Why not? What would be lost, what evil done? The Masquerade would crush any rebellion. In her hands, she could ensure it was swift, merciful. And with her hard-won power, she could save her home. But that will not be enough now. Good-bye, she thinks. Good-bye, kuye lam. I will write your name in the ruin of them. I will paint you across history in the color of their blood. The tide comes in. The Throne’s man watches her, waiting for her to lift her eyes and make a census of the birds.
