Page 235 of Of Masks and Fury

People shuffled their feet, gazing from me to my father, who looked around with panic in his eyes, his blade lying on the platform by his feet.

“Years and years of deception and death,” I said. “And do you know what else? The reformatory murders your children!”

Gasps rang out.

“Where are the children who’ve been reformed and released? Show them to me. Have them come forward and tell me how amazing it was to have their magic stolen from them.” I let silence speak for itself. “If we could reform our children, then why do we kill our adults?”

I could see when the realization finally settled, but my victory felt shallow. It was too late for so many, and there was still much to do.

“They’re hurting our children there,” I said. “Draining their magic to feed their own power. They kill them, and I say it must end now!”

I lifted my hands, letting my magic flow. Light gathered in my palms, warm and golden, shaping itself into a delicate flower that bloomed and spun slowly in the air.

“I have magic,” I said in the hush, my voice carrying to every corner of the square. “I’ve had it my entire life. Do I look mad or dangerous to you?”

I released the flower, letting drift down to land in a small girl’s hands. She looked up at me with wonder, not fear.

“Or am I the princess who mourned with you when you lost loved ones, who celebrated your children’s births and your festivals. Have I changed because you know my truth?”

Pain lanced across my throat as I spoke, blood welling fresh.

Trew’s words from earlier echoed in my mind. “Fight dirty if you must, Minx. You’re worth every scar.” His words from somewhere in my memory. Right on time.

If I fell now, he’d catch me, though. Always.

A voice called from the crowd. “She helped my brother escape three years ago.”

“She spilled wine to save my aunt. I saw her do it.”

“My daughter was able to flee during the last Day of Mercy and now I have a wonderful grandson. Her magic hasn’t armed anyone!”

Mae lifted her head. “She’s trying to save all of us. Not just today but always. Since she was a child, she’s tried to protect those with magic.”

Father’s face contorted with rage. He grabbed a cup of ashwine from the nearest elder, advancing on me.

“You’re a corrupt thing,” he snarled, latching onto my arm. “It’s time you paid the final cost of your tainted blood.”

He forced the cup to my lips. The poisoned wine sloshed, droplets spattering my face.

Trew surged forward again. More guards engaged him, their blades flashing in the sunlight.

Gavelle barreled through the guards like they were wheat hit by a scythe.

Pherin’s peep turned into a roar as she landed on the platform behind my father, shifting quickly into firecat form.Bite. Bite now!

Chaos erupted across the village square.

Father snatched up his blade and slashed out, but I spun away before he made impact.

“Isi.” Trew’s roar cut through the frenzy, raw with terror.

Pherin’s snarls joined it as guards swarmed.

The world dissolved into steel and screams.

CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

TREW