The Rebel's Vision by Kristen Banet

Author:Kristen Banet [Banet, Kristen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Published: 2020-02-12T16:00:00+00:00

24

Mave

In silence, they waited on word. The entire Company had gathered. Allaina had been called, so had Senri. One of the Hornbuckles was there, and so was Sen.

As time ticked by, they went from waiting tensely around the room, no one seated, to everyone lounging as best they could, trying to find space around Alchan’s home. Mave found her head on Mat’s lap, and her legs tangled with Bryn’s. Wings were rubbing against each other, and no one really knew whose tail was touching whose.

“Gladiators, huh?” Seanev commented late in the night, or maybe it was early in the morning. Mave had no idea anymore. “Andinna who had been using weapons even while in slavery. Should be good to have them.”

“Don’t get excited,” she said, staring at the ceiling. “None of them are good.”

Mat chuckled, running his hand her hair. He knew.

“Based on what measure?” Leria asked.

“Mine,” she answered.

“You were the best warrior down there,” Seanev said, making her sit up. He knew, then.

“I wasn’t always. I didn’t just wake up at ninety-seven, not even an adult, and decide I was the best gladiator in the Colosseum. Kill or die. I got very good at killing. Took centuries to build up the reputation to live safely, though.” She looked across the room at the ruby eyes of her blood brother. “Which means none of those gladiators were good enough to kill a child who didn’t know how to use a sword when I first arrived. And they tried.”

Seanev stared at her for a long time, thoughtful. The silence was heavy again, but Mave couldn’t break the stare between her and her blood brother until a mug was shoved in her face.

“Here. I made coffee for all the females,” Allaina snapped when Mave looked up at her, unable to see her brother any more. “Drink.”

“I thought we were past the bitchiness to just be bitchy,” Mave muttered, taking the mug slowly.

“I could be home. With my husbands. I’m here.” Allaina huffed, shaking her head.

“Why are you here? For that matter, why are so many of us here?” Mat leaned back, pulling Mave with him. She agreed. There was a large crowd just waiting on news.

“I…” Allaina pursed her lips, obviously trying to consider what she was going to say. “I know your history with the gladiators. It just felt like a reason to be here when I got word it was happening tonight.”

“I’m not worried about the gladiators,” Mave promised, struck by the thoughtfulness of Allaina’s words. “I’m not worried.”

“Then why are you staying up?” the mativa asked softly, her head tilting to the side, causing black hair to cascade down like a wave of night. Mave never stopped noticing Allaina was probably the most beautiful Andinna in the room. It was hard to miss.

“There’re two priorities…targets I’m interested in. An Elvasi and a human. They’re being brought here as well.” Mave sipped the coffee, smiling when she realized it was done the way she liked. Allaina found a seat near her, still curious.

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