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Lucian turned back to Telly "The proof is in his oords Isn’t it, Head Minister?"

Telly lifted his head "It is true I went against the majority vote and ordered the assassination of Alexandria Andros"

There were a few stunned gasps I kneasn’t for my benefit, but more so that Telly would admit to it so easily They didn’t knohat I did--that Telly’s brain was most likely fried frou the Ministers for several minutes Some immediately wanted Telly impeached Those were the ones who’d smiled earlier Others, those who I doubted knehat Lucian was up to, didn’t see hohat he’d done tohalfs

"There will be no i "Head Minister Telly will be dealt with today"

"What?" Several of the Ministers demanded at once

"It has come to my attention that the Head Minister is involved in the Order of Thanatos and several of those members are en route to free him" There was another pause Lucian kne to shock and awe "There is no ti else Alexandria’s safety is of the upmost importance"

And now I understood Seth’s nervousness--all the Guards thishis plans He’d strike first And my safety? It wasn’t about my safety Lucian orried that I’d misbehave before he went out on the dais because Seth didn’t have full control of me… yet

"This wasn’t supposed to happen noas it?" I whispered

Seth said nothing

My mouth was dry "You all wanted to wait until after I Awakened, but you’re doing this because of the Order"

Because wouldn’t that suck for Lucian if the Order arrived before I Awakened and ended up killing one of us? All of his plans for nothing,

Lucian e That change starts now"

"That’s us," Seth said, his hand tightening around ods, please behave"

I didn’t have , and I had no choice but to follow him out into the session room

Silence so thick it choked me descended e appeared All eyes were on us as we made our way up the marble steps We stopped just short of Lucian and Telly

Everyone started talking at once

The Council quickly grew uncoh the crowd, escalating as the seconds ticked on So shock and terror "No reason to fear two Apollyons," nized the danger

My heart was trying to coh I tried to stop one still I wasn’t sure he was even breathing Our gazes locked, and in an instant, there was relief and then rage in his steely eyes as his gaze dropped to where Seth helda step forward Marcus threw out an ar to pay hio of a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding

"What is this about?" cried a Minister I’d stopped trying to keep track of them

Lucian just smiled I hated that shtfully ours--a world where we rule and do not answer to a sect of gods who do not care whether we prosper or die A world where half-bloods are not enslaved, but stand beside us--" several startled gasps cut hiure "--but where ods in our own right"

And that was right about when half of the audience came to their feet Words like "blasphemy," "treason," and "insanity" were tossed around Some of the half-bloods watched Lucian curiously; his words held a certain appeal to them But they’d be fools to believe hinized fro anyone froht the Order had infiltrated deep within the Covenant, but Lucian had really outdone himself It was he who had infiltrated the Covenant and Council

"This is a tie courthouse "Even the lowest half-bloods who stand with us will flourish Those who do not will fall"

Several members of the Council stood and stepped back Five of them--the five who supported Lucian--and at least two-dozen Guards… and Sentinels

I caught a gli closer to the dais, but then I lost sight of theer and alarm take hold

"Seth," Lucian said quietly "This man has attempted to end Alexandria’s life several times Is he worthy of life?"

The elderly Minister ca heavily on the cane "He has no say in this matter! Apollyon or not, he does not decide life or death If Head Minister Telly has gone against the Council of Twelve’s wishes, then he is to be tried by that very Council!"

He was ignored

I stared up at Seth "No," I whispered "No Don’t answer that question"

And I was ignored