Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 114551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 573(@200wpm)___ 458(@250wpm)___ 382(@300wpm)
“Here, here,” someone calls from the crowd, prompting another rise of everyone’s glasses.
I go along with it before taking a moment, letting a hush fall over the crowd.
“My name is Oakley Quinn,” I say proudly, holding my head up high and noticing the way Cara creeps toward me, realizing exactly what I’m about to do. “Many of you were introduced to me this afternoon at the Faders Bay cathedral. However, for those who were not in attendance, allow me to do it again.” I pause, trying to enjoy this moment. “My name is Oakley Quinn, and I am the rightful heir of Empire—the only living blood heir of Empire, and as I stand before you, I state my intention to claim what is rightfully mine. I ask your approval, that you as a people, will allow me to stand at the head of this great organization and return it to its former glory, a united people, free of corruption.”
Cheers boom through the room when Cara appears on the stage to my right, her strong tone easily flowing through the room. “I, Cara Thorne, stand before you as a representative of The Circle, the sole living member, acting as a voice for the people. I acknowledge your intention to command the leadership of Empire, and as both representative of The Circle and the people, we accept you, Miss Oakley Quinn, the rightful blood heir of our great organization, to rise as our loyal leader. And we, as a people, vow loyalty to you.”
Then as one, every head bows to me, the boys included. “We vow our loyalty,” every voice in the room declares.
And with that, I stare out at the function hall at the people watching me eagerly, having no idea where to go from here. Then as if on cue, they break into loud hollers and cheers, madly celebrating the birth of a new reign, a legacy free of corruption and fear.
I can’t help but watch them as I stand here, a forced smile across my lips and an uneasiness in my heart. This was never anything I wanted. Empire has been thrust into my hands, and if I had my way, it would all be Zade’s, and yet here we are.
Cara comes racing into me, throwing her arms around my shoulders and squeezing me tight. “Congratulations,” she smiles. “This is so amazing. I can’t believe that just happened.”
“Yeah, me either,” I scoff, in a world of disbelief, watching from the corner of my eye as the boys make their way up here. “So, what happens now? Am I going to have to perform some kind of cult-like ritual, drink the blood of a goat, or start chanting something ridiculous?”
Cara shakes her head as the boys finally reach us, Dalton’s hands slipping around my waist, intently listening to what’s being said. “I, uhh . . . I don’t think so,” Cara says. “The leadership ritual is typically something which is done prior to The Circle and the people declaring their acceptance of their new leader. That’s been done, so you shouldn’t be required to do anything.”
“And I have the power to eradicate that kind of bullshit now?”
Zade nods. “Yes,” he says. “There are some technical hoops that come along with every change to the bylaws but with only Cara holding a seat on The Circle, there shouldn’t be any issues revising these laws.”
“Okay,” I say, my mind working overtime. “So anything I say goes?”
“One of the many perks of rising in power,” Easton tells me. “These people are now your subjects. Your laws are their laws.”
I nod, feeling everything starting to come together when I turn back to the dais, looking out at the celebrating crowd. I raise my chin, and as I prepare to address them again, I watch in amazement as they simply fall into place, not needing to say a word.
The room falls silent again, and I will myself to find that same confidence that burned through my chest only a moment ago. “I am unsure of when I will get the chance to address you all like this again, so I would like to take this moment to tell you that I strongly believe that every leader is stronger due to the team they have supporting them. And with that being said, as my first act as your new reigning leader, I will be reducing The Circle to only five of our most trusted members.”
The boys glance at me, unsure what the hell I’m doing, and honestly, I think I’m a little unsure too.
“Cara Thorne,” I start, prompting her to step forward before going on, indicating to the boys. “Dalton Eros.” He steps forward, his hands clenched in front of him, his face like stone as I move on. “Easton Cross.” Falling in line, Easton moves in beside Dalton before I indicate Sawyer, watching him move before I’ve even said a word. “Sawyer Thorne.”