Chapter 112

LUIS'S POV I could sense the ground moving underfoot. It was not the predictable earthquake, but the slow, nauseating tremble that happens when people you trust turn against you. The kind that makes you wonder who is really with you and who is just waiting for you to fail. The quiet around me was too loud, so I sat back in the dark. I expected everyone to stand by my side. But I discovered how mistaken I was that evening. They attempted to murder me. I ought to have anticipated it. Earlier that day, one of my lieutenants asked, "Did you hear the news?" He sounded too informal, as if he wanted me to notice something in his tone. Slowly, I nodded. "What news?" "Rumours," he shrugged. "Santiago is becoming more powerful. He has new allies, according to some. It felt tight, like a thin rubber band about to break, but I still smiled. "Rumours are inexpensive. I've heard worse. He didn't return the smile. My driver shouted, "Luis, watch out!" as he made a sharp swerve that evening. A sliver