Page 239 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“You dare tell me off about breaking the rules when you’re doing the same thing?”

“It is different. I am doing my job, and Azerius knows that sometimes different techniques have to be employed. The end result is all that matters.”

I glare at him. What did I expect from Commander Azerius’ lap dog? The rumors have always implied that Azerius was relentless in his pursuit of his justice, but I never realized how far he would go.

Worse? Azerius is the highest authority in Aperion. Even if I wanted to seek help from someone else, not even the Supremes could do anything to stop him since he has free rein over the military. The mere suggestion that I might be a traitor and he’ll be allowed to torture all the answers out of me.

My fingertips tingle with energy as I ready myself to attack. But before I can do so, the door swings open and a female walks in, her eyes wide with shock.

“What is the meaning of this?” she shrieks.

“Thea, out,” Cerenios replies without even looking at her.

“What are you doing?”

“Out!”

She doesn’t obey his command. Shutting the door behind her, she strides determinedly toward Cerenios. She’s taller than me, but he still dwarfs her with his height.

“I turn my back for a moment and you are out here assaulting someone?” She shakes her head at him. Her nails morph into claws and she digs them into his neck, then rakes them down his flesh and draws blood.

Cerenios is unmoved.

He regards her with a bored expression on his face, barely moving a muscle.

She launches herself at him again until he finally throws me aside and slowly faces her.

Stumbling back, I massage my neck absentmindedly as I watch them with confusion.

“Thea, I told you to leave.”

“No. I must defend her against your tyrannical ways.” She points to me as she glares at him.

He rolls his eyes.

“Should you not first askwhyI was doing it?”

“Of course not. Whatever it is, you’re likely at fault. Though I must say, Cer, I’ve never known you to be this aggressive toward a female. Have you finally lost it?”

“Thea…” He sighs.

“It’s evil Ze’s influence, isn’t it? He’s turning you into a monster, Cer! How can you work for him?”

“Work. That is exactly what I am doing. So please leave and let me continue mywork.”

“I knew it.” She stomps her foot. “Never mind that you’re taking orders from that evil male, but now you’re doing this here? Unacceptable.”

She turns to me. “Don’t you worry. While you are here, you are under my protection.”

I nod numbly. I think I like her. Though she’s a bit odd. Going by her dark green empire waist gown, she’s likely a guest at the party. Her red hair is pinned atop her head in a basic updo, but the simplicity of it does nothing to detract from her beauty.

“How did you know I was here?” A glint of suspicion appears in his eyes.

“Wyn told me. She also said you were up to no good.”

“Wyn?” Surprise flickers across his face.

“She told me to stop you, so that is what I am doing,” she adds, nodding to herself.

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