Radiant's Honor (Founders Series Book 2) Read online

  “Not a good enough excuse.” Vic crossed her arms. “I already feel selfish enough because I didn’t know you were researching the vitals. I’m a bigger fool now than ever.” Vic kicked at the hem of the dress. “The founders see me as a selfish brat who left the house then pretended to be a radiant to torture her family. Who’s going to listen to me?”

  “That reputation will either help or hurt us.” He handed her a list of names. “I think these people are ready to move their support or share information. I met with a few of them already. Most are after their own gains, but this may be all we have to work with. Our first move is to try to remove GicCorp the usual way. If not, then we may take more drastic actions. I don’t know how far each founder is willing to go.”

  “Do we have any information to share?” Vic’s world was flooded with reaper problems. William still trained with his wand, and they didn’t know if that was the best path or how close he could get to Haven.

  Her father replied, “We do now. Tristan all but threatened to kill your sister. We mourn the loss of our children, but we believe in our duty to the city. We believe they’re safe.”

  “It’s my word against Tristan’s.” He didn’t run around acting like a fool—at least, not that anyone knew of.

  “Yes, but we all know the vague lines we’ve been fed since childhood. That may work in our favor. Even though we were trained not to question, I think it’s time to remind people of what they’re giving up and that they should be asking for more from GicCorp.” He rubbed his chin. “Maybe all we can do is have more of a power check with GicCorp and the founders. Or someone else can be in charge. In any case, don’t they owe us an explanation? Even a picture of the relic? Anything.” Her father’s voice faded, and his expression grew blank.

  This was his second time losing someone to Haven. Founders only needed to give up one child. Her father had become the Glass founder, and his sister had become a vital. Now he’d lost his daughter, too. “Did anyone try before?”

  “There’s no record. Tonight, once everyone is gathered in the ballroom, you’ll need to create a scene. Appeal to their emotions regarding their lost children and siblings.”

  Vic grimaced in her heels. She already wanted to rip them off. “I can do that.” She tugged at her father’s jacket. “Will this put Glass house in danger?” After tonight, it would be clear they were against GicCorp.

  He gripped her fingers in his calloused hand. “That’s why we’re being very public. There’s no law saying we can’t question GicCorp. In the accords, all founders are supposed to have equal power. GicCorp became the most important industry in Verrin. They hold the power to let us charge. GicCorp also manages the credit system.”

  A light knock sounded on her door. Vic answered it and found William standing in the hall. “What brings you here?”

  William’s eyes widened. His gaze flicked over her dress before settling on her face. “I, um, I’m here to get more materials to imbue from your father.” Pink tinged his cheeks. He straightened his posture, and Vic grinned at how he tried to bring forth his radiant ways.

  Vic twisted the ring he’d made, which she’d forgotten to take off. He caught the movement. “He’s with me.”

  “I didn’t mean to crash the event.” He stepped into the room.

  Vic ran her hands through her hair and smoothed the material around her hips. “The torture hasn’t started yet.” Vic winked. “Apparently, I get to cause a scene.”

  “I know you’ll do an excellent job.” He tugged on his blue shirt. “Is Kai helping you?” He glanced around the room like he thought the reaper would be in her bedroom.

  Vic shook her head. “He couldn’t make it tonight.”

  William tensed. “You won’t have any backup?”

  “I’ll be there.” Her father guided William to the door. “I have the materials in my office. We should get you out of here before they see you. Not that founders would notice you trying to get an entry job, but we should be careful.”

  William looked over his shoulder as if hesitant to leave. She bent over a small jewelry box. A new necklace lay across the top, and she touched the delicate silver chain that held a green flower pendant made of glass. “I’m fine, Will.”

  He nodded, and she called out behind him, “I like the blue. It matches your eyes.”

  His back straightened as he walked out of the room, making her grin.

