Manon drew Wind-Cleaver, the blade singing softly as it slid free of its sheath. The sunlight gilded the balcony as Asterin whispered, so softly that only Manon could hear, “Bring my body back to the cabin.” Something in Manon’s chest broke—broke so violently that she wondered if it was possible for no one to have heard it. Manon lifted her sword. All it would take was one word from Asterin, and she could save her own hide. Spill Manon’s secrets, her betrayals, and she’d walk free. Yet her Second uttered no other word. And Manon understood in that moment that there were forces greater than
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