Page 96 of The Eternal Mirror
Also, maybe I’m thinking about myself here. If he’s in charge, he’s got less time to wear down my reserves. Because they are wearing desperately thin. I want him. So much that it hurts. But I’ve told myself I can’t have him. Because one way or another, I’m going to lose him—I’ll die, or he will, or we both will. Take your pick. So I have to keep some distance. Just enough to breathe. Just enough to survive it when the end comes.If it comes.
Voices rise. Hands slam tables. Someone knocks over a cup, and liquid spreads across the map of Astrali like blood.
I sigh. Loudly. Then stare Khaos in the face. “Would you do it for me?”
His jaw clenches, as though he knows exactly what I’m doing. And he probably does.
“Please,” I say.
He gives a sharp nod.
“Okay, that’s settled. I will be titular leader.” I’m actually coming to like that title. “Khaos is in charge of the army, the Council headed by Thorben stays in place, and if you have any concerns about what’s happening, you come to me, and I’ll discuss it with Khaos.”
Thorben looks at me thoughtfully, but then he sits down. “I agree.”
I glance around the table. There are nods—some more emphatic than others—but I think we have a deal. “Khaos?”
He stands slowly. “I’ll do it,” he says. “For you.”
Yay. We can go have lunch. Though there is one other thing. “Before I go all titular, I actually do have a suggestion.”
“Go ahead,” Thorben says.
“I think we should split into two camps. Shifters in one, everyone else in another.”
A beat.
“You’re suggesting segregation?” someone says, all scandalized.
“I’m suggesting survival,” I snap. “Khronus can still force shifters to shift. I’ve seen it. When that happens, they won’t be your allies. They’ll be your predators.”
“She’s right,” Khaos says. “My father doesn’t care who you are. He’ll turn you on each other and watch you die.”
“They’re not going to be of much use if we have to hide them all away,” someone mutters.
Khaos ignores them. He looks around. “Make it happen.”
And my work is done.
Without another word, I get up and walk out. I make sure not to catch anyone’s eye as I leave.
Because you know what, it might sound dramatic, but right now—I want to be alone.
Chapter 34
Let’s Go to Hawaii
Outside the tent, I pause for a moment and take a deep breath. I need air.
Not magic. Not strategy. Not another fucking council vote.
Just...air.
So I walk. Away from the tent, away from the people, away from the weight pressing down on me like a crown made of jagged glass. Honestly, I went into that meeting determined not to be responsible for anything. Not to make any life-and-death decisions. To make it perfectly clear that this was not my fight.
How long did that last?
I don’t go far. Not beyond where the guards are patrolling the perimeter of the camp. I found this place on my first day. It’s a small clearing in a copse of tall trees—with dark bark and silvery-greenleaves. They rustle in the breeze. It’s sort of peaceful. And it’s just far enough from the tents and training grounds that I can pretend I’m alone in a world that doesn’t need saving.
