The Inheritance Trilogy

by N.K. Jemisin

I may have power over you, but I would be a fool to think that makes me safe. Far wiser to offer you courtesy, ask for what I want, and hope for your cooperation in return.” “Ask. And then command.” “Ask, and if you say no, accept that answer. That, too, is part of respect.” He fell silent for a long while. In that silence I replayed my words in my head, praying I had left him no opening to exploit. “You cannot sleep,” he said. I blinked in confusion, then realized it was a question. “No. The bed… the light.” Nahadoth nodded. Abruptly the walls went dim, their light fading until shadows shrouded the room, and the only illumination came from the moon and stars and the lights of the city. The Nightlord was a darker shadow etched against the windows. He had put out the unlight of his face as well. “You have offered me courtesy,” he said. “I offer cooperation in return.”