Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“My vision for the East isn't one of violence and fear, but one of unity and prosperity.” I stilled my nerves. “Where freedom of speech is not punishable by death, but celebrated as our right. Is that not what my mother wanted?”
While a few women nodded with me, the rest of the crowd was silent, hanging on to my every word. But it was the movement of those women’s heads that told me, they saw in Moni what I also saw in her too—my mother’s compassion. And for those that didn’t, just bringing up my mother’s name would have them start to think about her, eventually Moni too.
You will see what I see one day.
I stared directly at one news camera. “I want to rule an East where everyone works together for the betterment of each other, rather than for their own individual benefit, for their hate, for their ignorance.”
My voice echoed through the silence, carrying my message to each person there. “I want to rule an East, where the lives of our children are valued more than the power they hold or the color of their skin.”
I could see that my words were having an effect on them—their faces softened, some even looked hopeful.
But in the end, it was all pretty words to delay the tragic ones, to give them hope and brightness before the utter darkness that I was about to confess.
Here we go.
“But these changes cannot happen overnight,” I hardened my expression. “Change is a process that requires unwavering dedication. And it is a process that will begin with me.”
I glanced at Moni who was watching me with wide loving eyes. “We must step out of the shadows of the past and embrace what lies ahead. We must learn from our mistakes and strive to make things right.”
Now new murmurs spread through the crowd again.
Was it skepticism?
Doubt?
Were some of them at least starting to see my vision?
“My partner is right.” It felt weird saying that. Already, I was more than willing to declare to all of them that Moni was in fact my Mountain Mistress.
But, she had to be ready to step into that position herself.
I looked back at the crowd. “Justice must come for those that were lost last night, even though what those influencers said was racist, disgusting, and beyond disappointing to me.”
Several of the reporters widened their eyes.
My heart began to pound violently. “I cannot forgive my father for the violence he committed last night, but I can understand the rage that consumed him when he read those racist statements.”
Be very fucking careful with your words, ignorant idiots. I will do worse than my father.
My eyes locked onto the closest camera, burning with intensity. “And while I will seek justice for the families who lost loved ones last night, I will not tolerate a single fucking word of disrespect towards Monique.”
Listen up. She is not the only one that will be cursing today.
“I intend for the East to be a place where everyone will feel safe and respected, regardless of race. If you disagree. . .” I pointed to the gates. “I have opened the East for you to leave. You have twenty-four hours.”
You don’t like who I chose to love? Then, get the fuck out!
To my surprise, Moni shivered against me.
Stunned, the reporters, typically buzzing with questions and skeptical interjections by now, were visibly taken aback. They shifted on their feet, glancing at each other, pens poised yet motionless over their notepads.
“Regardless. . .today is a day of mourning for those who lost their lives to my father’s brutality.” A fierce determination fueled my words and for the first time in a long time. . .I actually felt like. . .a leader.
Finally, I had now become the true Mountain Master that my father had been begging me to be. It was bittersweet to say the least.
I blinked and did my best to maintain my composure. “Today is also a day of promise for those who are still here after those twenty-four hours. It is a promise that things will change.”
The intensity of the moment seemed to suspend even the air around us.
“And so,” I paused, letting the weight of my next words gather force, “due to the actions taken by my father—the Grand Mountain Master—there will be a battle in three days.”
More gasps came as the statement hung in the air like a guillotine blade.
“This battle is not sought for power, but to ensure that the East is a place where every voice can be heard without fear of retribution.”
Even more gasps and whispers swirled through the crowd like a sudden wind.
Some faces blanched with fear, others nodded in grim resolve, understanding the necessity of confronting a tyranny that had cloaked itself in the guise of leadership.
I looked out over the sea of faces, each one a mirror reflecting the horror and hope of my words.