See his defiance, his pride? Pietas never surrenders.

When every avenue fails, Pietas realizes he will have to get his people out of this mess on his own. While his family and the council prepares to enter stasis as part of their surrender, Pietas makes other plans.

30 Days of Chaos: Day 11

To celebrate the launch of Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas I’m sharing 30 Days of Chaos. Each day during April, I’ll post one excerpt from the book, along with a poster of a quote by Pietas. On the final day, members of my Romance Lives Forever Reader Group will receive a full color book containing all the quotes and posters. Unlike my website, the book posters will have only a quote and a beautiful image. Look for another giveaway at the end of this post.

See his Defiance, his Pride

Mahikos railed and punched the wall, showing enough anger for everyone in the room.

Pietas remained near the door, removing himself from the drama.

Above them stood silent sentries, a row of human-shaped silhouettes.

At last, around the barren room, the casket-like stasis tubes hissed, sealing the council members inside. These tubes wouldn’t jettison like lifepods to protect against implosion or the hazards of space. They were the Ultras’ prison. Who knew how long they’d lie trapped within them, or if they’d ever be released.

Pietas lifted his head, willing anyone who watched to see his defiance, his pride. His determination never to surrender. He guarded the door, daring anyone to enter. All had been sealed inside his or her pod except his family, but Pietas remained vigilant.

Mahikos accompanied Dessy to hers. Though it was common knowledge his family was on the council, Pietas refrained from any show of affection in public. Enemies needed no details as to who was more–or less–fond of whom.

Besides, all of them were empathic. He felt their love, or lack of it.

“Pietas.” Dessy spoke, but did not look at him. “You were right.”

“This one, Dessy.” Mahikos patted the middle of three empty units. “Between your mother and me. Close to family. We love you.”

How like their father to throw all caution to the wind and show his weakness to everyone. Yet he would expect Pietas to defend him if attacked.

The tube they expected him to occupy sat isolated from the others, nowhere near family. As usual, his father had isolated him.

Dessy climbed nimbly into the unit. “Love you all. Stay safe.”

The pod sealed. Through its small window, his sister’s face showed. Her eyes closed. Her color paled. Within two minutes, she was frozen, as good as dead. Gone.

For no reason would he let them do that to him.
—
Bringer of Chaos: the Origin of Pietas
Immortal. Warrior. Outcasts. Traitors took everything. Except their honor.
Preorder on Amazon http://amzn.to/1R8DAbb (Out May 1, 2016)
Read now in print on CreateSpace http://bit.ly/boc-origin-csp