Page 122 of Reign of the Talon
I am weary of vengeance.
Jeoseung sighs in happy agreement, and I feel it as it is done: the realm stretching its fingers upward, curling around the golden dragons, freezing them as they descend upon the living below. Death is swift, an unfurling of shadowy fingers revealing deep gouges spilling shadow. Life, slipping down to this realm, pulled by Jeoseung’s fingers.
Life. It comes to me then, a gentle whisper in my ear, a reminder of words I’ve heard before.
“I cannot reverse the effects of death. I abandoned Jeoseung long ago, and as such, my connection to it has slipped,”Yeomra had said—and would a god truly reveal something like that for no reason at all?
My connection to this realm is strong, as strong as my love for Eunbi, for the Talons, for all of those I’ve loved and lost. And I am…I am a goddess, glowing silver, ruler of the underworld. There is very little, I realize, that I cannot do when it comes to death—once an inescapable sentence.
Releasing Rui’s hand, I stand from the throne and slowly descend the stairs toward Eunbi—whose eyes are so wide in her small face as she stands next to Sang and the twins. “Lili,” she breathes, “you’reglowing!”
I smile, and it is a soft thing, easy and loose on my lips. It has been so many years since I could smile like this—gentle, without the edge of stress, of worry. I lean down before her, searching her eager face. Eight years old.
If she was old enough to be taken from the world above in a cruel twist of fate, she is old enough to decide what comes next.
Eunbi, I sign, although I know she cannot read the delicate movements of my fingers. Sang, with a small nod of understanding, quietly translates for her.I can give you something, little sister, if you want it.
Her nose scrunches in confusion. “A present?” she asks.
Yes. I could give you more years.I see them now, the fingers of death, curled around Eunbi’s neck—the realm’s hold on her. It would not be hard, I think, to pry them away.A way back tothe world above. You could live, little sister, if you wanted to.
Chara makes a small noise, hand flying to her chest, eyes shining. Chryse wraps an arm around her twin and smiles. I look to them, to Yoonho, to Sang.This gift, it could be yours as well, I tell them.Your lives were taken from you. Stolen. I can give them back.
“Lina,” Yoonho says, voice thick. “I…”
Rui makes his way down the dais and stands at my back. I lean into him, savoring his closeness.It is your decision, I say.All of you. But it can be done. Only say the word.
“But—could you come with us?” Eunbi asks, voice small.
I shake my head as Rui’s hand slips around my waist.I am tied to this realm now, I reply, with Sang hoarsely translating for me.But you do not have to be. I will release you.
As I will the others. Already, Jeoseung is listening to me.
So many died in this war.
So many who did not deserve to.
Children. Soldiers. Mothers. Fathers. Wives. Husbands. Daughters. Sons.
The realm is loosening its grip on them, slowly, hesitantly. If they desire to stay, so they may—but those who feel a sudden lightness, a sudden freedom, will be released. I sense the fingers of Jeoseung as if they are my own, can move them as if they are my own. Slackening my hold over hundreds of necks, I peer into Eunbi’s eyes, uncertain if she too wishes to leave.
Her time on Iseung was rife with danger. Pain. Tragedy. It could be so again. I will have no power to protect her if she leaves this place, and all my life, I was so focused on shielding her from every horror. Yet this—this is Eunbi’s choice, and hers alone. An adventure could await her. Adventure and love. She will never age past eight here, never grow in her own skin, never become the woman I know she is destined to be: a brave, kind woman with a hunger for learning, with an insatiable curiosity.
Eunbi hesitates, nibbling on a fingernail. “I think… I think… Is it… Would you…”
I see the answer in her warm brown eyes, desire and excitement blooming in their depths. The guilt she feels at leaving me behind. I smile and kiss her forehead, loosening the fingers around her neck, little by little.
I know, I tell her, blinking back tears.Eomma and Appa will come with you.I feel them here, their steadfast presence somewhere in the village we left behind—and I do not want them to see me like this, a goddess, yet. Rather, I want them to remember me how I was: a small, scrawny girl who was terrified of snakes. I’m not yet ready for them to see the path that led me here.Live a good life, Eunbi. Keep away from Sunpo. You will have to make your own fortunes.
But to be alive, isn’t that a fortune in itself?
“They will be cared for,” Sang says quietly, meeting my eyes.
And perhaps it was selfish of me, to hope that the Talons would stay here. Rui kisses the top of my head as he senses my hint of disappointment, but I am careful to conceal it from the Talons as I nod.
No halji, I sign.No crime. Please, Sang. Keep her away from all of that. I am trusting you with this.
“I know, L,” he says, throat working. “You’re… You’re giving us another chance. I won’t fail this time. We’ll keep her safe.”
