Page 53

Malia

I wake up to a soft knock on the door of my cell.

It takes me a moment to remember what happened yesterday and where I am.

As soon as I see Flint’s smug face, the memories come rushing back to me. Same as my anger.

"Rise and shine, Princess," he taunts.

I sit up straight, my blood already boiling.

"Are you ready to agree to my deal yet?"

"Call me that one more time and I promise, nothing will keep me from making you regret it dearly.

Not this cell and certainly not your lacking defensive skills.

You know my name. Use it,” I demand before I can stop myself.

I had promised myself that I’d be smart about this and try to make the best of this situation, but my resolve crumbled the second he used Keahi’s nickname for me.

Sure, he probably won’t ever call me that again.

Not after yesterday, but I’d rather never be called the term once more than hear it from another person’s mouth.

When Flint cocks an eyebrow, a clear challenge bright in his eyes, I force myself to take a deep breath before adding, "But to answer your question, yes, I’m ready to agree.

Under one condition," I add quickly, and Flint’s enthusiasm is quickly replaced by a grin that just screams superiority.

"What would that be?" he drawls

"There is one thing I need to do before I can help you.

And I’ll have to be released for that."

"Now you got my attention.

Go on," Flint says, ridiculing me.

"I have to kill my parents before I can help you.

I’ll sneak into their camp and make it quick.

No useless revenge, no unnecessary risks, just in and out and I’ll be back. I have to go alone, though."

"You think I’m stupid?" He cackles.

Very much, I think to myself, and as if hearing my thoughts, Flint’s face falls a little and he turns serious.

"Give me a reason to agree to your terms."

"I will never be safe as long as they are alive." Neither will Keahi.

"The people around me will always be in danger.

Those people will be your teachers and guards, everyone with knowledge on me. Plus, imagine the fear the Shadow Handlers will undergo when two of their best fighters are killed in their own camp on your orders. They’ll know not to mess with you."

I hadn’t understood what Keahi told me on my first day at the academy, “You’ve got some stuff to learn,” he said.

I understand now that he was talking about how to get your way.

Flatter whomever you need a favor from, tell them what they want to hear, and boost their ego.

Flint hums slightly before responding.

"So, you could just kill your parents and run away.

Why would you possibly come back?" he asks me seriously. At least he’s no longer smirking.

"You know I will," I reply, causing an annoying mischievous look to spread over his face.

"Ah, right.

The boy." He grins down at me, and I resist the urge to spit in his face.

Yes, the boy.

My damn weakness due to my treacherous heart.

Without him, I could be free right now, doing whatever I wanted to.

But I can’t change that now. All I can do is hope he’s given up on me after what I said to him. That he won’t try to come for me. Ironic, isn’t it?

I know I would’ve given up on me in his place.

I can still see his expression change from determined to confused and hurt.

I’d wanted to hurt him so much at some point, but I hate myself for it now. It was necessary. I repeat to myself. He’s better off this way.

"You’d be willing to be a prisoner just to ensure his place in this society? You’d sacrifice your freedom for a person that hates you." Flint sounds so damn amused, but I don’t take the bait.

I just stand there in silence, imagining ways to hurt him, until he gets ahold of himself.

"I’m feeling extremely generous right now, so I’m allowing you one try to kill your parents.

Do something else and you’ll be punished.

Try to run away and you’ll be punished. You can leave today and get any weapon you want from the armory. I’ll arrange for someone to bring breakfast before you go." I nod once, even as my nerves fray, and Flint leaves.

I wasn’t expecting him to agree so quickly.

This means I have a lot less time to plan my parents’ murder than expected.

The camp might not be as organized as usual since many of its habitants are dead or injured, but it sure is risky to waltz in there. It’s not like I’ve ever come close to winning a fight against my parents, although I’ve been practicing a lot before the attack on the academy. Is it enough?

I have the element of surprise in my corner.

That and a good strategy might do.

It has to. I don’t think I’ll get any more chances at this. Flint would mark me off as unable to do it, and if my parents catch me, it’s over anyway. I don’t have another Kaz to sacrifice himself for me this time.

My stomach tightens with guilt as I think of my former trainer, but I push my feelings aside.

There’s no space for them here.

I need to eliminate the biggest threat to me right now. Once that is done, I’ll find a way out of this bargain and stop Flint’s plan to kill innocent kids.