Dark Rise: Dark Rise 1

and trying to hide the effort, like a wounded creature trying not to show that it was in pain.

Kindness is never a mistake,’ said the Elder Steward. ‘Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered.’

‘But even in the darkest night, there is a star.’

That’s the trouble with you Stewards. You always think there’s hope.

I’m not going to stop until there’s no one left to stand in your Hall, until the last of your light flickers and goes out. And when darkness comes, I’ll be standing next to the one who will rule it all.’ James’s voice was precise. ‘You think I felt something for you? You’ve forgotten who I am.’

Beg me, then. Beg me on your knees to kill you. Do it.

‘All those vows. You’ve never really lived at all. Don’t you wish you’d been with a woman? Or a man.’