“Yes, Halálhívó,” he affirmed. With a wave of my hand, I dismissed him. He saluted his ranking officers, then slipped through the opening into the square where all the chaos had unfolded.

“How is the progress of sorting everyone into their new units?” I asked, scanning the room for reactions. At least this was working in my favor.

One of the senior Parancsok spoke up. “Progress is underway. We have right-sized our standard units with proper coverage and can write out the new hierarchy. Those selected for enhanced training have gathered in the eastern part of the camp, closer to Uzhhorod, and await further instruction.”

Rapp pulled out a parchment and began drawing the new structure based on the input of all the gathered Parancsok. I scanned it once he finished, pleased with the choices. While no one really knew me, I made it a point to know others. Their strengths and weaknesses affected how the entire army functioned as a whole.

“Olet, I trust you will be ready to depart for Fured with those selected today?” I questioned, leveling my attention on him. His maroon armor shone like he’d polished it that very morning. Despite the chaos of the evening before, he appeared put together. More so than Rapp or I did, at least.

“Aye, whenever we are given leave to depart. We’ll ride east, down toward the coast, and then alongside the cliffs to Fured to avoid any Angel groups that might have broken off, though given the distance I doubt they turned their attention that way. It will take longer, but I believe it will be worth it,” he replied.

I nodded. It was a good plan, and these males were our most valuable assets now. The whole point of sending them to Fured for additional training was so they could be protected from the front. “Very good. Once you have spoken with the rest of your Százados about what occurred last night, you are free to go.”

He dropped to one knee, resting his forehead on his forearm, “Glory to the Demons. May your gift never fade, Halálhívó.”

When he rose, I dismissed them. Not a moment too soon, because the bond flared again, and I had to bite down on my lip to distract myself. I was not weak, and I would not surrender to whatever this magic wanted me to do.

Like everything else, I would break it, master it, and force it to my will.

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28

After Rokath and Rapp departed, Kiira remained with me, promising to show me around the most private wing in Gyor Palace while Xannirin went off to rule for the day. Not like I’d stay here for long, but I could enjoy the luxuries before I departed with Rokath and the rest of the army.

If I could relax knowing what lay ahead for me. While I’d grown accustomed to army life, facing the males I had known as Vagach, and being the lone female among hundreds of thousands of males twisted my stomach into knots. Rokath would protect me, supposedly, but he would try to cage me too.

I just wanted to be free.

“And here,” Kiira said, interrupting my worried thoughts, “is Xannirin’s private garden.”

Opening the doors, we stepped out onto a balcony with a stunning view of the Skala Mountains. To me, that wasn’t the best part. No, it was the sprawling plants, tangling and blooming as far as I could see. The lush scent of their flowers. The slight buzz of insects flitting about them.

It felt like home.

And right at the front were lush Bordova roses. Unable to contain myself, I hurried forward to study them. A breathy giggle slipped out of Kiira as she joined me. “Beautiful aren’t they?”

“Yes,” I breathed, brushing my hand over the waxy leaves, careful not to touch the sharp thorns. The color was exquisite, a deep purple with the barest hint of red, and it smelled divine. Inhaling deeply, I savored the familiar floral aroma.

Olrus’s face flashed through my mind. Stepping away from the plant, I let one tear fall and then I swiped it away.

“What’s wrong?” Kiira asked gently.

I shook my head. “Nothing important.”

“If you are crying, then it is important.” She paused, studying the roses. “I know you don’t like the priestesses, and when you’re ready I’d like to hear more about your experience. We are here to listen to your pain and help you rid yourself of it so you can move along your path.”

“Why do you care?” I snapped, unable to help myself. I still hadn’t slept, though my mood had changed slightly after the decadent meal.

“About you?” she asked, hiking her skirts and stepping closer so she could run her fingers along the soft petals.

I threw my hands in the air. “About me, about any of it. You are cousin to the Kral and to Rokath. You are the High Priestess, responsible for all religious life in the Demon Realm. Yet you speak like you care about each of us individually.”

“Everyone deserves to feel seen,” she murmured, leaning down and sniffing the lush bloom. “You mentioned Vagach’s abuse. I care for you because I too suffered at the hands of a male. My father, actually. He would have killed me eventually. It is because of Rokath that I am still alive.”

Sympathy softened my shoulders, and when she straightened, she looked me square in the eye. “What is it that you want, Assyria? Truly?”

“Why? Are you going to help me get it?” I quipped.

She raised a brow and crossed her arms. Then she cocked her head as she studied me again. “It depends on your answer.”

I huffed, planting my fists on my hips, and looked at the clear blue sky. I had wanted a mate that wouldn’t oppress me like Vagach did. I still wanted to have at least a petal of control over my life. That, at its core, never changed.

“I have far more clarity on what I don’t want,” I replied. My long hair whispered over my shoulders as I straightened. “I don’t want to be a broodmare. I don’t want to be forced into a relationship with another abusive bastard. I don’t want to suffer anymore.” The last sentence slipped out with a ring of quiet truth.

Kiira relaxed and breathed a long sigh. “And if I could speak with Rokath and Xannirin about one thing you can have, what would you want that to be?”

“Would you really do that?” I asked her, cocking my head to the side.

“If you give me your truth, I will.”

I picked at one of my nails, considering her offer. Then, I gestured to the terrace. “In Stryi, I had a garden like this. It was my only solace, being married to Vagach. Though toward the end, I couldn’t bring myself to care for the roses. Olrus, our groundskeeper, did the best he could to keep them alive. He was my only friend, and he helped me after I killed Vagach. I simply wonder if he’s okay. No one else can die because of me.”

A sob lodged in my throat as I spoke the last sentence, and I fell to my knees from the weight of my grief. Kiira joined me on the ground, wrapping me in a tight embrace. She stroked my hair, making soothing noises in the back of her throat. “I’ll send a message along with my acolytes going to Stryi. I’ll have Xannirin sign off on it too, ensuring he is well taken care of. Olrus won’t have to worry any longer if you are safe either, and he can pass a message back.”

Lifting my head, I studied Kiira through blurred lashes. “Would you really?”

“Of course,” she soothed, using her thumbs to swipe tears from my eyes. “I am sorry about the whole situation, Assyria. It is not an easy one. The Weaver has a plan, and the Giver blessed you with this unique magic. I find comfort in knowing there is a reason for all this pain.”

“Well, I don’t,” I admitted, my voice no more than a whisper.

A soft, sad smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. “Perhaps the Fates will show me why now that I have seen and gotten to know you.”

Pushing to my feet, I asked, “Priestess Anara always spoke of your gift with such awe. But I thought only Angels had the gift of prophecy?”