Chapter 41
Forty-One
A laire wasn’t sure which was worse—the sweltering heat they’d escaped or the tundra sprawling endlessly in every direction. Emerging from the wormhole, she leaned against Solflara’s neck, disoriented and spent as they landed on the frozen ground.
The cold gnawed at her exposed skin, seeping into her bones through every seam and gap. Here, the cold was a living thing, a trial in itself.
Wind roared, a deafening howl that drowned out all other sounds. The frigid air, laced with the faint scent of snow, filled her nostrils.
Warmth surged before her. She nearly sagged to her knees with relief—never had she been so grateful for Solflara’s flames. The others clustered around her phoenix, soaking up what heat they could from the biting air.
After a few moments, Solflara’s glow dimmed.
“ Solf ?”
“ Fine .” She flicked her tail, sparks snapping in the air as if to prove it.
“ Just depleted . Healing drains me quicker than anything else .” Her gaze slid toward the arcstorm.
“ Hadrian had better not use this as an excuse to fuss over me .” She huffed, smoke curling from her nostrils.
“ I don’t want his pity or puppy-dog eyes . ”
Alaire wrapped her arms around Solflara’s neck. “ Rest . Even Elithian’s greatest celestial needs a break now and then . But I make no promises about Hadrian .”
“ Harumph .” Curling her tail around herself, Solflara shut her eyes. Even at rest, she radiated heat.
Alaire turned back to the group. Before them stretched a harsh expanse of ice and snow, painted in blinding white and brutal grey. Two massive peaks loomed on either horizon.
“These trials just keep getting better,” Caius muttered, breath puffing white.
“Solflara can give us respite once she’s back at full strength. But we need cover until we figure out our task.”
The icy air sliced her lungs like glass, tightening her chest. Frustration flared as her body betrayed her. Reaching for her breathbind reliquary, it slipped from her trembling fingers, clattering against the ice.
Dawson stooped, placing it back into her palm and curling her fingers over it. His hand lingered.
“Breathe with me,” he murmured, voice an unwavering anchor against her panic. His gaze held hers as she inhaled.
His warm hand traced the knobs of her spine, geometric shapes easing her tension. His shoulder brushed hers, subtly shielding her from Kaia and Caius.
“That’s it,” he whispered. “Just breathe.”
Slowly, the tightness calmed into a labored but steady rhythm.
When she finally straightened, Kaia and Caius had drifted away, giving her privacy. She offered them a small, grateful smile. It was embarrassing for anyone to see her like that.
“ It is part of you ,” Solflara said down the bond. “ That alone should never be a source of shame . It makes you different , yes — but it makes you distinctive . No one should ever have to shy away from what makes them unique. It is those pieces of individuality that make you who you are .”
Tears burned the back of her eyes. “ Thank you , Solflara .”
“ Anytime , Firework ,” her phoenix replied with sass.
Dawson’s hand squeezed her shoulder. Alaire turned, finding strength in his grounding presence.
“You’re strong, Alaire. Don’t ever doubt that,” he said softly.
The knot in her chest loosened further.
Kaia waved them over. She and Caius stepped aside to reveal a glowing inscription carved into the rock.
Alaire read aloud:
“In Bellatrix’s Blizzard, you must find your path and journey on.
Two peaks must yield what lies upon.
Eastward shines the frostfire bright,
Westward burns the winterflame’s light.
Separate pairs, on foot you must tread, now take your quest,
Retrieve the objects and pass the test.
Unite the items, the way is clear,
Only then will the door appear.”
“We have to split into pairs,” Dawson said.
“At least we’re not tethered this time,” Alaire added, aiming for Kaia’s optimism.
“But we are forced to separate,” Kaia admitted, uneasy.
“Then Kaia and I will go together.” Alaire hooked an arm around her friend’s shoulder. Kaia squeezed back, their solidarity unshaken despite the cold.
Dawson shook his head. “Not this time.”
“Why not? This whole trial is about teamwork and communication. Kaia and I have that nailed. Don’t act like you and Caius aren’t two halves of each other’s heartbeat.” She rolled her eyes.
Being alone with Dawson was the last thing she needed.
Kaia’s fingers pressed into her bicep in reassurance.
Dawson’s mouth curved faintly, though his tone was final. “It’s cute you think you have a choice. Caius and I are veterans—we wield aether better than either of you.. As much as Caius and I could benefit from pairing up, your duo would suffer. This way, we all have a chance.”
Alaire scowled. “That is the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard. ‘Your duo would suffer.’ We’re more than capable of defending ourselves, and I bet we’d beat your slow asses back here with the item from one of the twin peaks.”
