o P

guards stood frozen, their guns still trained on me, but their eyes were flickering with uncertain

ors of the main

wasn'

of the steps, his face a mask of cold professionalism. He looked

is voice flat and devoid of emotion. "I w

his was the counter-move. A deeper, more cutting humiliation. He wouldn't

e to rage. To s

aug

w into a full, clear laugh that e

jaw tig

for everyone to hear. "Unwell? I heard Don Valachi was 'The Reaper' on the battlefield.

stone. "Ma'am, I sugge

essing the crowd of shocked faces in the windows. "But it seems I've

mockery that had been aimed at me was now tu

ipping the arms of his wheelchair, his knuckles white. I imagined th

walking up the steps until I was level with Kyl

ny, almost imperc

accept my vows on behalf of Damien Valach

ee a fine sheen on his forehea

to the silent,

ringing with authority. "If he is too much of a coward to face me, then let him announce i

rdly

t an insult anymore. This was a challenge to his very identity, his right to rule. I

ds could do. If he went through with this proxy ceremony, that title would

t make thi

. "Don..." he whispered, his

layed my hand. No

e the house. The sound of somet

mil

wave of relief, mixed with fear, wa

closed behind him, began to o

ged from the

ir, a silver mask hiding half

n Val