Defy the Sun by Jessika Fleck

Author:Jessika Fleck
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

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THE MORNING IS bitingly cold and there’s an eerily appropriate whistle along the wind. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear Raevald somehow summoned it for this particular moment.

Basso and Dogio alike fill the relatively small market square. They surround the dried-out, icy fountain and spill into the alleyways that branch off the piazza. A handful of children sit on parents’ shoulders so they can see. Everyone is bundled up with hats, scarves, gloves.

I’m more Imperi—crisp, put together—than I’ve ever been, thanks to Salazar. It’s my first appearance as The Heir Who Escaped the Night, and I’ve been ironed and pressed for the occasion. It was decided I’d keep the short shadow of a beard that grew while prisoner to the Night. Salazar said it gave me more of an air of authority and wisdom. I’m just happy not to worry over shaving it.

I’m wearing a black wool fedora and accompanying black scarf wrapped around my neck. My coat and gloves are also black, and my Imperi officer’s sash has been upgraded with new adornments, pins I’m not even sure I actually earned but haven’t had the chance to ask about.

There’s a podium standing front and center on a temporary wooden platform. The backdrop is one of Raevald’s signature red curtains. They’ve expertly set the stage for my debut.

Making my way up to the podium, Salazar offers a quick pep talk. “Don’t screw up, Denali. I’d like to leave here alive.” I only raise an eyebrow. The guy’s really something else. Somehow, he looks even more put together than I do, all sharp lines and black crisp edges. Pen and list at the ready. Somehow both annoyingly efficient but also endearingly supportive.

Each step of my boots echoes through the strained silence as I march across the stage. I stop front and center before the podium, and the first item I spot is a single medallion, golden Sun embossed on the side facing me.

My first thought is, Thank the Sun. I was worried how things would go without this to buffer the announcement. The medallion is considered divined by the Sun. I did not want the impression to be that I was somehow taking on that responsibility. Despite the current High Regent considering himself godlike, I will never assume as much. Not even while playing heir.

My second thought is of the crushing reality I’m about to face. Because someone’s name is printed on the back of this gold medallion. And everyone is waiting.

Watching.

Without ceremony, because there’s no other way to get through it, I jump in feet first and turn the medallion over.

A single name stares back: JAMES REED.

James.

Reed.

I breathe a shuddery sigh, trying my damnedest to keep some sort of composure. To steady my stomach from completely turning over and being sick right here in front of most of Bellona.

James is all of twelve.

A child.

James was my young Dogio mentee.

It was only a month ago that I helped him turn the hourglass over for fishing at the Hole.

But that was then.

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