Page 308 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

“Hello, Minerva. It’s been a while.”

He smiles slowly at me, a predatory smile that does not reach his eyes.

If I could, I’d spit him right between those cold eyes of his. Then I’d knee him between the legs—not sure if that would hurt him as much as it does mortals, but wishful thinking.

Of course I can do none of that, seeing that he’s once more holding me captive with whatever mind control he’s got going.

Bastard!

“I have been looking for you since your energy signature disappeared from Aperion, but I have been unable to detect it until now. Interesting, is it not?”

That is indeed quite odd. I didn’t shield my energy signature properly, mostly because I didn’t think anyone would be looking for me so soon.

“More interesting is the fact that General Molokai is missing. You wouldn’t happen to know where your brother is, would you?”

With a flick of his wrist, he allows me to speak.

“I don’t know,” I answer drily. “Probably screwing some faerie.”

“Language, Minerva.” He tsks at me. “You should not be allowed to speak like that.”

“Is that so?” I grit out.

“Of course, if it were up to me, you would not be allowed to exist. But all things at their time.”

I am not sure why he hates me so much, but this pretty much confirmed he’s looking to have me executed. Given his clear distaste of me, he’ll probably find any reason to put me on that execution block.

“And what will Commander Azerius say about your targeted attacks? I’ll make sure everyone knows how you threatened to fabricate lies about me.”

He shrugs.

“Good for me that I will not have to fabricate anything. You created your own circumstances without any interference frommy part.” He smirks. “I will say, though. Whatever shield you used to mask your energy worked very well until now. It took me longer than I would have thought to find you.”

“Ah, such a high praise from one such as yourself,” I spit out mockingly.

“I can both recognize you are a pest to be exterminated and admit your abilities are…decent.”

If only I could move… I’d wipe out that stupid self-assured grin off his face.

“Then why are you so bent on destroying me and my reputation? I’m a good soldier. I’ve only ever been a good soldier and I’ve made solid contributions in the fight against demons!” I cry out in frustration.

“Perhaps.” He tilts his head to the side and studies me. “But you are also everything that is wrong with our society.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You have a rebellious streak that is prone to breaking the rules. Aperion is Aperion because of its rules. Therefore, you are incompatible with Aperion,” he states matter-of-factly.

“You’re insane,” I whisper.

“Maybe. But you are lucky I’ve decided to be magnanimous.”

I regard him with a mix of fear and disdain. Nothing he has in mind can be good for me.

“I have decided to spare you from execution.”

“Very magnanimous,” I mutter and roll my eyes. Let’s see, for what price?

“In exchange, I will kill you myself. You will then get the opportunity to be reincarnated and your mind can be reprogrammed. It is, after all, a pity to waste someone with your potential.”

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