Page 124 of Moon Claimed
She walked off without a word—something no one missed.
I studied the crowd that had doubled in size. Those at the front peered back with stony expressions while those at the back seemed highly uncomfortable.
“Look around you,” I said quietly.
The request surprised those in the front row at least.
“Look into the eyes of the stewards around you. That person is who we risk by adopting a more violent approach. There’s a reason our ancestors played the game this way. There’s a reason we’ve maintained a place on the gameboard for two centuries. That’s because past leaders cared about your lives. To purposefully injure Luthers is to risk losing points andourplace in this valley. We’d risk their potential retaliation. I will never accept such an extreme stance because I care about your lives. Anyone in this tribe is welcome to express their views to me at any time. I want your feedback. Your opinion will not be buried or disregarded, I promise you. I simply ask that you consider how important it is that stewards stick together at all times when you express any opinions. United, we can win.”
“They weren’t your ancestors,” a woman called.
I didn’t even know her. “What’s your name, steward?”
She cocked a hip. “Dakota.”
“Dakota has just shouted that the ancestors of this tribe weren’t mine.” Talk about a punch in the gut.
The woman lost some of her cocky edge.
Yeah, try standing in front of a mic instead of melting into the crowd, you coward.
“I can only say that the woman I thought was my mother stole me from Hercules and Savannah Thana as an infant. I was raised away from this wondrous place in less than ideal circumstances. When arriving in Deception Valley, I thought I’d entered a dream. I don’t trust easily, but I never questioned the bond I felt to this land even before meeting Herc for the first time.Thatwas the strength of what I experienced. While I’ve only known about our ancestors for a short time, Dakota, I’d thank you not to take them from me—as others tried to do. Those who came before me are more precious to me than most people will ever realise.”
She was a healthy shade of purple.
No fucks given.
“This evening’s gathering will commence shortly.” I dipped my head to the gathered stewards.
I descended the three stairs and Wade flanked me as we walked to the manor.
“What acow,” he spat. “She doesn’t care about our tribe. What she’s doing can only split us apart.”
“Hold on. I don’t want anyone to overhear.” We reached the office, and I pushed—
Locked.I never locked it. “Have you got my keys?”
He passed over the car keys, and I found the right one, shoving it in the lock. It didn’t turn.
I stared at the mahogany door, sliding the key free.
“She didnotchange the lock.” Wade took the key and tried, swearing when nothing happened.
Not only was Rhona organising rallies against me, she’d shut me out of Herc’s office. I remembered one brief time where I didn’t feel like an imposter for entering this room as head steward—the night of my first grid win, just before shit hit the fan. This fuckingstung.
Wade kicked the door.
I yanked him back, checking the hall. “We can’t make a scene. We’ll go to my room.”
“This isbullying,” Wade said when we made it there.
“Tell me about it.”
“Dosomething then.” He rounded on me.
I rubbed my forehead. “Like what?”
“Be the fearless Andie Thana everyone knows and loves,” he shouted.