“I know we’re all still adjusting to our new reality,” she began. “This place is ours for the first time. But soon the next prison boat will come and with it, more guards and men who wish to harm us. We will take that boat. We will defend our freedom.” She glanced at Malachi. Even in his hand-me-down guard uniform, he held his head high. He still looked like the Heir. “Tonight we decide what we’ll do afterward. Seek asylum in Azura, or go back to Bellaqua and fight.”

She nodded to Val, who repeated all he knew about Azura. “I believe we will be safe there,” he concluded. “But it will mean leaving friends and family in Viridia behind.”

“Or we fight back,” Serina said, taking a step closer to the edge of the stage. She gestured to Malachi. “We have the true Superior here on this island. As you all know, he has agreed that if we help him attack the palazzo, he will enact change in Viridia. He will give women more rights. He will help us reunite with our families. If we help him take back Viridia, we can change it forever.” As she spoke, Serina saw the battle unfold in her mind… female warriors swarming the golden beaches of the Superior’s palazzo, the roar of gunfire echoing down its delicate halls.

Asa would fall, and the women of Viridia would rise.

“Asa cannot be allowed to rule,” Nomi added, her voice shaking. “He is even worse than his father, even more capricious. He has no qualms about destroying all those in his way. He killed his own father, tried to kill his brother… but his real danger is in his smile. He will convince the magistrates, his generals, and courtiers that he is kind and thoughtful, that he has the country’s best interests at heart.” Her voice hardened. “But he only cares for himself. He is a danger to everyone.”

“But how can we trust him?” Fox shouted, pointing to Malachi. “What stops him from using us to get what he wants and then running this country just like his father did?”

Malachi cleared his throat. “You have my word, here and in writing. I know this may be difficult to believe, but I also want change for Viridia. I’ve come to see how cruel it is to deny women—you—the right to choose your own path.” He cut a glance to Nomi.

Serina tried to read the emotion that flitted across his face.

“So fight or run. Those are the only options we’ve been talking about,” Blaze said from a spot near the stage. “But what about staying here? To some of us, this island is home.”