for the first time ever, I sense a bit of magic flowing from him. Huh. Maybe he’s not so useless after all.
“The people love me, Callum, which is more than I can say for you.”
Before he can respond, I hold up my hand and a hush falls over the crowd. A battalion of newscaster cameras zoom into position. All of them train their lenses on my face, ready to broadcast my words to the entire Western society.
Deep breath. “My mother died doing what she loved: serving the State. There was no public servant more dedicated than she.” Words of appreciation circle the audience. “Her first priority was always the safety of our people, and, after meeting with Minister Sun-Wei, I can assure you, we are safe from the Sensitive threat. My mother’s…” The next word lodges in my throat and I choke it out. “My mother’s assassination has served as a wake-up call. The State has implemented new security measures, including mandatory checkpoints in and out of the City.” Not that this will stop transporting witches, but as Annalise explained, people need to feel like something is being done even if it’s relatively pointless.
An appreciative murmur runs through the crowd, and I force myself to not smile. Annalise reaches behind my brother and touches my arm. “You need to say it.”
Even though I know she’s right, I clench my jaw. I had hoped to deflect attention from the fact that I’ve had not one, but two traitorous mates. A fact Callum has taken immense pleasure in pointing out. I lift my hand again, and the crowd hushes.
“Beck Channing will die for what he did to my mother.” I spit out my words with hatred. “I will hunt him until I take my last breath.”
A cheer ripples through the group.
“Does the State know where he is?”
This is a tricky question. I’m not an official representative the State. Actually, I’m just a junior-ranking administrator who should have no knowledge of such things.
But I’m also Lark Greene, Malin’s daughter and Caitlin Greene’s descendant.
“Please direct questions about the State to me.” Annalise holds her wristlet to her mouth and her voice booms out across the street. “The State is actively searching for Beck and his accomplices.”
“What does that mean?” A floating camera hovers a few feet before us so we can see the newscaster on the screen. “Is there a pack of highly skilled Sensitives on the loose?”
Someone in the crowd gasps. Fear vibrates off them and I lap it up, allowing the sensation to feed my power.
I compose my face into a mask of concern.
“Not at all,” Annalise says. “It means—”
“That there is no place Beck Channing, Maz Matsu, or Ryker Newbold can run or hide where we won’t follow,” I finish. “Those boys have no chance against the power of the State.” I slam my fist into my thigh and exhale loudly.
The people cheer and stretch their arms toward me as if to embrace me. I glide off the porch, into the crowd, and my fingers graze those nearest me. The frenzied group consumes me.
Oliver was right.
This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
#
I sit behind my desk, hands folded on the top. Kyra’s been sent home with two of Mother’s former guards. I can’t trust her to not harbor Maz. Especially with the way she’s crying over him and begging me for leniency.
Annalise, Oliver, and Dawson sit scattered about my office. Since the press conference, we’ve had countless meetings with Minister Sun-Wei and Mother’s other former advisors.
One thing has become clear: they don’t think I’m capable of stepping into Mother’s shoes. Which may be true, but it infuriates me. I’m a descendant, a powerful one, and they want to deny me my rightful spot.
I run my tongue over my teeth. “If I capture Beck and turn him over to the State, do you think I’ll be welcomed into the inner circle?”
“Do you think you can capture him?” Annalise asks. Her voice is full of doubt.
I give a half-laugh. “Beck can’t control himself when I flood him with emotions. If I can somehow draw him out, he’ll be easy to pick off.”
“That’s not what I’m asking.” My sister-in-law crosses the room, and places both her hands on my desk and stares down at me. “Can you do what you need to do?”
I gnaw on the inside of my lip. “I’m not afraid of him, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Annalise shakes her head. “I wish you were. It would make protecting you easier.”