Page 75 of Cruel Devotion

It was odd, but for some reason. . .I held my breath as Monique eased onto the throne.

Staring down at her, my breath caught in my throat.

She whispered, “thank you.”

In all my years, I had never seen anyone else sit there besides my mother.

Yet. . .with Monique there. . .I had this strong sense that she rightfully belonged there. The throne seemed to embrace her too.

Chen passed me. “Is something wrong, Mountain Master.”

“No.” I cleared my throat. “Everything is fine.”

I went over to my throne and sat down.

The last notes of my dreaded theme song faded into the night.

Everyone took their seats including Hu and Duck who sat by Chen.

Waiters began serving glasses of champagne in anticipation of my welcome toast.

My gaze wandered over to Yan, I caught her eyes darting to Monique in our mother's throne.

A scowl decorated her face.

Once it appeared that everyone had a glass of champagne, even at our table, my ceremony host, Xia approached. “Welcome, Mountain Master.”

I nodded.

She handed me a small microphone.

I rose and lifted my glass.

Everyone waited in hushed anticipation.

I raised the glass, “Good evening.”

Many smiled back at me.

“I wish we were here under happier circumstances, but alas, life has its own designs.”

A few people in the audience shifted uncomfortably.

“The mission we embark on this week is unlike any other,” I scanned all of their faces. “We face a challenge that cuts deeper than any wound, one that reaches into the very core of our existence here on this mountain.”

I paused, gathering my strength. “The founding Mountain Master, my father, has been tainted by a darkness that hasseeped into his soul. A darkness born from heartbreak, from the immense grief of losing my mother.”

A murmur ran through the audience. I could hear faint sobs and the sight of hardened warriors wiping away tears was almost too much to bear.

“Our duty,” I continued. “Is to approach this mission with the respect and honor befitting a leader of his stature. We are not just addressing a threat. We are confronting our own history, our legacy.”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “I want to take this moment to express my gratitude to someone I never thought I'd share the same side with in this endeavor. My sister, Yan.”

The space went still, all eyes darting to Yan. She sat with a neutral expression, her unreadable eyes never leaving mine.

“Our journey ahead is laden with sadness and pain, but I take solace in the fact that our family, fractured as it may be, stands united in this.”

Someone cried in the audience.

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