Page 10 of The Cruel Dawn (Vallendor #2)

The old man considers me. “He hasn’t given up, you realize? Elyn Fynal has only postponed this war, but he’s out there—” He nods to the vastness of Vallendor. “And he’s angrier than ever, especially since he was so very close.”

Jadon Wake had been his weapon, and I’d fallen for that threat, jeopardizing the realm and my own life.

“He’ll do anything to claim what he wants, Precious One,” Malik warns. “And that means that he will appeal to your… shortcomings .”

The wine now tastes sour on my tongue. “I’m sure you will tell me what those are.”

“I don’t need to. You know them. But what I want you to tell me is this: What are your values? What do you hold dear? What will guide you to succeed and save this realm?”

I sip wine that I can no longer taste.

He smiles. “Give me three.”

Accountability? How can I expect that when I’ve escaped my ultimate punishment?

Discipline? Again, I’m that god who has destroyed without the Council’s approval.

Strength? What’s that worth without patience or fairness, courage or humility?

“I can’t name three,” I whisper. “Not honestly.”

“ Authenticity ,” he says, tapping my wrist. “I witness that right now.” He fixes his gaze on me, all amusement gone. “What’s your purpose, Kaivara?”

I blink at him and open my mouth, but I can’t speak.

“To be seen as the most powerful,” Malik Sindire says for me.

“For this to happen, you must also convince the people that the traitor and Syrus Wake were bad for them and that you will be the balm to their injury. You must convince them that you, the Lady of the Verdant Realm, will be the mountain of Vallendor and will not allow a sea of sand to overtake her ever again. You will have to deal boldly and swiftly with usurpers. You will have to act without pause, which…”

He wrinkles his nose and smiles. “You are apt to do. You must also be relentless this time around, Kaivara. Show the realm that you will tolerate no insurgents. Make them fear you; show them how to love you. Do this, and they will do as they should just as the people of Gasho have now done. In order for Vallendorians to change, you must change. Be their lady, be their defender, be their mother.”

Malik Sindire nods. “You need them, Kaivara. One must have believers in order to be believed. The gods are powerless without believers. Mortals like winners—including the wolves that lurk in the forests and the women who choose mates…and choose kings. You, Lady, are the ultimate winner.”

We sit in silence. He hums as he drains his glass, and I sit here, wishing for someone to say—

“All will be well, Precious One.”

I gape at the old man seated beside me. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.

He leans toward me, and his smile turns grim. “Be careful who you trust, yes? Who you let into your circle…and into your bed.” He squeezes my wrist. “Once you figure out what you hold dear, decisions will come like…” He snaps his fingers.

I squeeze a smile from my lips and whisper, “Thank you.”

He lifts my chin and grins. “And once you understand yourself, you will have all that you need to defeat the traitor. And you will no longer be reduced in your capacities. But your discovery cannot wait.”

Malik Sindire surveys my breeches and bandeau. “I know that you have the confidence of the Mera, but you need more protection than…” He waves his hand at my bandeau and breeches. “High Lord Megidrail would be horrified to see his only child looking like an ordinary, shabby Mera warrior.”

I roll my eyes. “I look like an ordinary, shabby Mera warrior because of High Lord Megidrail. I’m prohibited from wearing the armor of a Grand Defender.

Everything I own—my sword and armor—are gifts from either humans or Renrians.

” I reflect for a moment before touching my amulet.

“Except for this—this was a gift from my father, but he gave this to me a long time ago.” The stone in the moth’s thorax is cold.

“I can see how that upsets you, so… come. ” Malik Sindire rises from the couch and beckons me to follow him back down that light-filled corridor. We turn into a space filled with glass cases of weapons and armor.

Avish and Dyotila stand at attention in the middle of the room.

“Incredible,” I whisper, awed.

Malik Sindire taps his cheek and rocks on his toes and heels.

“It is incredible. You may not remember, but one of my joys in life is traveling the Aetherium and collecting a realm’s best armor and weapons, and books of unusual knowledge.

Vallendor, I’m afraid, doesn’t contain much of any of those things, no offense to the Lady, but this realm still captivates me.

It is—or was—absolutely gorgeous. Perfect in so many ways.

“Nothing in this showroom is truly unique, but…” His expression softens with wonder. “There are beautiful things here. Powerful things, many of which were inspired by the Lady of the Verdant Realm herself.”

“Really?”

“Certainly. Only the best in this room.” He tilts his head and grins at me. “And you will need the best if you are to defeat the traitor. And since I collect only the best, please take all that you need. Whatever I have is yours, Lady.”

I wander around the room and choose pewter-colored armor that reminds me of stormy skies and ancient mountains.

“Any blades, Precious One?” Malik Sindire asks.

“I will keep the swords already in my possession. But…” I pluck a dagger with a gray-leather handle. Its blade matches the pewter armor and is engraved with swirls that make it look as though it’s in motion. “I’ll name her…Tempest,” I say.

Malik Sindire nods, satisfied. “Each piece has been crafted by the armorers at the Abbey of Mount Devour.”

“Really?” I ask, eyebrows high. Such rarities demand a price. “So what must I do for you if I’m to walk away with these gifts?”

He stands before me, and even though he barely reaches my chin, his presence is what dominates this space.

“You must win. You must defeat Danar thoroughly and without mercy. Because if you don’t, he will kill you, and then he will take the next realm, and the next realm.

He will keep searching for something he cannot have. ”

He takes Tempest from my hands and strokes the blade. “Your taste is immaculate.” He meets my gaze. “Stay alert, Precious One. Do not hesitate to use this dagger—you are a wanted woman and will not be afforded any consideration or respect.”