Brood of Vipers by Maggie Claire (good books for high schoolers .txt) 📕

spinning the words to fit his agenda. “No one would suspect a new mother. We’d all fall into the trap, believing that Lynx would not endanger her child. No one would question her loyalty, and Lynx would be free to report on our whereabouts.” Wren stares at the cowering woman, forcing his eyes to clench in cold, detached assessment.

“But how would she relay messages to the Ddraigs?” Jackal questions, his hands open at his side as he watches Wren pace. “How can you be so sure you are right?”

“I don’t know I’m right at all,” Wren snaps, pausing for effect while he gathers his thoughts. “Unless the Ddraigs have allied with the nameless unchosen. I mean, we all know the nomads range far and wide across Cassé. What’s to stop them from sharing information on their travels?”

Jackal nods as comprehension dawns across his features, believing the plausibility of the lie instantly. Wolf sits still, his expression impassive. “So, what do you suggest we do then, Wren?”

Facing Jackal, Wren ignores the terror rattling his spine and demands, “What did you do with her child?”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Wren hears the gurgling of the newborn at his feet. Peering down, he sees the babe bundled in a shawl, held tight in his mother’s arms. Bending down, he eases his arms around the boy.

“No! Don’t you dare take my son!” Lynx screams, jerking and writhing as she clutches for her child. “You rat bastard! I trusted you! I thought you were trying to help me!”

“Your boy will be safe,” Wren assures, genuinely hoping his words are truth as he adds the necessary threat to keep Wolf from growing suspicious, “As long as you cooperate with us.” Please keep your mouth shut. Wren prays she will understand how he’s desperately trying to play both sides and keep her and her son alive at the same time.

“You mean to use him as a bargaining chip,” Wolf smirks to himself, a new level of respect and wariness creeping into his mind. “I’m impressed, Wren. You’re as heartless as your reputation claims, aren’t you?”

Wren ignores the leader, letting his cruel persona lift long enough to catch the frightened woman’s attention. The change in his demeanor gives her pause, hope filling her eyes as she waits for Wren to assist her. Leaning close to Lynx’s ear as he reaches for her son once more, he whispers, “Say nothing.” When he stands tall with her son in his arms, he allows himself to act once more. “I believe they both can be useful, Wolf. Iris will want her spy unharmed, and you will have two lives to trade for her secrets. And if we keep the boy alive, then we will have someone to hold over Lynx, making sure she stays in line.”

Wolf nods once, and it takes all the strength in Wren’s abdominal muscles not to shout and praise every forgotten god of the land.

“Jackal! Set up patrols with the rest of the army. I want all nameless unchosen in the proximity to be captured, questioned thoroughly, and executed for aiding and abetting the Ddraig rebels.”

“At once, Wolf.” Jackal trots out the door, never once questioning whether or not Wren should be believed.

“Wren, you are in charge of the child and Lynx.” Wolf crosses to the doorframe, pausing as he growls, “I have to admit that your story sounds plausible. Yet I know your reputation for being an impeccable liar. So, hear me, Wren, when I say that if I find out that you’ve lied to me about any of this, I will kill you myself. Very, very slowly.”

“On your feet, Lynx,” Wren commands, one hand pressed to his lips in a gesture of silence. “We will go to your tent and pick up any basic supplies you need. You are moving in with me, so I can keep an eye on you at all times.” Wren winks once to assure the woman, pointing to the door. “Now move!” he barks harshly.

Lynx follows his orders, and as they pass the living room, Wren notices their fearless leader in the shadows, watching the scene for any signs of treachery. Breathing a sigh of relief, he keeps Lynx moving at a breakneck pace, hurrying away from the House of Piranhas as quickly as their feet can carry them.

“Wren,” Lynx wheezes as they reach her tent. “Please tell me—”

“Shut up, woman!” Wren bellows, raising a hand as if he intends to strike her. Lynx recoils, cowering low with her hands over her head. Hauling her up roughly, he shoves her toward the tent’s canvas folds. “Not out loud in the open like this,” Wren mumbles under his breath. “Eyes and ears everywhere.” He hopes his fragmented words are enough to explain their need for secrecy.

Lynx grows pale, her cheeks turning wan as she understands. “Later?” Her lip trembles as she eyes her son.

Wren nods once, understanding what she seeks. Tonight, he will find a way to explain his plan to her. One way or another, he will make sure Lynx and her son make it to safety. And the sooner it happens, the better.

Chapter 3

“For someone who’s so hell-bent on training the new Cadogans until they are dead on their feet, you sure are easy on yourself,” Siri snipes from her perch on a stony outcropping overhead. She’s been sitting up there all day, hurling her taunting insults at me as I attempt to harness my abilities as a Gwen to see the future. So far, I’ve only managed to give myself a headache.

“This is different,” I spit through my clenched teeth as sweat drips down into my eye. “Mental training is much harder than physical.” With the sun beating down upon the blistering sand that’s sifted into the Pith caverns, I feel like I’m roasting over an open flame. My skin is starting to crackle and char, Siri. I need a break!

“You need to learn to control your thoughts!” Siri barks back, all traces of humor