Revenant Slaves Chapter 5: Chapter 4: Luna learns the cost of mercy

Read chapter 5 of Revenant Slaves by Zee on NovelPedia.

Chapter 4: Luna learns the cost of mercy Luna did not want to take her seat beside her mother just yet, so she stood with her siblings, awaiting Lord Whiterock’s arrival in the throne room. She blended into the group as best she could, making herself smaller. It was difficult; her silver hair betrayed her no matter what she tried. It did not matter. Everyone’s attention was fixed on her father. She watched with interest as the other royal families greeted him. Fifteen delegation leaders rose from their seats and approached him with measured respect. There was no reverence in the gesture, no petty flattery or small talk designed to earn favor. They were respectful to the Lord whose domain they had entered as guests. Beyond that, they were equals, or at least the houses they represented were. Even the lowest-ranked among the Fifteen Great Houses could not appear meek. Luna rolled her eyes at the grandstanding of the lords apparent of the Empire and allowed her gaze to wander. Most of the gathered nobles were transfixed by the meeting of the Houses. That was when she saw Anotella. Anotella was a serving girl who had attended Luna on occasion. She was now bowing at an awkward angle before a group of young nobles. The person standing directly in front of her was Horus Arasaka, along with several others, whom Luna did not recognize. Luna almost looked away. Displays of petty dominance were common enough among young nobles. Disgusting, but familiar. Then Anotella jerked forward again, as if pulled by an invisible force. ‘That was strange.’ Luna moved closer. Anotella’s face came into view, pale and contorted with pain and fear. Her clothing rippled strangely, as though unseen hands were crushing several parts of her body at once. Luna reached a grim realization. These were the powers granted to those blessed by the Living Flame. Anotella endured the assault silently, as she had been trained to do. She would not dishonor House Whiterock. Her jaw was clenched so tightly that the tendons in her neck stood out. Her breath came in shallow, silent shudders through her nose. Bile rose at the back of Luna’s throat. The group surrounding Horus laughed silently in amusement. Anotella’s wandering eyes found Luna’s. Tears filled them, but they carried relief. Hope. It was the same expression Luna had seen many times during her excursions into the city and outer settlements with Avraham. Luna needed to be cautious. A commotion would not help Anotella. She activated her HPC. “Avraham, right side of the hall. A serving girl and some people my age. I need you to stop whatever they are doing.” “I am watching them. That is House Arasaka’s youngest son. My intervention may carry severe consequences for both the girl and myself… I am yours to command. Give the order, and I will see it through.” Luna thought for only a moment. “No. I will handle it. Prepare to take her away once I intervene.” “The boy has power. Be careful,” Avraham cautioned. Luna did not need the reminder. She remained powerless in a universe that measured worth by supernatural strength granted through the Living Flame and one’s affinity to it. She possessed none. Still, this was her home. Who would dare use it against her? She moved through the gathered nobles, breaking some of their focused gazes away from her father. Some of them even stayed with her after she passed. Horus noticed her approach and turned, maintaining the invisible restraint placed upon Anotella as he executed a deep bow. “The Silver Princess,” he said warmly. “We are honored.” Horus’s smile was not mocking. If anything, it carried satisfaction, as though Luna’s arrival elevated the moment rather than threatened it. “Honored?” Luna replied evenly. “Then you will do me the courtesy of releasing my servant.” “Anything for you, Miss Luna. But this wench ruined my shoes by spilling wine on them. Such a servant brings dishonor to your house. Do not worry. I shall punish her in your stead.” “The dishonor is yours, Horus.