章 409: Chapter 409: Challenge Vandelarius

Holy.

It's not like I didn't expect some grand announcement from her, but no way was I expecting this. At least, not now. Me? Second Seat? But-

We knew she was planning something, Sassy sent, mind like a whip, breaking me out of my gaping stare and stunned freeze. I warned you she might try something like this. You have to turn her down.

Easier said than done.

Still.

"I'm not next in line." As if I wished this on Dad. He stood there in silence, eyes locked on me, though he looked more sad now than angry.

"I call on you to challenge," Grandmother said. "If you are able to defeat Vandelarius, you claim Second Seat."

So much for that argument. Not much of one anyway. It was Dad or me. And neither of us wanted the job.

"No." It was the best I could muster, but from the scowl on her face I knew my best wasn't good enough so I tried again. "I am a coven leader, daughter of another plane." That was better. Get a grip, Syd. "My duty lies elsewhere. I can't take the throne."