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Only then do I stop attacking, sure that he can no longer hurt me

Only then do I look up to realize the courtyard is no longer empty

My father’s people and es To a person, they stare at me with fear I push slowly to my feet and several of them flinch away from me I hate it I never wanted to rule like this, but the ht Fear is the only way to ensure I survive this coup and keep surviving There aren’t any soldiers present, which is just as well The men will take care of them It’s up to me to sell this once and for all

I grab my father’s head and hold it aloft Sonore thee, holding them until people look away I lift his head and raise rowing in my womb I ae me now or take a knee”

One of my brothers, Willia as fire pours froaze as I turn the fire on the body next It burns hot, hot enough to flash dry the blood coating e steps back William shakes his head and sinks to one knee

Fear truly is a powerful tool for a leader The thought uely ill, but there are no depths I won’t descend to in order to protect the people I care about I don’t want to slaughter s, but I’ll do it if they force my hand

Williah One by one, all of the people around the courtyard kneel and bow their heads I turn slowly, but not a single one of theods I refuse to let the relief show on my face

Instead, I rotate to face William and lift my voice “Gather everyone It’s time to make an announcement”

He doesn’t look happy, but he nods He turns to several people next to him, “Make the call”

It takes fifteen minutes for everyone in the compound to reach the courtyard My hands still haven’t returned to their normal shape and I’m still covered in le person challenges me as I declare myself the leader

There will be challenges later, both martial and subtle, but it will take thee to try A few days is all I need to ce will be easy, but after facing down my father, I’s’ powers are as strong as his were I can break their coht

There’s another h “Allowa hand over to where I feel Malachi, Rylan, and Wolf waiting They leap over the bystanders and land at my back, a flashy asps Truly, my father’s people are already conditioned to fall in line behind a strong leader I have no intention of beco advantage of the rotten foundation he left

I will give theh, I won’t abuse row to love over time, or at least respect

“You will obey these men as if you would o back to your homes and rest assured that you are safe Your life will not be negatively affected by this change in power” I hate that I findmy tone tohis cadences to assure obedience from these people I never set out to lead, but if I walk away and allow William or one of the others to take over, they will hunt me the same way our father did I’vebut take my father’s place It’s the only way

“Do not force aze over them “Go Sleep We will rebuild after everyone rests for the day”