Night Spinner (Night Spinner #1) - Addie Thorley Page 0,50

chin so my hair falls across my face. “Except I am guilty where you are innocent. I earned this traitor’s mark and the people’s wrath.”

I try to scoot away, but Temujin catches my elbow. His amber eyes bore into mine, singing to me, hypnotizing me, as bright as a harvest moon. “Our circumstances may differ, but we are all bonded by loss. We are rejected, unwanted. The dregs of the Ashkarian Empire. Unworthy in the eyes of the Sky King. But is it criminal to believe we deserve to be treated humanely? To desire a king who puts the needs of his people above his thirst for power and wealth? Use your night spinning and help me change things for the better.”

I gulp and force myself to look away. Blazing skies, he’s convincing. If I didn’t know to keep my guard up, I would almost be tempted to believe him.

But he’s lying.

He’s lying. I drill it into my brain.

And I have a mission. I know I need to get close to him, but I refuse to promise my Kalima power. It holds too much meaning. If ever I’m given the opportunity to spin the night again, it will be for the empire I swore to serve. For my sister, whose faith in me has never wavered.

“I want to help,” I say carefully, “but I can’t wield the night. The trauma from Nariin is too deep. I understand if you don’t want me to join you, knowing this …”

For the briefest moment, Temujin’s nostrils flare and his fists tighten. But then he puffs out his cheeks, releases a long breath, and shakes his head. “Of course you’re still welcome. Night spinning isn’t your only proficiency. You were a member of the Kalima warriors—you can teach us their tactics, help us avoid them—assuming you’re truly prepared to betray them.” He raises a dark brow at me.

My heart stutters for half a second before my training kicks in. The guilty always respond with anger or indignation, so I slouch lower and stare at my upturned hands, making myself as small and pathetic as possible. “My own sister carried out my torture. Then she dumped me back at Ikh Zuree like garbage and rode away without so much as a backward glance. She will always love the empire and her position more than me. An empire that despises me. I have no one to betray you to.” The words rake the pink flesh of my mouth. Probably because there’s a parcel of truth to the lie. I am despised by the Sky King and the people.

But I won’t be much longer.

“Ghoa and the king have lost themselves.” I fortify my voice with even more conviction. “They’re sentencing our own citizens to freeze on those barren fields, and I won’t be part of it.”

Temujin’s eyes lock with mine for one second, then two. Finally he offers me a hand. “Welcome to the Shoniin, Enebish. Inkar will keep you informed on when and where to meet. Be ready at a moment’s notice; our operation is rather unpredictable.”

He stands, runs his fingers through his jagged hair, and starts for the door.

“Thank you,” I call after him, painting an earnest smile on my face. “I’m eager to begin.”

Again, it isn’t wholly a lie. I’m beyond ready to begin my new life—my old life—and he has just given me the ammunition to do so. When the Shoniin next meet, I will happily join their ranks. But I won’t be coming alone.

“One last thing.” Temujin turns at the door, his hand on the knob. “In case your loyalty should waver, I thought you’d be interested to know that a certain monk named Serik is scheduled to depart from Ikh Zuree on a prison wagon bound for Gazar in three days’ time. Such a tragic story—something about persistent disobedience and failure to respect authority. Apparently there was an incident involving the abba and the commander. She’s the one who signed the arrest warrant. Quite the family scandal. Not the sort of person I’d choose to ally myself with—turning on her own like that.”

“What?” I shove to my feet, ready to fly across the grasslands if necessary to save Serik. When did this happen? What, exactly, happened? Is this why Ghoa has ignored my inquiries about him?

Don’t be foolish, Enebish the Warrior scolds. He’s lying to you. Baiting you.

“Why would you say such a thing?” I make my voice small, hurt, and clasp my hands before me. “I’m with you. You needn’t