Is that messianic enough? Does she sound like someone touched by the gilded hands of the Forge, like somebody who might appear in one of Crem’s stories?

Tank wrinkles her nose, still unconvinced. A healthy amount of skepticism for one so young. “You really believe in all that, huh.”

“The Archbishop Storm Imogen believes it,” Diamond says. “And I believe it. I witnessed the miracle they wrought on the battlefield. It is an honor and blessing to serve alongside them. I am confident that will become clear in time.”

At least the captain is on her side; it’s one less battle to fight. Misery picks up where she leaves off. “All of us have had difficult journeys on our way here. But I fully believe that we are all purposefully, divinely, and joyfully meant to be here, each and every one of us. No matter how unlikely it may seem. We are a family now, united by the will of the Larex Forge. If nothing else, we have one another.”

She looks around the table as she speaks, making sure to catch the gaze of each member of the serving. Make them feel included, make them feel like this message is for you too, yes, even you. The last person she looks at is the princess, who she’s almost forgotten about as a player in this diorama. Who she instinctively wanted to exclude. But it’s too late, they’ve made eye contact, she didn’t mean to do this. The Lady Alodia Lightning’s gaze is fevered, bright. Her lips part and she sucks in a visible breath as if touched by something ice or fire. Goose static runs up Misery’s arms. Fine. She can be included too. If this is what she wants. It’s all part of Misery’s plan.

Hovering over Ono Red-2, perched golden and merry on a flasklight, Ruin laughs. “Oh, Misery,” zie says. “You have such a talent for this. Don’t you see? It’s why you’ve been chosen.”

CHAPTER 12