander Azerius,” I choke out, feeling overwhelmed from the raw power flowing through my veins.

“He requests your presence in Aperion. I am here to deliver you to him.”

“Me? He wants to see me?” I ask incredulously.

“Yes. We should depart.” He turns to leave, expecting me to follow behind him.

“Wait a moment! I can’t go right now!”

Kai half turns and narrows his eyes.

“You cannot go right now?” he repeats, his voice dangerously low.

Given my so-called accomplishment, you’d think Kai would have forgotten my small indiscretion. But seeing how cold he is with me still, it seems he has neither forgotten nor forgiven me for it.

Is it because it put a blemish on our family name?

“I have to say goodbye to people. Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

Mine will be home in the afternoon. I can’t just leave without saying goodbye, no matter how much harder that will be on me. Even now, my heart is heavy in my chest as I imagine the look of disappointment on his face when he finds out my time has come to an end.

I dread telling him that. But at the same time, I cannot possibly leave without letting him know. I must say goodbye to him and assure him this is not the end. That I’ll come visit him as often as I can.

“Minerva, no one makes Commander Azerius wait.”

“But—”

“No buts. He expects to see you shortly. Let us depart.”

Panic flutters inside of me.

“Wait! Can I at least grab my things? I won’t be long.”

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