Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) Jonathan Michael (red novels .txt) 📖

I will train her. I will guide her. I will discipline her. I will not let her get out of control. I can mold her into the ally you’re looking for.”

“And what makes you think I’ll obey?” Jaymes spits out another haughty comment.

I forgot I was still depriving Jaymes of solid ground, but as soon as her nasty mouth opens, I tighten my grip and punch a hole through the palm of her hand with my index finger—the same hand I regenerated for her not too long ago—and slowly pull it out, leaving a black ring around the cavity. She remains silent, but the agony waits to explode as her eyes well with tears. I drop her to the ground and wipe my hand clean from her disgusting filth. It gives me no satisfaction. I don’t enjoy torturing, but lesser minds are not capable of learning without tangible consequences. When she hits the ground, her knees buckle underneath her, and she falls to the floor.

Elder pushes past Ellia and rushes to Jaymes’s side to embrace her.

“I might live up to the title I’ve been given by the people. My so-called tyranny has labeled me as a dark and brutal ruler, but I am still a man of sophistication and etiquette.” I address Jaymes lying beneath me first, then turn my dialogue to Ellia as I move closer to her. “I am done with her until she can develop enough manners to be grateful to those who take her under their wing. Even if it is against her own will, I have done nothing but attempt to please her. If she cannot respect my authority the next time I see her, I will not hesitate to end her life. Or worse, ship her to the Carnal Islands.”

I make for the exit.

“Sir, wait,” Ellia pleas.

I swiftly turn and backhand Ellia across the face. “Never command me! Or your fate will be the same as hers.”

She looks up, massaging her jaw, and replies. “Taoiseach, sir, I have news of the threat beyond the Ceruleans.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing I’m not already aware of. By the way, you left two bodies behind at Greenport. Hone your skills, or you’ll be replaced. Oh, and one more thing, you have a new mark up north. Sasha will deliver the details. Bring the brat with you if you must. I will not suffer her myself.”

I’ve decided to break free from the hole I’ve been hiding in. I cannot become dormant because I fear the pressures of the world. Because I shy away from my failures. It is time to start anew and face what it is I am so afraid of.

30 Stone

“I

‘ve spoken with the Taoiseach.” Astor pauses a long pause, standing in the doorway of the room she spared me at the Shalesheep Inn.

Is she trying to build suspense? Because it’s just annoying. If her beauty weren’t so influential, I’d have turned my attention elsewhere already. “And?”

“You’re in!” Her voice hits an octave that doesn’t agree with me.

I gape at her. I try to smile alongside her beaming grin, but it’s a false smile. I never have anything this fortunate happen to me. Ever. My life has been full of ineptitudes and misfortunes. But is it even fortune, or am I willingly walking to my death? I am certainly walking away from Jaymes and Goose to start anew. She conspires against me. I know it. Why else would I be accepted into the Academy? Why would I want to be accepted into the Academy? But she is so kind-hearted. And…radiant. Why do I not trust her?

I scratch at my head and brush my hair out of my face, recognizing I haven’t had any time to groom as of recent. My short, wavy, brown hair has become more of a thick rats’ nest. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. I’m at a loss for words and, at the same time, realize how parched I am. I smack my lips together a few times then attempt to interrogate her.

“I don’t understand.” My voice drums in a low beat. I turn my back to her and look out the window. “How can you waltz into the Academy after however many seasons and lay down a referral of admission without opposition? What’s your relationship to the Taoiseach again?” I turn to face her, waiting for a response.

“Stone?” Her smile flattens and her face burns red. “I’m on your side. I spent a half dozen seasons on the Taoiseach’s campus. Every one of his graduates has a rapport with him. It’s nothing unusual.”

“And why would I be allowed to join the Academy? You didn’t use the McLarin name, did you? And without payment? It’s absurd. There’s something odd going on here. How can I trust any of this?”

“Don’t get too excited about it.”

Is that sarcasm?

“I thought you would be delighted.” Her arms cross.

How is this turning on me? “I am delighted. Well…I have wanted to become a Noxelite since I was a boy. That or to play alongside the Iron Eagles in the Ironball arena. Both of which the Academy will lead me to. But that dream is long gone, thanks to the Taoiseach. You know he’s taken that life from me. I can’t do this, Astor. Even if he doesn’t know who I am, I know who he is. And what he’s done. I cannot just lay that to the side and forget it. Forget Goose. Forget Jaymes. And is it not strange for the Academy, and Harris Martelli of all people, to be so generous and allow a student into the institute free of charge? This isn’t right.”

“It’s rare but not unheard of. Some of the best students…and worst…” Astor gazes into the distance for a quick moment. “…have been allowed into the Academy at no charge.