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Her mother, Tabitha the Vicious, stood shoulder to shoulder with her aunt Tamera the Widow-—Taliyah’s idol The arth
“A death squad? Just what I wanted,” she quipped, but no one smiled
Rather, her mother readjusted her pose to better show off a sword made of fireiron A material used to battle fae and other eleht in the firelight
Excuse aze darted fro on? Earlier, when Blythe requested a , Taliyah had expected a surprise party Maybe a few gaer inside the enemy had always been a favorite
“Kneel,” Aunt Taainst angels and Sent Ones Those who came from the heavens
Blythe gave a firement “Kneel” She clutched a stake carved froainst demons, witches, vampires and even harpies
Screw this Taliyah narrowed her eyes “I’ll kneel for my General because I respect the position, but only my General”
“Good answer” Her mother smiledand promptly swept Taliyah off her feet with a brutal kick
She crashed into a too-cold ground that never lost its chill, no s Without pause, she scrambled up
Her aunt’s gut punch sent her tuh her vision, but still Taliyah scraloat Blythe darted behind her and dipped low, slicing the tendons in her ankles
Pain flared as she hit her knees, breathing more difficult Still she attempted to clamber up
Never accept a picture of defeat
She had to pick her poison The pain of persevering or the agony of regretting She chose perseverance, every time
Striving, struggling Her lower body refused to cooperate, keeping her in a subservient position Taliyah remained determined You only lost when you quit
Panting, fighting harder, she glared up at women who should rejoice that she loved and trusted thee”
Her littered in the darkness “The tihter In twelve in your co, just like the harpies before you Unlike the others, you must train as you are meant to be, not as you are”
Wait “This is so? Well, why didn’t you say so?” The tension drained from her Until she replayed some of her mother’s words “How am I meant to be?” Because she liked herself just fine, thanks
Ignoring her questions, her hter?”