From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: H_S_3/51.3.6
Subject: Killian Flynn
My dear General Schmidt,
First, I must admit it is an honor to fall under your leadership. Though you are only fourteen, you have been with us since birth, and I have watched you grow into the General of generals.
Second, Killian Flynn contacted me only moments ago. He says he’s bonded with Miss Tenley Lockwood, that he’s in Troika, and that he will soon return to our midst with the girl at his side.
He protected the girl yesterday, yet he’s willing to harm her today? Something is off.
How would you like me to proceed?
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen
From: H_S_3/51.3.6
To: Z_C_4/23.43.2
Subject: Check it
Dude! Killian Flynn is the man. He nailed the babe no one else could score, yo.
Okay, so I just had a meet and greet with our queens and they—legit—almost crapped themselves. In fact, I’ve never seen them so excited. To celebrate Killian’s victory, they are throwing a party tonight, and you and yours are invited. BYOB. (Bring your own babes. The queens will supply the beer!) Oh, and they say the K-man is hereby pardoned from all his crimes.
Our Secondking showed up for the last part of the meeting, and he says K doesn’t even remember those crimes, that he’s now on our side, totally and completely.
Side note: If you aren’t ready to die from envy, something’s wrong with you. I’m STILL high on Ambrosine’s power. The intensity, man. My knees literally buckled. I dropped and couldn’t move until he walked away. But the best part of it all? One of his shadows ghosted inside me—and freaking stayed put.
I carry a part of our king!
Chicks have been throwing themselves at me ever since.
Anyway. Alert me the moment the happy couple crosses into Myriad, you dig. K-man will need a Healer to purge him of Light. We’ll use his link to Troika to destroy the realm. His wifey-poo will probably die, so, that’s another plus.
Stick a fork in this war—it’s over!
Might Equals Right!
General Hans Schmidt
From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: V_P_5/20.16.18
Subject: New developments
I’ve spoken with Killian Flynn, as well as General Schmidt, who spoke with our queens, and even our Secondking. Mr. Flynn has been pardoned for all his crimes, and he will soon be returning to our midst with the infamous Miss Lockwood in tow. By some miracle, he was able to convince her to bond with him.
Victory will be ours.
Now, were you able to deliver Miss Aubuchon to General Schmidt, as requested? And how is Miss Lockwood’s father doing? Update me.
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen
From: V_P_5/20.16.18
To: Z_C_4/23.43.2
Subject: Get your facts straight
He’s not my Secondking, he’s my father.
As for Sloan Aubuchon—yes. I delivered her to Hans. (You know him by the name General Schmidt. I know him on a more personal level.) By the way, his plan for her is spectacular. Just wait.
You’ll be happy to know Leonard Lockwood hates his daughter with every fiber of his being. He blames her for his early Firstdeath, and he’s eager to settle the score. He’ll help us any way he can.
Here’s the thing, though. I want to be the one to end her.
Might Equals Right!
ML, Victor Prince
From: Z_C_4/23.43.2
To: V_P_5/20.16.18
Subject: Be patient
Once Mr. Flynn has served his purpose, Miss Lockwood—Mrs. Flynn now?—will have served hers. I’m sure your father will be amenable to giving the pair to you as a gift. They can die right along with Troika.
Might Equals Right!
Sir Zhi Chen
“Wise counsel is an invaluable treasure.”
—Troika
Ten
Electric impulses race through my comm, jolting me. One second I’m in the scorched manna field, the next I’m in a private room at the Baths of Restoration, standing in the middle of a pool.
The change of scenery is startling, and I struggle to catch my breath as I orient myself. Four stone walls surround me. Above, there’s no ceiling, allowing me to peer up at the beautiful crimson sky, so peaceful it taunts me.
“It freaking worked.” Clay Anders steps into view. He’s flanked by three others: Reed Haynesworth, Raanan Aarons and Clementine Vickers.
Happiness
