Chapter 82

"Knights gallop out at times from charging troops, intending, as they leave the rest behind to claim the honours of an opening duel."

-Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy

Everyone's attention was on me and I had to come up with something meaningful to say. Bianca's power enchanted me faster than I expected, the flaming sparks heating up my blood. Now wasn't a good time to have a drink, but I finished my glass of champagne anyway. Bianca was assessing my power; her perfect eyes hovered up and down my body. I felt Morpheus's eyes on me too, but I didn't dare to look at him. This could work. I just needed to come up with a random witty line that cherished the uprising.

Everyone was waiting and silence stretched out for minutes. A bead of sweat gathered on the nape of my neck and ran over my spine. I was tough, but not with words.