Chapter 1

"He'll change his mind!"

I ignored the wailing. It was a lie, and we both knew it.

It had been hundreds of years since the dragon king had been taking humans for the Trial of Fire. She was putting on a show at this point. I looked up as a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky and closed my eyes. My brother was too young to do much, even if he got

out of his coma. My father was dead, and his widow was useless.

I would have to make a plan forward to make sure my brother would survive the mess his mother had made. I glared at her, glanced at the grave, and turned away.

Tomorrow, I would be dead, but my brother had a chance to be the next head of the family if I could keep Goro from finishing what he started.

Goro...

Dad should have kicked him from the family years ago, but he had always been more loyal to the snakes in his family than they deserved. I walked into the house, leaving the sliding door open that led outside open.

"Where are you going?" She sniffled, following me. "Your father--"

"Is dead, and now I have to keep my brother alive. I want this done with before dawn."

"Done with?" She jumped up, flushed with anger. "How could you say that? Your father's dead! Your brother... my baby--"

Aren't I your daughter? I smiled wryly at the thought. No. I guess I never had been.

She let out another sob. "It should have been you."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the confirmation."

looked at me when she'd come into my room mere

knew what Goro's

Stupid.

in the main dining hall, dressed

head and looked at me, meeting my gaze. There was no remorse in his eyes, of course not. The medallion that my dad had worn since becoming head

probably couldn't wait to take from Dad's

The bastard...

aisle, breathing deeply and focusing on what had to be done. My anger, the injustice of it all would have to

had to do

aunt tried to grab me.

Goro said, looking at me. "If you're here

a stop in front of him. "I'm here to talk to you: head

"You

Goro shut his mouth. "My brother is in a coma. I am the eldest, his living flesh and blood. I am the new head of the family, and with a word, you'll be prosecuted for violating imperial will with this stunt, and your daughter will be in the caravan when it arrives

privately--civilly--or should I not bother? How lucky do you think your daughter is?" I cocked my eyebrow even as my stomach turned. "Your

grit his teeth, baring them briefly. He looked behind me and nodded

said. My father's widow turned to follow the rest of the

said, glaring at her. "You have no right

sight of them together turned my stomach. The rest

lifted his head. "You must

blinked. "I think you're

His eyes widened.

I think we should come to an agreement," I said. "After all, your daughter was summoned,

eyes. "They

why you did all of this." I approached him, glaring at him. "You'd

Goro a cold smile as

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