Page 101 of Savage Throne
She caught me by surprise today. Almost killed me. . .and I. . .went hard. . .
I swallowed down the embarrassment.
The student challenged the teacher. She’s such a perfect little monster.
And just like that my attraction began to rise for her again and it took all of me—all of my energy—to push it down, where it belonged, where all my weaknesses were kept, locked away in the dark corners of my mind.
Song spoke. “Do you think she istrulyready to serve now?”
I glanced at him, surprised that he would ask, after all that had happened. "She’s more than ready. She’s stronger than Lei, Chen, and Duck. She will keep them in line with a feminine touch. And her heart. . .well. . .it ensures they’ll rule the East with humanity, peace, and love—three things I never learned to lead with.”
He nodded, accepting the answer.
Minutes later, we reached a plateau, a brief respite from the steep path, and I adjusted my hold on Monique.
Her head shifted slightly, resting against my chest, and I felt the thrum of her heartbeat against mine.
It was a cruel message letting me know what I would never have.
Don’t be selfish. Think of Lei. Think of the East.
I had fought for a lot—power, control, and the survival of my bloodline.
The world didn’t care for those who faltered, who allowed sentiment to weaken their grip. But as I held Monique, I wondered if there was a balance I’d overlooked.
A path that allowed strength and the spark of something more.
Something human.
Monique.
As we walked on. . .the path resumed, steeper now, forcing my focus back to the terrain.
I moved forward.
There were moments, even now, when I imagined a different life—a life where I didn’t have to be the villain. But that was not my role, not the legacy I was leaving.
And it was boring.
Monique would ensure Lei’s power. She would guide him, anchor him, and if necessary, challenge him in ways I never could.
It was my final act as his father and architect of our legacy.
Yet as we continued down the mountain, I couldn’t help but question if power at any cost was truly worth it.
Could I have allowed my heart the selfish indulgence of keeping her to myself, if only for a short time, or had I already surrendered too much of myself to the monster I’d become?
The wind picked up, cold and biting, cutting through the silence.
Song adjusted the collar of his coat and glanced my way.
His expression was unreadable.
However, he knew me better than anyone, knew the struggle that simmered beneath the surface.
It would be so easy to. . .just. . .keep her. . .
I glanced down at her peaceful face, at the way her lips parted slightly as she breathed.
