Chapter 3 #2
“Some of you might notice the map we provided in your chambers. You’re free to wander the Court as much as you like, visit our markets, museums, libraries …
even our brothels, if you wish. Though, I do have to warn you.
” Aurora’s green eyes narrow slightly. “We cannot guarantee your safety should you wander down the wrong street. Not all Fae are friendly to humans.”
I’m surprised there’re some who are friendly at all.
But to be allowed to explore this place freely? That’s something totally unexpected.
I already know who’s on his way to the brothels the moment Orientation ends.
“Your chambers are your safe places. They’re warded against any human sneaking in, hoping to slit your throat between trials …
I say this every time: we don’t appreciate dirty players, but still, at least one will find a way to cheat, every single time.
” She exhales but doesn’t look as bothered as she sounds. “So, do be careful at all times.”
The fact that they haven’t enforced a “no killings between trials” rule tells me they might actually prefer the chaos.
“The first trial starts in two weeks,” Aurora says, a flicker of excitement lighting her eyes.
“Tonight, there will be an opening ceremony. I expect you all to arrive in your best evening gowns and suits—and prepare a few interesting sentences to introduce yourselves.” She winks.
“For now, please make yourselves comfortable. Breakfast will be served in half an hour. I’ll see you all tonight. ”
I’m sorry—what did she just say?
Opening ceremony?
Evening gowns?
This is … what?
I thought I’d be locked in a room, depressed and terrified.
Instead, I get a massive chamber with a private bath, warded for my own safety, then a breakfast invitation, and now—apparently—a ball.
Am I in a magical death tournament or a fucking royal debut?
Lucas pulls me aside after Orientation, his grip tight enough on my arm that I wince.
“You need to leave,” he says, his eyes sharp. “I’m being serious.”
“Leave and go where?” I ask, twisting my arm out of his grasp. Only then does he seem to notice his grip.
He murmurs, “Sorry.”
I let out a huff. “In case you haven’t noticed, we are in a magical Court set in the stars.”
Lucas rubs a hand over his face. “Gods, this is a mistake.”
“Oh, don’t be a hypocrite, Lucas.” I cross my arms. “You can’t seriously tell me to go when you’re here trying to do the exact same thing.”
“Yes, but only one of us can win this thing, Cassandra.”
I shrug. “So, we’ll be a team, slaughter everyone else until it’s just you and me left.”
Lucas frowns, his eyes scanning me like he’s never seen me before. “Have you always been this ruthless?”
I scratch my arm—good question.
“It’s what you have to do to survive,” I mutter. “Don’t tell me you didn’t already know that when you made a wish last night?”
“Well, yeah,” he says, his face grim. “I was willing to do whatever it takes, but I didn’t factor in that I might have to kill my best friend’s girlfriend to bring him back.”
I flinch.
“Don’t worry. The others might do that for you,” I say, half joking, half serious. “I didn’t know you wanted Declan back that badly … everyone seems to think I’m crazy for not letting go.”
Lucas sighs, running a hand through his hair. “He came to me that night he died.”
I freeze.
“Declan asked if I’d go drinking with him, but I was tired, so I said no.”
Fuck.
The next sentence comes out of his lips like a whisper. “And for the past month and a half, I keep playing that night in my head. If only I had gone out with him, things might have turned out differently.” He pauses, his voice cracking slightly.
I see my own sorrow reflected in those blue eyes.
“If I had been there, he would still be alive, Cassandra,” Lucas admits, his gaze lowering to the ground.
I have seen this shame before.
This kind of hurt.
This same kind of guilt.
It pierces through me, pinning me to the ground, forcing me to relive our argument over and over.
Lucas blames himself, the same way I do myself.
My breaths come out shallow. I want to tell him it’s not his fault. I want to reach for him, say something to comfort him.
But that would mean it’s also not my fault.
And I just can’t accept that.
“We’re both here now,” I manage at last. “Let’s just try to help each other.”
He exhales, slow and reluctant, but eventually nods.
It’s not like he has any better options.
Neither do I.
If anything, I should be grateful there’s someone here to save my arrogant, emotionally constipated ass.
We make our way to the dining hall where the rest of the contestants are already seated. The table is long, laid with all kinds of breakfasts known to man: pancakes, eggs, ham, toast, bacon, hummus, pastries, rice soup, even some sort of noodle stir-fry, and many, many more.
Like overfeeding pigs before the slaughter.
“So, you two know each other?” the girl I’ve seen in town asks as I sit down next to her, tilting her head towards Lucas. “I’m Tessa, by the way.”
“Cassandra,” I say, as if Aurora hadn’t already introduced me to the entire hall. “And yes, he’s a friend.”
“Oh.” She winces, already piecing together what that entails. “I’m sorry.”
Yeah, well.
We could team up to get rid of you. Who knows.
“Hey, Cassie.” The flirty prick waves at me, grinning like we’re old friends. “Name’s Jordan—but you can call me baby if you like.”
The young boy almost chokes. “Fuck me. You’re disgusting.”
Agreed.
“Shut up, boy,” Jordan snaps, pointing his fork at him. “This is an adult conversation.”
“I’m not a boy,” the kid snarls. “I’m nineteen.”
Jordan frowns. “You’re underdeveloped, then. Poor thing.”
“Hey, leave him alone, mate,” Lucas says, shooting Jordan a warning look. “And I’m going to say this once: don’t ever talk to Cassandra like that again, or I’ll poke your eyes out.”
Whilst I appreciate Lucas trying to protect me, I just now realise that announcing we know each other might not be the smartest move. Who knows; they might all gang up on us first.
But the kid?
Oh, he’s furious.
“I don’t need you to fight my battles for me,” he snaps at Lucas.
Well.
This is going great so far.
Jordan smirks, then turns to his right to harass the quiet woman who was talking to the floor earlier. “What’s your deal, lady? Why are you here?”
She looks up from her plate, blinks, then goes right back to eating.
A lot of personalities here, huh?
“You don’t have to be nice, but at least be respectful,” the middle-aged man finally says, his voice calm and warm, like he could whisper you into believing you’re a butterfly because of how kind he sounds. “Nice to meet you, Cassandra. My name is Oliver.”
“Nice to meet you,” I murmur.
Hope you’re easy to kill, since you’re old.
It’s a stupid thing to introduce ourselves.
I don’t want to make friends, know their history, or reasons they’re here.
I only have one thing to achieve, and I can’t fail because I let my stupid emotions get the better of me by being soft.
That’s not why I’m here.
No one here is my friend, not really.
Lucas might be now, but there’s no telling what’s going to happen when survival instincts kick in and he has to pick who lives and who dies.
He sure as hell isn’t going to pick me.
I know I wouldn’t.