Page 128 of Savage Throne
A few giggled, but it seemed in good fun.
Another attendant came near and placed diamond bracelets on my wrist. “It’s the talk of the East. The Kunlun Mountains are said to be the dwelling place of the gods, where the immortal realm meets the mortal one.”
She shifted closer. “The story goes that the gods themselves watched as you rose. They saw your strength, your fury. They knew you would need weapons forged beyond this world to protect your power in the East, so they crafted them just for you. They call themKunlun’s Fangsbecause, when you wield them, they strike with the precision of a beast—and bite deeper than mortal steel.”
I blinked again and parted my lips.
Another woman perused various colors of lipsticks. “Of course. Many of us know it’s just a story. They’re guns. Tools, nothing more. But it’s such a fun and magical way to see all of this, so. . .why not?”
The woman who had put on my bra nodded. “It is like Santa Clause. So much fun.”
I ran a hand over my scalp, where the oil they’d smoothed earlier left my skin tingling.
This had to be Leo’s doing. He had a knack for planting seeds in the minds of the masses, weaving narratives so fantastical they bordered on myth.
I could practically hear his smug voice now:Give the people a story.
The attendant by the laptop sighed. “We don’t have many legends with women in the East. It is about time we have one where a woman holds weapons kissed by gods.”
The others nodded.
Her words sank deep into my chest, lodging there uncomfortably.
Kunlun’s Fangs. God-kissed guns.
It was absurd—but a part of me, a very small part, liked the sound of it. Liked the idea that my hands could wield something with the power of a magical myth behind them, even if I knew the truth.
The attendant bowed again. “Shall I retrieve them for you, Mountain Mistress?”
“Yes, please.” I looked at all of them. “And this is a secret. No one knows. Do we have an understanding?”
A few shivered, but they all nodded.
“No one,” I said firmly. “Not the Grand Master. Not even the Mountain Master. Not Chen or Song. No one.”
“Okay, Mountain Mistress.” She nodded again and rushed off.
I called after her. “Please, be careful.”
She disappeared through the tent flap, I exhaled slowly and turned back to the mirror.
Kunlun’s fangs.
My reflection stared back at me, unflinching, as though daring me to follow through with what I’d just set in motion.
I would sneak those guns into the feast.
Lei wouldn’t need to fight this battle alone. He didn’t have to know it, but I would be there, watching, waiting, ready to do whatever it took to keep him alive.
Because I loved him.
And if it meant further becoming a monster to protect him, then so be it.
The plan was already forming in my mind, piece by piece. The guards would probably be thorough, checking every guest for weapons, but they wouldn’t expect me to carry them. They wouldn’t dare question the Mountain Mistress, not after what I’d done to earn this title.
Right?
One woman whispered next to me. “Your gown has deep pockets. I can give you a fur to wear over it. That could hide them even more.”