  Alone in the room, Vic practiced walking. She teetered on the heels, but it wouldn’t take long to get used to them again. She couldn’t help but examine herself in the mirror. It hadn’t been that long since she’d left this life behind. The woman who returned her look didn’t feel like the person who ran around in sewers at night. It only took a shiny gown to change someone’s personality. Her skin glowed against the black material, but she couldn’t hide her weariness. She hooked the necklace around her neck and admired her father’s handiwork.

  Now she could use her founder title to make a difference. Tristan’s words in the sewers had affected her more than she liked. In this massive city, she felt like an ant trying to attack a lion. Maybe it was time that the founders remembered their power and did right by the people of Verrin. Maybe it was time to get rid of blight instead of keeping it at bay. William would love that idea. She twisted the ring around her finger but didn’t want to take it off. Somehow, creating a planned scene made her more nervous than the stunts she’d pulled while at home.

  Emilia would always roll her eyes as Vic dragged her into the aftermath of some disaster. It went best when she could convince her sister to go along with the plan. A few years ago, she’d gotten her to put a transparent glass coating on some doorways. Then they’d watched people run into them all night. Her father’s lips had twitched as he’d lectured them on being proper.

  Vic took one more glance at herself and kept her hair down, like a shield to protect her. She took a deep breath as music played below her feet. It was time to join the party.

  6

  Vic

  “We tried to get permission to mine to the east, but the other founders won’t budge.” Emmet Steel reached for another fish cake and stuffed it in his mouth. “Those sewers have been blocked off for years! Why can’t we mine?” In his rant, a bit of cake flew out of his mouth and landed on Vic’s arm.

  “Terrible. Very unjust.” She flicked the fish cake off her arm without changing her expression.

  His jowls jiggled. “My wife goes to the courts almost daily to plead our case. She barely has time to imbue at the factory. It’s all left to me and my daughters. Not having a first-generation relic to help at the start slows down the production line.”

  “That must be hard on you.” Vic discreetly looked for an escape. The room was full of founders in glittery clothing. They laughed and smiled since they could afford to. The magic lighting cast a flattering glow over everyone, with the perimeter kept dark so founders could whisper deals. More came to agreements at the events than in meetings. In the past, Vic had avoided all men of her age so she wouldn’t get paired off. When she’d talk to a founder at school, the next day the parents would meet and discuss options. Vic had isolated herself from them early in life and more so in the last year. But all her founder classmates had grown older and changed.

  He clutched his drink and took a long swallow. “Are you back to being the Glass heir now? Your poor family has no one else to inherit the factories. You must marry another imb, not that radiant. I have a nice son I’m willing to let go of.”

  Vic bit her lip. Was she supposed to play nice with this man? Everyone knew his wife had the actual power within the Steel founders. But her husband seemed more interested in human trade. “I’m part of the Nyx Order. I don’t have any plans to get married.”

  “Pity. Your father will have to adopt. I have a nice son he can adopt.” Another fish cake disappeared behind his jaws.

  “Lovely.” Vic looked at a tree in the corner. “Oh, I think I need to talk to them. I’ll speak to you later.”
Before he could answer, she rushed to her new tree friend and stood behind the branches, hiding from view. When would it be time for her to make a scene? She’d lost sight of her father, and she didn’t want anyone else trying to pawn off their sons on her. She felt like the last slab of beef at the elite market. After tonight, she doubted anyone would want their son to marry into the Glass house. A light tap made her turn. William, dressed like the hired wait staff, stood close to her. His hair, now a tawny brown, was combed back. He smelled like fresh linen as he brushed up against her side.

  “Are you supposed to be here?” Vic whispered, her back to the wall. She glanced over his shoulder at the room.

  William tugged on her elbows and turned his back to the party, helping her hide. “It looked like you needed a break.”

  “I preferred being rude to everyone.” Even though she would never tell him, having him here comforted her.

  “Why not treat them normally?”

  Vic shrugged. “I don’t know. This is my first time trying to overthrow a corporation.”

