A loud conch horn cut off Liana's discussion with Allie, and they both looked up from their spots on the lawn. She noted with a shallow breath that Jerik had brought several guards armed with spears, just in case the same thing that happened to Xina happened to him.
His voice was amplified- she remembered his abilities as an Echo- as he began to speak. "Due to the unfortunate death of our beloved leader, Queen Xina, I must rise and be appointed as King." Jerik unfurled his sleeve, showing his inked red crescent. A guard dipped a stamp in a black pot and pressed it to Jerik's forearm, right above the moon. He held it high above his head, and Liana could see a ragged shape of a crown. Then the guard shouted, "Hail, King Jerik!"
"Hail, King Jerik!" the crowd echoed, and Liana joined in. Jerik's dark eyes fell on her and he gave a nod of approval as she put her fist in the air and shouted, "Hail, King Jerik!"
See? You can trust me. I am not the enemy.
"Do the people of Outcast Island pledge allegiance to our new King?" the guard asked.
One by one, the Bluebloods raised their inked wrists in the air, clenching their fists. Liana could feel Jerik's eyes on her as she raised her arm as well.
I am not the enemy.
The faintest whisper ran in the back of her head. Be careful, Kade.
She scrambled back. The voice had sounded exactly like Jerik, but... it couldn't be. She looked up at his cold eyes, and he gave her the slightest nod.
Can you hear me?
He narrowed his eyes, and the whisper spoke again.
Yes.
YOU ARE READING
𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧
Fantasy"What the hell are you-" Taylor's angry bark was cut off by a loud gunshot. His face went deathly pale, and Liana's heart slammed against her ribcage. It took all her willpower not to bolt. The deer crumpled on its side, red blossoming from its nec...
