Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“This battle,” I pressed on, “is for the soul of the East. For too long, fear has dictated how we live our lives here. It's time to show that our strength doesn't come from silence, but from the bravery to speak out and to end it.”
Moni’s arm wrapped around my waist. Her grip was gentle, and I believed it was a silent message of solidarity.
I felt it deep in my bones.
We were in this together, come what may.
Now for the bullshit. Father, I hope you’re watching and enjoying the show.
“That’s right.” I nodded. “I love the East so much that I would shed my father’s blood to keep you all safe.”
Tears spilled from one woman’s eyes as she held up her hand in sorrow. “We don’t deserve you, Mountain Master.”
“You do, but regardless. . .I ask for your support in this horrific decision to battle my father.” I swept my gaze over them. “I ask for your support. . .not as your leader, but as someone who believes in a future where our loved ones can speak their minds without fear. A future that my partner and I will fight for, side by side.”
Once again, the reporters, usually so eager to jump with questions, continued to be stunned into silence, processing the promise of conflict against a figure as formidable as my father.
It was a disruption of the narrative they had known all their lives.
Because all knew that to battle my father was to watch one of us die.
There you go, Father. Whether you wanted it or not, now they know. Now. . .they will have time to prepare for your death.
“That is it.” I nodded and guided Moni away.
Not one question came.
It appeared the press had quite enough to ingest and was having a problem with swallowing it all down.
Together, we headed to the car, I felt a fierce pride in Moni and in the path she had chosen.
I hadn’t planned to even talk to the East today. I’d been too caught up in getting her back to me, and even preparing for the battle ahead.
But she forced me to focus on my true duties as Mountain Master. Little by little, she was making me a better ruler.
Yes. She’s my Mountain Mistress. We’ll have to discuss this topic again tonight.
Whatever the coming days brought, she had ignited a spark of hope within me—a hope for an East reborn from the ashes of my father’s brutal traditions.
And I knew it wouldn’t be easy in any way.
The battle with my father would be fierce, the risks immense, but the cause was just.
I want to live here with Moni, happy and at peace.
I let go of her waist and held the door open so she could climb in.
Silent, she got in.
What a fucking day?
I knew that whatever came next, Moni had not only held her own but had elevated herself in the eyes of all who watched. Whether the East now loved or loathed her, they could not deny her courage or her command over this moment.
And they damn sure noticed the change she has had on me.
Moni was proving not just to them, but to both of us, that she could handle this, that she was every bit the leader we needed.
Climbing in the SUV, I glanced at her.
Our eyes met. There was a spark there, a silent communication that spoke volumes.
And still the press was silent behind us, utterly taken aback by it all.
Hu, Duck, and Chen climbed in.
The door to the SUV closed with a definitive thud.
Next, the driver sped us away.
However, inside, the atmosphere was charged.
I watched Chen, knowing that he would explode soon, and this would be another test to see if Moni could hold her own against my Deputy Mountain Master.
But then, a weird group of people caught my attention on the left side of the SUV.
What the fuck?
They were marching toward the area where Moni and I had been speaking to the press.
No. What the hell is this?
It must have been thirty of them. Gray monkey masks covered their heads. The masks had been crudely made, with rough edges and uneven holes for the eyes and mouth.
Red paint dripped from the top of the masks probably to resemble blood.
Around their mouths were strips of blue tape as if someone had put it there to silence their screams.
Great. Now we have a rebel movement forming. Thanks, Father.
A chill ran down my spine.
As the SUV sped past the large group, I strained my eyes to catch a glimpse of the huge red and blue signs held by the masked group.
The signs were simple yet impactful.
One read, “No More Silence!”
Another declared, “Free Speech or Death!”
Yet another held a sign saying, “Down with the Mountain Master and the Grand!”
Chen looked out of his window. “Dear God! Can we get a damn break this week?!”