Page 121 of Savage Throne
But as prepared as I was to face my father tonight, my thoughts kept circling back to Monique. Her strength, her fear, her transformation.
I clenched my fists.
A knock on the door came and then two men entered, carrying a small, unassuming box. It seemed almost underwhelming, considering the weight of what I knew it contained.
Finally. I wasn’t going to leave without this.
Seeing the little box, Chen, Duck, and Hu immediately ended their phone conversations.
Let them disapprove. Let them judge me. I don’t care.
I walked forward, took the box from the men without a word, and then quickly slipped it into my pocket.
The atmosphere in the room changed subtly.
Chen came over and pointed to my pocket. “Are you sure you want to do this, Lei? Emotions are high. You should wait.”
Duck got to his side. “I agree.”
“I don’t hear anyone talking.” Chen scowled at Duck and put space between them. “Anyway Lei. . .you don’t need to do this today. Perhaps, take the box out and save it for another time.”
“It stays in my pocket.”
“But are youtrulyready?”
There was no need to answer that question. We’d argued enough about it today.
Instead, I scowled at him. “Where’s Soaring Precious?”
Chen turned to Hu, motioning with a tilt of his head. “Hu, can you tell Duck to get the sword?”
Hu frowned. “Duck is right next to you.”
Chen’s lips thinned. “Is he? I don’t see anyone of any importance or honor next to me.”
Duck rolled his eyes with an exaggerated flair. “Hu, tell my petty, pissed-off brother that I’ll get the sword. And when I bring it back, I’ll stick it right up his ass.”
I grinned.
Chen deepened his scowl.
Duck stomped off.
Hu glanced at Chen. “So, Duck said that he will get the sword and—”
“I heard,” Chen waved Hu off and returned his gaze to me. “Lei, seriously, are you sure about this?”
He gestured subtly to my pocket. “It’s a big deal. I don’t want you to regret—”
“I might die tonight,” I said simply. “She should know.”
“You won’t die,” Chen said firmly.
“Just in case.”
“There will be no just in case—”
“Enough about that. Do me a favor. Forgive, Duck.”
