Scarlet

average citizens at once, can only keep hold of a dozen or so operatives. That’s why our packs are kept so small. Do you see?”
    “No,” said Cinder and Thorne at once.
    Wolf was still smiling. “Even the most talented of thaumaturges can only control a dozen operatives, fifteen at the most, and this after years of genetic modifications and training. And yet you manage to take one away from his master on your first attempt? With some practice…” He looked like he wanted to laugh. “I would not have thought it before, but now I think Her Majesty might actually have cause to be afraid of you, Princess.”
    Cinder flinched. “Don’t call me that.”
    “I am assuming, of course, you do mean to fight against her,” continued Wolf, “judging from your response to your emperor’s announcement.”
    Cinder shook her head. “I don’t have the first idea how to.… I don’t know anything about being a ruler or a leader or—”
    “But plenty of people think you can stop her,” said Scarlet. “My grandmother died so you could have this chance. I’m not going to let her sacrifice be wasted.”
    “And I would help you,” added Wolf. “You could practice your abilities, on me.” He slumped, his body tired from sitting up for too long. “Besides, if you are who you claim to be, that makes you my true queen. Therefore, you have my loyalty.”
    Cinder shook her head and hopped off the crate again. “I don’t want your loyalty.”
    Scarlet planted her hands on her hips. “What do you want?”
    “I want—I want some time to think about this and figure out what to do next without everyone yapping in my ear!” Cinder stomped off toward the main corridor, every other step a loud clang as her metal foot struck the floor.
    When she had gone, Thorne let out a low whistle. “I know, I know. She seems a little”—crossing his eyes, he swirled both fingers around his ears—“but it’s really part of her charm, once you get to know her.”

 
    Forty-Five
    She’d had the bridge built for herself out of very special glass, so that she could watch her soldiers from above—watch them train, watch them fight, watch them adapt to their new mutations—all without being observed herself. She was intrigued now by a new pack who had just completed the genetic transformation a few days ago. They were still so young. Mere boys—not one older than twelve years.
    They were almost precious, the way some of them stood off from the group, constantly checking the fine fur on their knuckles, bouncing back and forth on their restructured limbs, while others were already brawling and taunting one another.
    Making their place. Choosing their hierarchy.
    Just like the animals they were.
    Each thaumaturge beckoned to their assigned subjects, leading them through various formations. This too always fascinated her. How some of them would force the control, while others tried to seduce it from their cubs, like tender mothers.
    She watched the youngest faction with growing pleasure. Seven had lined up without question, leaving only one cub standing off from the rest. Crouched on all fours, he was snarling at his thaumaturge, fangs fully bared, more wolf-like than any of them. Rebellion and hatred glowed behind his golden eyes.
    That one would make alpha. She could already tell.
    “Your Majesty.”
    She listed her head but didn’t take her eyes off the boy. “Sybil.”
    Her head thaumaturge’s heels clicked on the glass floor. She detected the ruffle of fabric as Sybil bowed.
    Down in the cave, the cub was prowling a circle around his mistress—a young, blonde-haired girl who looked ghastly pale in her black coat. Her expression held a trace of anxiety, a tinge of doubt that she would have the mental strength to control this one.
    “All special operatives have been temporarily relieved from their missions and returned to concealment status. We estimate two hundred, sixty operative deaths.”
    “The Earthens will notice the tattoos soon, if they haven’t already. Be sure they take care to mask them well.”
    “Of course, Your Majesty. I’m afraid I also have one thaumaturge death to report.”
    Levana looked up, for a moment expecting to catch Sybil’s reflection in the glass, but there was none, not in this window. Not in any of the royal windows. She’d made sure of that. And yet, after all these years, she still wasn’t entirely used to it.
    She raised an eyebrow, prompting Sybil to continue.
    “Thaumaturge Jael.