Xiran Jay Zhao

Wu Zetian,” a medley of voices whispers in my head. Not just Shimin’s, but Big Sister’s as well. And Yizhi’s. And my mother’s. And my grandmother’s. And so, so many nameless girls who have suffered under the lies I must expose. “Be their nightmare.”

Redemption story, they said?

There will be no redemption. It is not me who is wrong. It’s everyone else.

“Sorry,” I say, cold as Big Sister’s ashes. “You’re in my way.”

I crush the entire palace with the Dragon’s claw.

But I don’t care how indebted I am to the elders or the gods. If they don’t respect me just because I’m from the “wrong” half of the population, I’m not respecting them back.

I wouldn’t live and suffer for anyone else, but I would die to avenge my sister.

But a mother who has failed me so thoroughly is no mother of mine.

Too bad. I am exactly the kind of ice-blooded, rotten-hearted girl he fears I am. And I am fine with that.

May he stay unsettled.

Too bad. I am exactly the kind of ice-blooded, rotten-hearted girl he fears I am. And I am fine with that.

May he stay unsettled.

“Sweetie, you are in no position to make demands. You should be thanking your ancestors that we’re keeping you alive at all.”