  “Same.” He pulled her farther behind the branches. “Maybe you should let your father be the sweet talker and you be yourself.”

  William kept his stance alert, but he didn’t let go of her arms. His grip was gentle yet firm. His body pressed in close, and though she knew he was only helping her hide from the room, her face heated.

  As if he’d read her mind, he glanced down at her and dropped his hands. “Sorry. You looked a bit lost, and I wanted to see if I could help.”

  Had his eyes always been that blue? Vic tried to step back, but the wall stopped her. “Thanks, you already did.” She pulled off the heels and rested her bare feet on the cold marble. She squared her shoulders and took in a deep breath. She gently squeezed his arm and stepped out from behind the plant. She lifted the hem of her dress so she wouldn’t trip and marched through the crowd of founders. The older generation tried to corner her, but she stepped to the side. She needed to find those around her age. Spotting Tristan, she veered right and ran into someone else.

  “Sorry.”

  The young woman, clothed in a pale yellow gown that flattered her bronze skin, turned to Vic. Her black curls cascaded down her back, and her icy blue eyes sparkled. “Vic? Blight and stone, where have you been?”

  “Maddox?” Vic found herself engulfed in a tight hug from her old friend from school. They’d been inseparable throughout the years but hadn’t interacted much since graduation.

  “My father told me you were a radiant when I said I wanted to see you again.” They lived on the far side of Verrin, so visiting each other outside of school had taken a while. The city sprawled over miles. The Glass house was lucky to be near the center, but most other founders needed to be close to their mines or quarries.

  “Ah, yeah, I was faking.” Vic fidgeted over lying to her old friend.

  Her jaw dropped. “Whoa, that’s over the line, even for you.”

  Her dress’s shiny beading cut into her hands as she gripped the fabric. “Yeah, I was going through a bit.” How honest did she need to be? If their goal was to get support, it might require some vulnerability. “My sister was leaving to be a vital, and I didn’t take it well.” She reached for a drink on a passing tray and took a long drink. “I’m still not.”

  Maddox nodded, and her brow softened. “Honestly, I get that.” She hugged her ribs. “My parents decided that my sister would be the heir.” Her voice trembled. She caught herself and stood straighter. “It’s an honor that I will be among the next vitals.”

  Even though months had passed since she’d talked to or seen her friend, Vic ached for her. When they were younger, Maddox would run right alongside Vic, their hair in tangles as they’d come home to either house covered in mud. The elegant Maddox before her didn’t match the one who’d stayed covered in dirt as she’d tried to imbue stone, making them countless forts for their childhood battles.

  “It’s okay to be upset about it.” Vic reached out to comfort her friend.

  Maddox jerked her arm away. “I’m not upset. It’s an honor. We’re saving the city’s citizens from turning into mogs. As a founder, this is our duty.” The sparkle in her expression faded with the rhetoric of the vitals.

  “I’m not saying it isn’t, but you won’t get to see your family again, and you’ll be behind a wall, doing something they’ve never explained.” Vic tried to gently suss out where her friend stood. If Maddox could trust her, maybe she would share her genuine feelings about being a vital. Vic didn’t know how she could help her since she’d already failed her sister, but she could try.

  Her shoulders stiffened. “They explain it. Just because you don’t like the explanation doesn’t mean you have to take away someone else’s honor.” She smoothed the side of her dress and tossed her black curls over her shoulder. “As for never seeing my family again? You should know that’s a benefit. They don’t want me around, anyway.” The last words came out tight, and Vic remembered they’d always stayed at her house when possible. On the rare occasions when Vic had stayed with the Stones, the father had drunk too much, which her younger self had thought was funny, and the mother had glared at them the whole time or lectured them on being ladies. Whatever that meant.

  Vic wanted to poke holes in her resolve. The way Maddox fidgeted, she could tell she was unsettled. “Do you know how the relic works, then? Do you know how you’ll connect to it?”

