Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8) - Shannon Messenger Page 0,58

the new pieces to snap together with the old and form a much wider globe. The floor stretched toward its new barriers, and within seconds the Paragon had doubled in size—maybe even tripled.

And the clear panes now served as windows, providing an impossible view of…

“I thought you said we weren’t going into space,” Sophie murmured, rubbing her eyes to make sure she was truly staring at the sphere of swirled blue, white, and green like she’d seen in hundreds and hundreds of pictures in human science classes.

She never thought she’d actually see the earth from up above—and it was so much more beautiful than she’d imagined.

And humbling.

And awe-inspiring.

And more than a little terrifying.

Everything she knew—everything she cared about—was so very far away. And she had no idea how they were supposed to get back, or how it was safe for them to be hovering so high up in this sparkly hamster ball contraption.

“Technically, we’re not in space,” Councillor Emery corrected. “We’re at the very edge of our atmosphere, at the Point of Purity, where the force of the sunlight, starlight, and moonlight are all equal. As Councillors, we make this journey at least once a year, to remind ourselves where the true power in our world lies. It’s not in us—or in anyone in our species—but in nature itself. We are fragile, flawed creatures. But by some strange fluke of chance, we’re also conduits for these forces that surround us—and we’re the only species on our planet capable of such a feat. Which makes it our responsibility to use that power for good—to maintain order and peace for all creatures, and to ensure that everyone continues to prosper. That is why we lead. Not for praise or privilege or honor or glory. But because it’s our obligation. And all we hope for in exchange is a thriving, safe planet. Only when you truly believe that about us can you understand who we are, both as your Councillors and as people. The crowns and fanfare are simply a facade to look the part we’ve found ourselves having to play. They do not change the fact that what we really are is a group of twelve relatively normal individuals trying our best to be what people need. And that is why we must stay in power.”

“Our rule will never be perfect,” Bronte added quietly, “but at least we serve for the right reasons—and we will always strive to do what’s best for our people. That’s why we wanted the five of you to stand with us here today, in the center of all that drives us, so we can offer you the new oath that we’ve created.”

Councillor Emery’s gaze shifted to Sophie, and when he spoke again, his tone held a new level of authority. “Everything we do—right or wrong, good or bad, success or failure—is to serve the various species who need our help on this planet. We won’t deny that we’ve made missteps, or that we’ve resisted change—but those days are now behind us. For too long we’ve clung to the old ways, relying on the tried and true because it had worked in the past. But it has failed us, again and again. So it’s time to move forward. Time to embrace new views and new wisdom. And we stand here now, ready to swear to you that from this moment on, you can be assured of three things: We will listen. We will learn. And we will adapt. All we ask in return is that you be ready and willing to do the same. If you put your faith in us, we will put that same faith in you. For the good of everyone.”

“For the good of everyone,” the other eleven Councillors repeated, their diamond circlets glittering like stars. “We will listen. We will learn. And we will adapt.”

“Your service to us will not be easy,” Emery added, widening his gaze to include all of Sophie’s teammates. “It will not be safe. And it will not always be what you wish it would be. But it will be vital. It will be game-changing. And together, we will bring our side to victory—assuming we’re on the same side. Are you ready to accept this partnership?”

“A partnership in the loosest sense of the word,” Bronte clarified quickly. “Your authority will technically be no different than the authority of any other Regent. And our authority will remain supreme. But… we will hear you out and keep an open mind. And the