Page 144 of Savage Throne
Aunt Min sighed.
I gripped the hilt ofSoaring Preciousharder, my knuckles whitening as the tension at the table sharpened to a razor’s edge.
Another droplet of blood slid from the blade, landing on the table with a soft, deliberatetap.
Across the table, Jay stiffened and he straightened his shoulders as if he were preparing to leap out of his chair.
That’s okay. I understand. You should defend yourself. I would too if I were you.
His polished calm was cracking, his gaze flicking briefly to the blade and then to my face.
He wasn’t stupid.
He knew what I was capable of.
What I was willing to do.
He’d been one of the people standing by during my childhood and watching my father train me to be a fucking killer.
Next, Ham, the old Incense Master, shifted beside him.
I caught the subtle tension in his arms, the faint twitch of his hand as it moved toward his lap.
Was he reaching for something?
A blade he somehow snuck in, maybe?
A vial of poison?
He was known for shit like that.
I didn’t care.
Let him try. I’ll kill his ass too.
Fury surged in my blood like fire.
My father’s side of the table felt like a dam about to burst.
Aunt Min fidgeted nervously. “Lei, please.”
Ham spoke. “We will not allow you to kill anyone at this table. . .Mountain Master.”
Beside me, Chen shifted just enough to make himself noticed. “Youwillstay seated. All of you because if you rise against the Mountain Master, then you will be dealt with too.”
A few of my father’s men froze.
Aunt Suzi’s sharp inhale cut across the space like glass.
Duck’s voice was casual as if he were commenting on the weather. “Anyone jumps in, thenwe’rejumping in. In fact, I’m more than ready to just fight now. Anyone?”
They remained silent.
Tension coiled tighter, snapping through the space like a bowstring pulled to its breaking point.
I was about to check the time again but the orchestra faltered.
Just like that.