  “It purifies the blight!” Maddox’s voice grew shrill. People turned to them, and she quieted. “I know you’re disappointed you were born a reaper but don’t belittle my honor.”

  Vic clenched her jaw. “I’m not trying to belittle you! All I’m saying is that you have a right to be upset and a right to know what will happen to you. Why can’t you know? You’re the one who’ll have to spend the rest of your life behind walls.”

  More faces turned, and Maddox waved for Vic to talk quieter. Out of the crowd, her father nodded to her. Vic took a deep breath and found the nearest table. She had a few people’s attention, so might as well make the scene. She ripped out the tablecloth from under the drinks table. The red wine bottles crashed to the ground. The liquid bled across the floor. The broken glass skittered among the feet of Verrin’s elite. Some screamed and stepped back from the noise. All eyes were on her.

  “Ah, my fellow founders. Are you enjoying the party? I need your attention.” A look she recognized grew on the surrounding faces. The look said: this is the Glass heir being a brat as usual. Vic was fueling the fire for their gossiping tongues.

  The music quieted, and the room froze. Vic remained still in her bare feet as the wine trickled around her. She didn’t dare move. Otherwise, she would probably step on glass.

  “A few weeks ago, I lost my sister to Haven. She went because, well, that’s what we do. We serve our city. You send your children off behind those walls and believe they’re living a wonderful life.”

  Her eyes met those around her. Varying degrees of shocked faces came into view. Tristan stayed still in the back, assessing her calmly.

  “Why aren’t you allowed to know what they do? Why can’t the magic be explained? Why don’t they send pictures of your loved ones? Or are you okay with never seeing your children or family members again, with no actual explanation? What’s the cost? So you can keep your position as a founder? Let’s all hide behind our walls and keep giving our children away to be heroes. Heroes? What power do you all really have? Aren’t there more of you than them?” Vic’s voice rang through the silence. “You have no power.”

  A loud snap echoed in the room and banners fell from the ceiling. They were covered in faces. Vic recognized some of them from school, and then she spotted her sister’s face. Normally, once a vital left, the family was strongly encouraged to put away any photos to help with the transition. They claimed it would help them deal with the loss. Now the faces looked down on them.

  Emilia’s gentle expression encouraged her. “I think it’s time for proper answers.
I want to know what the relic is. I want to know that my sister is alive. Don’t you?” Vic faced Tristan. She stared down the GicCorp heir.

  One by one, the founders turned to Tristan, following her gaze. He met all of their eyes and crossed his arms but said nothing, his face a mask that showed no emotion. The room waited in tense silence.

  Tristan spoke, “I think the Glass heir had too much to drink?” A quiet wave of chuckles echoed in the room. “Another lovely stunt by the shamed heir of Glass.”

  Vic met his dead gaze. She’d known he would play on her reputation. “Maybe so. But it doesn’t change what I said. Divert the question. It’s still in their minds. What does the relic do, Tristan? Why can’t we have pictures of them working? Everyone here went to school, so explain. I think we can grasp the concept.”

  “The party is over. You all need to leave.” He shifted slightly, but his mask stayed in place. He was no amateur and could play a long game. Vic could throw tantrums, but Tristan would wave them off.

  “This isn’t your house, Nordic,” her father said. “You can leave first.”

  Something flashed in Tristan’s eyes. He raised his glass, drank down the liquid, and left the room. The ballroom exploded with talk as he left. The music gradually came back, and people shifted and glanced at Vic standing in the wine.

  A pair of arms surrounded her, and she recognized William. With his back to the room so no one could see his face, he quickly lifted her out of the wine and cradled her in his arms. The wine dripped from her foot and splattered on the drenched floor. “Tristan left, so I thought I’d take a chance to help you without him seeing me.” He carried her toward the doors.

  “I can walk now. I don’t see any glass.”

  William looked down. “Just accept my help. You don’t know how far the glass scattered, so I’ll put you down once we’re out of here.”

  He held her past the spilled wine. The staff cleaned it up.