Page 109 of The Study of Fire
“Saved from me?” Yelena sounded incredulous.
“Saved from you. The Commander. Valek. Our way of life is secured.”
I wouldn’t count us out just yet. Where was that bloody riot?
“By killing Sitians? Using blood magic?”
“Small price to pay for our continued prosperity. I could not let the Commander invade us. The council failed to see the problem. I created the Daviians as a backup years ago—a hidden weapon for when we needed them. It worked. The council eventually agreed with me.” Roze’s words dripped with smug satisfaction.
But she didn’t mention the hostages. Was that not part of her plans?
“The Daviians forced the council to agree with you. They had their children,” Yelena said, picking up on the same thing as Valek.
Roze shot Gede a venomous glare. He kept quiet, but he stiffened.
“Are you sure you have control of the Daviians?” Yelena asked.
Nice, love. Keep her talking.
“Of course. And once we choose a new council, we will attack Ixia and free them. They will welcome our way of life.” She smiled, a true believer of her own twisted ideals.
“So you saved Sitia? Tell me, how is sacrificing the council different than Valek assassinating them?”
Another point to Yelena. But she had gone too far. Goaded, Roze frowned, and Yelena jerked in pain, collapsing onto the sand. Valek curled his fists. If he was fast enough, he could kill Roze before anyone could stop him. Too bad, it wasn’t part of their strategy.
“Isn’tchoosingnew councilors the same asappointinggenerals?” Yelena asked, once she recovered. Then she arched her back and screamed in pain. Valek stepped from his hiding spot, but Yelena relaxed.
“Would you care to ask anything else?” Roze’s cold tone promised more pain.
But Yelena wasn’t intimidated. “Yes. How are your actions different than the Commander’s?”
Roze narrowed her gaze.
Yelena rushed on. “You want to protect Sitia from the Commander, but in the process, you’ve turned into him. You’re worried the Commander will invade Sitia and turn your clans into Military Districts. But you’re planning to attack Ixia and turn his Military Districts into clans. How is that different? Tell me!” Yelena demanded.
Valek silently cheered as Roze gaped and floundered. “I’m…he’s…” Then she laughed. “Why should I listen to you? You’re a Soulfinder. You want to control Sitia. Of course you would try to sway me with your lies.”
Next to her, Gede relaxed and chuckled. “She will twist your words. You should kill her now.”
Roze drew a breath.
“Wait for the ritual! I have something you want,” Yelena said.
“What could you have that I cannot take from you?”
“According to the ritual, a willing victim releases more power than a resisting one.”
“And you will submit to me? In exchange for what?” Roze asked.
“For all my friends’ lives.”
“No. Only one. You choose.”
“Moon Man, then.” Yelena stood.
Roze pointed. “Lie in the sand.”
“Can I ask another question first?”
