Page 54

Seems to me the first rule should have been no more men, seeing as how they’re usually the ones most keen on war and world domination.

At the time, women were considered too weak to handle the burden. Being a warrior involves much fighting.

Not all battles are won with fists.

A wise thing to say. Tell me, female?—

My name is Zora.

Very well, Zora, are you brave?

Not really. But when push comes to shove, I try to do the right thing.

Such as sacrificing yourself? You told the warriors to shoot, knowing you’d be injured.

Because it seemed better than allowing Crius to have your power.

Do you know how to wield any weapons?

Nope, although I can deliver a mean slap, and my insults have brought some to tears. That said, I am pretty good at making blades and stuff, given I’m a blacksmith.

A female who works metal? How the world has changed.

We also vote now too. Oh, and some of us choose to have careers instead of being pregnant and in the kitchen.

You are interesting, Zora.

Glad to hear it, and while this has been informative, what’s going to happen to me? You said I wasn’t dead, but it sure seems like I’m lacking a body.

Would you like to live?

Duh.

I will assume that means yes. And if given great power, would you wield it with compassion and restraint?

Hold on a second, you better not be thinking of?—

I think you will make a good choice as my avatar.

You can’t do that. I never said I accepted. The rules say I have to agree.

Those rules came into effect after my banishment and don’t apply.

Don’t you dare. I’m not a Zodiac Warrior. I’m?—

Zap. A bright light encased Zora, who suddenly found herself gasping for air, which only served to increase the stabbing pain of her body. Every nerve ending screamed in agony. She trembled. Thrashed. Arched and tried to scream.

The trauma was over as fast as it started, and it took a moment for her to realize she lived, but still hurt. Her chest throbbed something fierce, but some of that pain eased when Capricorn leaned over her.

“Beauty, you’re back!”

“Is Crius?—”

“Dead. Very much so. The fucker thought he could flee through a portal. A waiting Scorpio snagged him on the other side, and let’s just say, Crius won’t be bothering anyone anymore.”

“Oh, good.” Her breathing hitched at the stab of agony that went through her.

“Fuck me. We have to get you to a doctor. Aries!” Capricorn bellowed. “Goddamn it. He went looking for Sage. Hold on, Beauty. We’ll go through the portal that leads to Maine. There’s a hospital not too far from it. I’ll contact Aries once there for funds to pay for treatment.”