Everlife. Gena Showalter
Troika, I abandoned Killian, just like everyone else. At least, that’s how he must have felt. Yes, he pushed me to let my heart lead the way, knowing I would never be happy in Myriad, but it cost him more than I ever realized.
Maybe he forgot me because he wanted to forget.
Sadness overwhelms me. Between one blink and the next, my link to Killian’s past is disrupted, and the scorched manna field whisks back into focus. The rain has stopped falling, the sun shining brightly. I remained in the memory all night long?
Zero! The vote!
I jackknife to a sitting position, my thoughts whirling. Once I had a choice to make: Troika or Killian. I chose the realm over the boy. Today, with the vote, the same choice is set before me.
I’d already decided to put Killian first; now my determination solidifies. Today, I pick the boy. There is nothing more important than a life. A single life is priceless.
I will help Killian. I will save him from those who think to harm him. I will build a new life with him, and for him. A better life. Two realms united, one people. Starting with us.
Firstking help anyone who gets in my way.
From: K_F_5/23.53.6
To: Z_C_4/23.43.2
Subject: Here are the facts, short and sweet
1. I’ve bonded with Tenley Lockwood. Yes, I’m that good.
2. I’m a prisoner inside Troika. ←Yes, I said Troika.
(a) I successfully traveled through the Veil of Wings.
(b) If you want more soldiers inside the realm, bonding is the way.
3. I had ambrosia hidden in a secret compartment in my boot, as I was trained.
(a) I drank it, of course, so I’m now out of ambrosia.
(b) No one has realized my comm is currently working.
4. I’ll be returning to Myriad soon—with cargo. Be ready. This particular package bites, hard.
5. I don’t have a fifth point, but I felt like using an entire hand. We must stay true to our feelings, right?
If you have any instructions for me, now is the time to send them. Let’s win this war!
Might Equals Right!
ML, Killian Flynn
From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: H_S_3/51.3.6
Subject: Killian Flynn
My dear General Schmidt,
First, I must admit it is an honor to fall under your leadership. Though you are only fourteen, you have been with us since birth, and I have watched you grow into the General of generals.
Second, Killian Flynn contacted me only moments ago. He says he’s bonded with Miss Tenley Lockwood, that he’s in Troika, and that he will soon return to our midst with the girl at his side.
He protected the girl yesterday, yet he’s willing to harm her today? Something is off.
How would you like me to proceed?
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen
From: H_S_3/51.3.6
To: Z_C_4/23.43.2
Subject: Check it
Dude! Killian Flynn is the man. He nailed the babe no one else could score, yo.
Okay, so I just had a meet and greet with our queens and they—legit—almost crapped themselves. In fact, I’ve never seen them so excited. To celebrate Killian’s victory, they are throwing a party tonight, and you and yours are invited. BYOB. (Bring your own babes. The queens will supply the beer!) Oh, and they say the K-man is hereby pardoned from all his crimes.
Our Secondking showed up for the last part of the meeting, and he says K doesn’t even remember those crimes, that he’s now on our side, totally and completely.
Side note: If you aren’t ready to die from envy, something’s wrong with you. I’m STILL high on Ambrosine’s power. The intensity, man. My knees literally buckled. I dropped and couldn’t move until he walked away. But the best part of it all? One of his shadows ghosted inside me—and freaking stayed put.
I carry a part of our king!
Chicks have been throwing themselves at me ever since.
Anyway. Alert me the moment the happy couple crosses into Myriad, you dig. K-man will need a Healer to purge him of Light. We’ll use his link to Troika to destroy the realm. His wifey-poo will probably die, so, that’s another plus.
Stick a fork in this war—it’s over!
Might Equals Right!
General Hans Schmidt
From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: V_P_5/20.16.18
Subject: New developments
I’ve spoken with Killian Flynn, as well as General Schmidt, who spoke with our queens, and even our Secondking. Mr. Flynn has been pardoned for all his crimes, and he will soon be returning to our midst with the infamous Miss Lockwood in tow. By some miracle, he was able to convince her to bond with him.
Victory will be ours.
Now, were you able to deliver Miss Aubuchon to General Schmidt, as requested? And how is Miss Lockwood’s father doing? Update me.
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen
From: V_P_5/20.16.18
To: Z_C_4/23.43.2
Subject: Get your facts straight
He’s not my Secondking, he’s my father.
As for Sloan Aubuchon—yes. I delivered her to Hans. (You know him by the name General Schmidt. I know him on a more personal level.) By the way, his plan for her is spectacular. Just wait.
You’ll be happy to know Leonard Lockwood hates his daughter with every fiber of his being. He blames her for his early Firstdeath, and he’s eager to settle the score. He’ll help us any way he can.
Here’s the thing, though. I want to be the one to end her.
Might Equals Right!
ML, Victor Prince