Page 109 of Immortal

“Why not leave the mortals alone?” I asked. “Why not channel your efforts into restoring the Wangchuan River, to rebuild rather than destroy? The mortals are not your enemy—”

“They should serve us,” he snapped. “We are stronger than them, greater than they could ever hope to be. Our existence is infinite, not measured in paltry years. Our lives are worth more.”

Revulsion bloomed in my gut like mold in dank air. I could understand ambition, the drive to aid one’s people, the desire to rise high—but to enslave others out of greed, because one imagined they were “inferior” . . . it was wrong. More than wrong, it was vile. But I had to hide my thoughts, to give Dalian no reason to suspect me.

“If I do this, your people must leave Tianxia untouched.” I would never let him get that far, but I had to pretend we were aligned—to act like his promise mattered.

“Of course,” he agreed with a magnanimous air. “You may have Tianxia, as long as they submit to my rule.”

He was not being generous. With the gateway opened, he would have the entire Mortal Realm to feed from.

As he smiled, my stomach churned. “But first, a small trial to demonstrate your new abilities. Let me gauge your strength.”

As I stiffened at his suggestion, Dalian gestured to the two women behind him who stepped forward. “Lin, Mei—both of you will challenge her in a test of magic. One of might, not combat—do not hurt her. If you win, you’ll be rewarded. Fail, and you’ll be flogged.”

He dealt such vicious punishment so easily, a tyrant ruling through fear.

“Mercy shows the strength of your heart, my son,” Aunt Shou advised.

“How dull you are, Mother,” Dalian replied scornfully. “Do you take pride in acting like a virtuous do-gooder?” He was on edge; anger unsettled him. I was beginning to realize that when he was calm was when he was most dangerous.

Lin and Mei turned pale as they bowed. Like me, they had no choice. Together, we crossed to the center of the hall, though my mind was distracted. I wanted to win, angered by his condescension—yet didn’t want the women to be flogged. As Lin raised her hand, light hurtled forth to slam into my shoulder. It seared as I staggered back—caught unaware. At once, she caught my arm to steady me, her face grim.

“I thought you were ready,” she said by way of apology.

I shook my head. “I should have been.”

Her fingers probed my shoulder before I could protest—afraid that she might sense I wasn’t who I claimed—but her power flowed, healing my wound.

Mei called out to her, “Sister, are you ready?”

We resumed our positions. Light blazed from my hands to form a curved barrier of azure light, while Lin’s power formed a yellow shield that collided against mine. I swayed from the unexpected force, still unused to channeling my magic. Digging my heels in, I steadied myself—as Mei raised her hand, a reddish light flowing into her sister’s shield. The pressure intensified, my breathing growing hoarse. Frost formed across my hands, the other guests murmuring in surprise. But I was already tiring, these enchantments taking a toll—though it was a relief that I could hold my own against these two seasoned fighters.

I grasped more of my power, eager to clinch victory, to catch them off guard. As I braced to strike, the sight of their faces stalled me. Lin was sweating, Mei was pale; their expressions twisted with strain. They were exhausted, yet afraid to fail.

If I lost, I’d earn Dalian’s insults—but he wouldn’t hurt me, not yet. Meanwhile, a brutal thrashing awaited them. I’d tasted the violence of his whip once, and it was Lin who’d healed me. And maybe it would be better if Dalian thought me weak, if he underestimated me.

Slowly, I released the hold over my magic. Lin frowned as though sensing my intentional weakening. I inclined my head, waiting a moment longer—then gasped, falling to sprawl upon the floor. Their magic surged toward me, but Lin leashed it swiftly before it struck. The trial was over . . . and I’d lost.

As they bowed to me, I folded my body in return.

“Your guards are impressive, Lord Dalian,” I said deliberately.

He was glaring at me like I was a prize he’d won that wasn’t worth as much as he’d thought. “You’re not as strong as I expected.”

I shrugged. “I’ve never been strong. Maybe I can’t do as you asked.”

His mouth pulled taut. “For your sake, I hope you can.”

And though he smiled at me, it reminded me of a viper parting its jaws, biding its time as it contemplated when to strike. Even if I did everything he asked, he would kill me anyway . . . once I was no longer of use.

40

Rain fell in heavy waves, dark clouds sheathing the skies. I sheltered beneath a lacquered umbrella; it was easier than channeling magic into a shield.

“Which direction leads to the nearest town?” I asked the guards at the entrance.

A woman gestured ahead. “Follow the pathway lit by the lanterns. Would you like an escort?”