Page 12 of Moon Claimed

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Page 12 of Moon Claimed

“Is she coming?” the grey-haired marshal asked.

I cracked my neck. “She wouldn’t miss it.”

Shame swirled in my gut for an instant before I banished it. Seriously, how much shit could someone take?

Just this once I wanted someone else to do the hard stuff.

There had to be some perks to having an almost twin.

The crowd quietened, and I watched Rhona walk out of the manor. She smiled at those gathered, stopping to talk with a few on the way. Shaking hands and touching shoulders, she moved through the crowds.

I mean, yes, I probably would do that…

But creepy.

What if we’d actually grown up together?

Oh, and I had to play my part. “Three cheers for our new head steward! Hip-hip!”

The first hooray was carried by those closest to me, but the second was triple the volume, and the third was a boomthat rivalled the starting cannon in Grids.

Rhona reached me and we hugged.

“Did you just give yourself three cheers?” she whispered.

“Couldn’t pass up the opportunity.” I held her tight. What would I do without her? “Thank you.”

“Always, remember?”

I squeezed my eyes shut. “Always.”

Without a care in the world, my sister continued to the stage and microphone, and no one batted an eyelash.

She tapped the mic. “Stewards of the Ni Tiaki. Welcome to our tribal lands.Welcome. In the last two weeks, we have faced the loss of a much-loved leader. We lost a man who dedicated his life to this cause. Before we go further tonight, I’d like to lead a minute’s silence for Hercules Thana. Please, link hands and join me.”

Rhona deserved to say these words, not me.

I held Pascal’s hand and turned to find Wade on the other side.

The minute was a slight breeze and a rustle of trees set against the last notes of bird song. Exactly what Herc deserved.

But Sascha’s voice edged into my mind.He was dangerous for you.

Lie.

Herc wouldn’t have killed me. He wasn’t a killer.

“He’s with us in the air and in the trees.” Rhona’s voice broke. She cleared her throat. “He remains with us in the company of our ancestors for all time. To my father, Hercules Thana.”

I murmured his name with the other stewards, wondering if the horrible shame filling me would ever ebb.

Wade ran his thumb over the pads of my palm, and I yanked free, shooting him a glare.

“To this week’s game.” Rhona’s voice boomed across the manicured lawn.

Was this how she saw me? How everyone saw me? If not, they wouldn’t just stand there, hanging on her every word, right?

Seeing myself through another person was weird. Humbling. And I felt stupid for freaking out. My tribe didn’t want to see me fail.




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