Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 602(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
“I might die tonight,” I said simply. “She should know.”
“You won’t die,” Chen said firmly.
“Just in case.”
“There will be no just in case—”
“Enough about that. Do me a favor. Forgive, Duck.”
Chen frowned. “He drugged me.”
“He didn’t truly drug you. He just gave you a gummy that you should have known had THC in it.”
“Why would I know that, Lei?”
“Why would Duck give you one regular green gummy?”
“Because candy is delicious.”
I sighed. “Forgive him. We need to be fully united tonight, not arguing about stupid shit.”
Another knock came.
“I agree with Lei. Get over your shit, Chen, so we can be stronger.” Hu moved swiftly to open the door.
Seconds later, Jo stepped in, clad in an elegant white suit that I was sure Aunt Suzi probably grabbed for her. She completed the look with sparkling white sneakers and diamond studded earrings.
What is this? Where does she think she’s going?
Jo’s expression was as bold as ever but her gaze carried a softness that wasn’t lost on me.
I raised an eyebrow.
“So. . .” Jo cleared her throat and stopped in front of me. “I don’t want to cause any trouble or anything. I know that you already have a lot on your mind and what not, but. . .”
“But what?”
“I’m coming to the feast and battle. I’m catching a helicopter ride with Dima, Marcelo, and Banks. Dima thought I should tell you so that you were prepared.”
Hu and Chen exchanged glances.
I placed my hands in my jacket pocket. “Jo, this won’t be a lovely feast. There will be blood and death.”
She met my gaze evenly. “I know. I just want my sister to see me and understand that everything is okay. I just can’t. . .wait for her to come back later tonight. I need to hug her. Kiss her cheek. I need to tell her that she is loved and that. . .Mom saw what happened and understands because I know her ass is going to be feeling all guilty and judging herself.”
I swallowed.
While I had made sure Chloe and TT didn’t see the footage, Jo had already seen it, likely before all of us. Early in the morning, she’d been on her balcony smoking a joint and scrolling through social media when it dropped.
Chen’s head shook. “She shouldn’t come.”
“No. She should,” I countered and made sure my tone left no room for argument. My gaze returned to Jo. “But you’ll sit with Moni and me, not Banks and Dima. You’re the Mountain Mistress’s sister and. . .you’re right. She probably needs a hug from you today and to hear those words.”
Jo blinked. “Bet?”
I nodded. “Bet.”
“Thank you, Lei.”
“However. . .”
She quirked her brows.
“You’re part of the East now. The white is fine for tonight, but you are to be wearing blue from now on.”
She pursed her lips together.
Chen’s disapproval was palpable as he looked between us. “This is a bad idea. Uncle Leo may not see Jo at the table as part of his plans and that is—”
“Fuck my father.”
Jo bobbed her head. “Yeah. Fuck him.”
Chen scowled at her. “Well. . .I hope you didn’t bring any of your special gummies today.”
Jo shrugged. “I sure did. Want one?”
He pointed at her and sneered. “I never want to see them again.”
“Your loss, and by the way, you were way cooler on the gummy than sober. You should think about never going without them.”
“That will never happen.” Chen adjusted his tie with a disgruntled sigh.
Thankfully, Duck returned before the conversation could derail further. In his hands, he carried a long, ornately carved box that exuded pure luxury. Its wood was deep mahogany, and the intricate patterns etched into its surface spoke of craftsmanship spanning centuries.
Duck handed it over. “Are you ready, Lei?”
“I am.” I traced my fingers over the box, feeling the history beneath my touch.
Opening the latch, I lifted the lid, and the soft creak of the hinges sounded like a threatened secret.
Inside, nestled against worn blue silk, lay Soaring Precious, and the blade shimmered with a deadly allure.
The steel seemed almost alive.
The white jade handle was covered in ornate leaves, and inlaid gold, silver, and copper adorned the blade in a stunning display of artistry.
Jo’s eyes widened as she took a step closer. “What kind of sword is that?”
I didn’t look away from the weapon. “The Baoteng Saber. Also known as Soaring Precious. It was crafted centuries ago during the Qing Dynasty for the Qianlong emperor. An Imperial Sword Master poured his life’s skill into this blade.”
Jo’s gaze remained fixed on the sword. “So. . .this is passed down in your family?”
“Not really. Five years ago, a London billionaire bought this sword at an auction for seven million dollars. I’m sure he was pretty happy about the deal. The next day, my father woke him up in the middle of the night, sipping tea right next to his bed and Uncle Song had a blade on his sleeping wife’s throat.”