Glimmer by Anya Monroe Read Free Book Online Page A

to me through the fence, reeking of something stale. "And I will find all your dirty secrets." He reaches for the metal flask on his hip, taking a swig, "And if you don't want to talk, I have ways to make you. Don't think you'll be as lucky as ol' Colton here. You aren't going anywhere." He walks back to his trailer, letting the door slam shut.
    A strange quiet sets across the courtyard. Nobody moves or speaks. I want to shout, ask them what that was all about, but I know I can't. I can only watch and observe and try to find a way out of this trailer park.
    If Charlie isn't here, I'm going to need to find him. Otherwise we should have just stayed with Lukas. And truly, that's where I wish I were right now. All the strength I mustered up to talk to Colton left when his trailer door shut and Reagan had him exiled.
    It's hard to know what to do when, for your entire life, people have made decisions for you. It's hard to know when you should step out and take a chance, or when you should play it safe.
    And as much as I want to step out, right now I'm not as strong as I want to believe I am.
    Right now I feel like the light has been snuffed right out of me.
     
     
     
    Lukas
     
    No. Absolutely not.
    We are back in the Council room, a place I despise. Charts and maps are tacked on the walls, detailing the plans the Refuge made using my extra gift of energy they thought they deserved. They believe me choosing Lucy as my mate ensured extra power to their Refuge, giving them access to more resources.
    But Lucy is gone; something they have decided is pointless to discuss any further. And maybe it's safer not mentioning it ... but what they're asking of me now goes against every fiber of my being. I cannot be Bound to anyone besides her.
    She is the one I love.
    "Listen, Nobleman. This Refuge is already under duress, as we all saw last night. They need something to rejoice in. It is your responsibility!" Head Councilman Conviction shouts.
    I shake my head no, sending Councilmen Discernment and Rely throwing their hands up in the air once more.
    We have been round and around for the past two hours. I'm giving them a fight they weren't expecting. Before I met Lucy, I probably wouldn't have dug in my heels, but everything is different now.
    I have something worth fighting for.
    Disagreeing with the Council is not something I've ever done. I always felt the stakes were too high for me to battle them on any of the issues I had. But maybe I was always wrong. Maybe I've actually been weak when I thought I was resigned. Maybe there is very little difference between the two.
    "I don't understand why you're forcing your prophet anyways. Doesn't that go against everything The Light believes?" It's a cheap pass I know, one that would maybe hold up if there were Vessels present. But there aren't. There never are. The Council just rolls their eyes at my words.
    "Everyone, can we just discuss this, civilly?" Integrity speaks up for the first time in the meeting. He strokes his grey beard as he sits in the corner.
    "If there is something you wanted to say, say it," Head Councilman Conviction challenges.
    "Well, I do want to point out to everyone what the Sacred Text says about this important matter. I know you feel fine waxing on and on about what you want, Councilmen, but that is not what The Light says our role is. Lest you forget that we are workers for the Nobleman. We are Humbleman at His service."
    The men in the room cross their arms, looking at Integrity with stony eyes. We all know that is what the Sacred Text says, but Integrity is the last one standing who acknowledges that doctrine. Every other man uses The Light as a catalyst for his personal agenda. Namely, control and power.
    "The Sacred Text clearly states that the Nobleman has complete authority in choosing His partner. As the Councilmen, we must, and should want, to trust in His wisdom and innate knowledge." Integrity finishes speaking and I see the others growing frustrated at his