Chapter 34
The world shrank and became very narrow, as though all of it was centered on one spot—the Desert King’s face. Isika felt like her shoulder was on fire. Blood continued to spill from the wound, soaking her guard uniform. Her circlet flared with heat and she gripped Queen Azariyah’s staff in her good hand. It glowed with light, sending waves of power up her arm and across, to her injured shoulder. But the pain was relentless.
The four cats had come running when the sword sliced her. Now they stood around her, muscles tensed. Their eyes were on Aria.
Do not attack, Isika warned them.
We will wait for your word, Hera said, even as the youngest cat hissed in disapproval.
Isika dragged her eyes away from her father’s face and looked at her sister.
“I will not fight you, sister,”
