Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112567 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 563(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
The rest were Blue Lanterns—soldiers, gun mules, and low-ranking assassins. They filled out many of the middle rows.
And they were all waiting to see who would live and who would die.
My body shivered with terror.
I wish Mom were here.
This morning, Aunt Suzi had taken my mother away. Mom had cried and begged with my father to not go on with the ceremony. They’d argued about it all last night.
In the end, my father had the final word.
I won’t bring her any pain.
The audience went silent when my father stepped onto the stage. He wore a dark blue leather trench coat. His suit was dark blue too. However, he had a baby blue tie on—the one I’d given him for his birthday.
I will honor him.
He held a large rooster in his arms. The animal’s brown feathers fluttered as it wound its neck around. Shushing the rooster, my father smiled down at the animal and ran his finger along the feathers. He continued to head my way.
Upon seeing my father, the thirty-six men—my opponents—lowered to their knees and bowed, remaining on the ground until he walked by.
I won’t disappoint him.
I forced myself to stay still. Father could not see me tremble or shake. There could be no fear in my eyes.
I really. . .wish Mom were here.
Uncle Song left his front row seat and headed to the stage, carrying a box.
Father stopped in front of me, radiating power and strength. He was coiled muscle and threatening menace. This year, I’d finally reached his height and met him eye-to-eye. Aunt Min claimed I would be taller than him one day. I couldn’t wait.
Uncle Song got to Father’s side. “Are you ready, Lei?”
Sweat beaded around my forehead. “I am.”
Father gestured to the side. “You have visitors.”
I turned that way, wishing it were Mom and Aunt Suzi.
To my shock, my three friends, Romeo, Chanel, and Dima hurried onto the stage. They were all dressed in blue as if they were trying to trick the East into thinking they were Four Aces.
What are they doing?! I told them that they couldn’t come.
East Paradise was a private body drenched in ancient customs and traditions. Outsiders were forbidden to see a ceremony like this.
Petting the rooster, Father frowned at my friends. “They snuck onto the property and fought through the guards.”
I did my best to keep back my smile.
Father sneered. “The damn kids could have gotten themselves killed and started a war within the Diamond Syndicate.”
I widened my eyes. “Can I. . . talk to them?”
Father scowled. “Say hello and then goodbye. Next, you switch your mind to death. That is the only thing that can be in your head when you fight. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Father.”
Still scowling, he gestured for them to come over.
Romeo got to us first. “Thanks, Leo. I swear we’ll be quick.”
Father glared at them. “You’re lucky I love you all like my own children.”
“Thank you, sir.” Chanel bowed to him, pulled out a wooden dagger from her pocket, and got to my side. “L, I had a dream about this ghost. She was a tall woman with two long braids. A brown cowboy hat was on top of her head—”
“Hurry, Chanel.” Romeo gazed at the crowd.
She swallowed. “I woke up in the middle of the night and that same ghost was by my bed, she guided me to this dagger and said that you had to keep it on you during this whole fight.”
She handed it to me. “It will protect you.”
Father frowned at the exchange.
“That dagger is just made of wood.” Dima rolled his eyes. “Why wouldn’t you let me bring my uncle’s bomb?”
Romeo sighed. “Because it would kill everyone, Dima.”
Chanel shook her head. “L, the ghost said that this dagger will lead you to your destiny and—”
“I don’t believe in ghosts.” Dima took my arm. “We need to get you out of here.”
“Chill, man.” Romeo moved Dima’s hand away. “It’s too late for that. Let the East do what the East do.”
Dima sighed. “But I want everyone to do what I want to do.”
Romeo patted his back. “Let it go, Dima.”
“Hurry this up.” Father stroked the rooster’s feathers.
“I can’t leave, but thanks for coming to try and save me, guys.” I placed the wooden dagger in my pocket. “And thank you, Chanel. I believe it will protect me.”
“No problem, L.” Her eyes watered. She placed a soft kiss on my cheek.
Oh my God.
My body hummed.
If I die, then that kiss was worth it.
She leaned away. “The ghost said that you were going to beat them all, and that your destiny was to expose the cruelty of men and protect the powerless.”
“That’s right. Therefore, all my bets are on you, Lei.” Romeo nodded. “Breathe. Don’t look at this as a huge mission. Break it down to little tasks. Kill one guy at a time.”