Chapter20: Might As Well

Maerilee The moment the words leave Permiton’s mouth, I freeze. My mind scrambles to make sense of what he’s just said, but all I feel is a surge of anger, hot and immediate. Did he really just suggest that? That I should, no, that I must, sleep with all of them? My hand moves before I can stop it, and the sharp crack of the slap echoes through the room. Permiton doesn’t react the way I expect him to. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t show any sign of anger or surprise. Instead, he stands there, his expression unchanged, his eyes focused and unwavering. That’s when it hits me. He’s not joking. He’s not trying to make a move or disrespect me. He’s dead serious. The only way that I can access the fullness of my powers is to be connected with all four of my Ones. My anger dissipates as quickly as it came, replaced by a cold dread that settles deep in my gut. I shouldn’t have done that. What an excellent impression I’m already making on him, and we’ve only been in each other’s presence for a few