Page 87 of Splintered Shadow
Sarah and Ghosttrotted after Vekele. She honestly did not expect him to give in. She had a speech prepared about needing closure and seeing justice done. If that didn’t sway him, she would lean into needing to understand the nasty side of his world since she was staying.
Staying.
She disliked the idea of never seeing her parents, but she couldn’t live without Vekele, Pitch, and Ghost. They were pack, after all.
Ghost agreed. He liked the mother bird with the sharp claws.
They reached the common room in minutes. The space was already packed with people. Every person kneeling on the floor had two guards hovering over them.
Sarah recognized Cassana, Joie, and other faces from the banquet. This must be the Starshade family.
Vekele approached his aunt slowly.
Cassana lifted her chin, defiance in her eyes. “You might as well kill me. Do it quickly.”
His fingers twitched. No doubt he wanted to do exactly that. “I will act on the orders of the king.”
Where was the king? Before Sarah could ask, voices came from the corridor.
Baris limped in, his face bruised, and his left hand wrapped in bandages. In his arms, he carried a small parcel wrapped in cloth.
Vekele clamped a hand on Baris’ shoulder. Then the two men touched foreheads. “Are you well?”
“I will live,” Baris said. “They killed her. The karu.”
The words rocked Sarah. She touched Ghost to ground herself. Their bond was new, still fragile, but she couldn’t imagine how empty she’d feel without him.
Ghost whined, concerned. He didn’t like her mood. Neither did she.
Vekele released his brother, shock visible on his face. “That is an unspeakable act. Unforgivable.”
Baris lifted a corner of the blanket. Whatever was inside, the sight of it drained the color from Vekele’s face.
Vekele
The karu’s body seemed impossibly small. Baris cradled his companion in the makeshift shroud.
Vekele was furious for his brother and for the sacred karu who had been abused and murdered. Pitch echoed his sentiments. He had never seen his brother so defeated. He could not imagine the pain of having his bond severed with Pitch. The loss would leave him hollow.
Pitch dove for Cassana, talons out. The female fell to the floor, huddled to protect her face from the karu’s attack. “Help! Get it off me!”
No one seemed particularly inclined to help the woman.
Vekele made a cutting gesture with his hand, and Pitch gave a furious screech.
No. Blood. Suffer.
“I agree, but that is for the king to decide.”
With a squawk that very much sounded like a pouting huff, Pitch flew to an exposed beam high above.
“Why was this done?” Vekele asked his aunt.
Cassana lowered her arms. Blood seeped from scratches on her face and forearms. “You know why.”
He sighed. “I do not have the patience for this tiresome game. What do you wish to do?” He directed the question to Baris.
“Karu are sacred and protected by law. Killing one is punishable by death. Lady Cassana is already dead. Entertain me,” Baris said, his voice cold.