Dawson clenched his jaw. “No.”
“Last time I checked, you weren’t the headmaster of Aeris Academy. Therefore, we don’t have to listen to you,” Alaire said, defiance lacing every word.
“Last time I checked, I was—as you like to remind me—the Prince of House Aetheris. Headmaster Carth serves my house. I hate to break it to you, Firework, but you do have to listen to me.”
“I’m not one of your subjects. Your rules don’t apply to me.”
“While you’re attending the academy, they do.”
“We’ll go our way—you two go yours.” She raised her chin.
“Despite your assumption that I only live to infuriate you, I’m doing what’s in the best interest of all of us making it out alive. Would you not give Kaia the best chance of surviving this trial? Part of being in a team is making choices that protect everyone, not just yourself.”
Alaire let out a long sigh. She’d been prepared to dig in her heels. She truly believed she and Kaia would’ve made a formidable pair. But she couldn’t guarantee her friend’s safety the way Caius could—not without magic.
“Fine.” Her shoulders slumped.
Kaia raised her brows, but Alaire gave a slight nod before moving to Dawson’s side.
“You made the right decision.”
“It wasn’t for you.”
“I know,” Dawson replied, something like pride underlining his words. When she turned to look at him, he was already studying the inscription again.
Kaia moved beside Caius. Their heads bent close, whispering urgently. Alaire pretended to survey the horizon, shamelessly trying to eavesdrop. She leaned slightly closer but couldn’t catch their words. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Caius’s cheeks flush deeper. Interesting .
Dawson turned back to the group, all business.
“It’s settled. Alaire will come with me—we’ll head west toward the winterflame.
If flames are involved, Solflara gives us the best chance.
Caius and Kaia will head east to retrieve the frostfire.
Once we reunite the items, the task is complete.
Unite the items, the way is clear. Only then will the door appear. ”
“Where do we meet?” Kaia asked.
“Here, where the inscription is. It’s the only landmark I trust that the topography of this area on the trial map won’t change.”
His eyes swept over the group. “We should head out. Time is of the essence.”
Kaia wrapped Alaire in a tight hug. “I wish we didn’t have to separate. Be safe. Cut Dawson some slack—he’s just trying to do what he thinks will keep us alive.”
Alaire squeezed her back. A sudden thud drew her attention. Out of thin air, several packs appeared near the rock, neatly arranged.
She crouched, unbuckling one. Relief surged as she rifled through: thick, fur-lined coats, insulated pants, thermal underlayers, boots built for icy terrain, gloves, and winter hats lined with soft fleece.
She dug deeper—dried fruit and nuts, preserved food, chunks of bread, canteens of water.
“Looks like we’ve been given everything we need. None of us will freeze or starve out there,” Dawson remarked over her shoulder.
Her fingers brushed against something familiar. She drew out her twin daggers, heart swelling at the weight of them in her palms. She slid them into their sheaths at her sides, comforted by the familiar steel.
But a twinge of worry niggled at the back of her mind about what they’d need their weapons for.
Kaia and Caius sorted through their packs, finding similar supplies. Caius pulled out a bow and arrows, Kaia pulled out a mace, eyes lighting with excitement. Dawson’s broadsword was fastened to the straps under his pack.
Kaia stepped forward, picked up the gloves, and slid them onto her hands. She sighed in relief. “This is simply divine.” A grateful smile spread across her face.
Solflara lifted her head, flames already looking brighter. “ You and Kaia should change into warmer clothing . I can shield you both .”
“ Thanks , Solf .”
“Ky, want to change out of our leathers? Solflara offered to shield us and lend some of her warmth.”
“Hells yes.” Kaia threw a saucy grin over her shoulder at the boys, winking. “No peeking, or you might find yourselves incinerated into piles of ash—and while that would be extremely entertaining, it would also be rather inconvenient.”
Behind Solflara’s wings, they shed one layer before quickly replacing it with warmer, insulated gear.
While Kaia was balanced on one leg, hopping into her leggings, she whispered, “Do you think you and Dawson will finally finish your conversation?”
“This is our only time alone, and that’s what you want to discuss?”
“Yes.” She nodded vigorously as she finished tugging her leggings up.
“I’m sure we’ll be eager to spill our deepest and darkest secrets when it feels too cold to utter words.”
“If you get bored, you can always start counting the tortured looks he sends your way.”
“Pfft. Yeah, right.”
“I speak the truth. Don’t think I didn’t see the way he was rubbing your back earlier.”