Five's Legacy by Pittacus Lore Page B

exposing those hideous teeth once again. “Of course, it’s possible that charm has its limits. How many times do you think it will work before it finally fails? We have so many soldiers and scouts willing to test out the spell’s longevity, happy to die in the name of securing our future.”
    He’s going to try to kill me, I think. In an instant, I’ve got one glove off and a hand on the table. It’s as if by instinct. I haven’t trained with my newest power, but I take a chance. Sure enough, my skin goes silver as I absorb the properties of the metal. If nothing else it should buy me some time if he attacks me.
    The Mog laughs a little.
    “Oh, don’t worry. We have others we could test that out on. Isn’t it obvious by now that we have a much brighter future prepared for you?”
    “You have other Garde here ?” I remember Ethan mentioning Nine being held captive. The idea of meeting another of my kind makes my pulse pound.
    I don’t want to do it. Not now, at least. I couldn’t face one of them as someone who turned on them. Not until I’m stronger, until I’ve got my head on right and can really talk some sense into them.
    “In due time, you’ll learn about all the ways that we’ve ensured our success in the extermination of the Garde. But we can’t just go around telling you all our secrets, now, can we? Not if you were planning on double-crossing us or were to report back to the Garde. You must prove your loyalty to us before we can continue.”
    I hesitate, and focus on my breathing. On calming down. My body changes back to normal, and I place my palms on the table before me.
    “A useful power,” the Mog says. “Ethan had not mentioned it in his reports.”
    “It’s new,” I say. “Very new.”
    He just nods.
    “We can help you with that. With all your skills. By the time we’re through training you, you’ll be one of the most powerful players in our ranks. There is not a place on this planet that will be worthy of your rule.”
    Something sparks in me. The memory of a place. A destination I never made it to.
    “Canada,” I say.
    “I’m sorry?”
    “Canada. I would want to rule over Canada.”
    The Mog looks confused for a moment, and then smirks.
    “How about all of North America. To start with.”
    I nod. I don’t know how else to respond to being offered a continent.
    “But, first, your loyalty,” he continues. “This is the sort of deal that is usually inked in blood.”
    Blood?
    “What do you want me to do?”
    The Mog turns his head, nodding toward Ethan’s room.
    “He has served us well.”
    “What?” I ask. Ethan? My stomach turns. Surely he can’t mean what I think he means—that he wants me to kill the only person I have in the world. “But you made a deal with Ethan.” My voice threatens to shake.
    I start to go on, almost pleading, but the Mog just lets out what might be a laugh, but sounds more like choking.
    “No, no, dear boy. We aren’t asking you to hurt Ethan. That human has served us very well. And we honor our deals. I simply point out that Ethan went through some of the same trials you will have to go through in the future to prove his intentions to us. Your loyalty to him is commendable, but we’re going to have to harden your resolve.”
    I exhale long and hard.
    The Mog places a folder on the table.
    “There will be a sacrifice to us. Not immediately, but once you’re ready. When we’ve trained you, and helped you unlock your full potential. There’s a picture of your target in here.” He slides the folder across the table. “Would you like to see who it is?”
    I don’t touch the document.
    “We are offering you the world, Five. Prove yourself, and we will make you a god on this planet. If you are serious about joining us, this is the way it must be. Not only as proof of your loyalty, but proof that you have what it takes to rule in the name of Mogadore. There is much to come. We have no room for the squeamish.”
    And if I don’t do