Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark, #1)

by Veronica Roth

“Why are you keeping him here?” Akos said through gritted teeth. “Does he even have a currentgift? Or have you starved it out of him?” Vas—casually, lazily—backhanded Akos. Akos crumpled, clutching his cheek. “Akos,” Eijeh said. His voice was like a light touch. “Don’t.” “Why don’t you tell him, Eijeh?” Ryzek said. “Have you developed a currentgift?” Akos peered past his fingers at his brother. Eijeh closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, nodded. “Rising oracle,” Akos murmured in Shotet. At first I didn’t know what he meant—it was not a phrase we used. But Thuvhesit had different words for all three oracles—one falling, close to retiring; one sitting, prophesying from the temple; and one rising, coming into the fullness of his or her power. “You would be correct in assuming that I have not been able to make him use his gift for my benefit,” Ryzek said. “So instead, I intend to take it.” “Take it?” Akos said, echoing my own thoughts. Ryzek stepped closer to Akos and crouched in front of him, his elbows balanced on his knees. “Do you know what my currentgift is?” he said lightly. Akos didn’t answer. “Tell him about it, Cyra dear,” Ryzek said, jerking his head toward me. “You are intimately acquainted with it.” Akos, bracing himself with one hand, lifted his eyes to mine. There were tears mixed with the blood on his face. “My brother can trade memories,” I said. I sounded empty. Felt