Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
PHOENIX
I blink and the restraints around me are gone. Another blink, and the light in the ballroom is back on. Everyone’s still there, unharmed.
I cover my eyes with a hand; the light is too invasive after experiencing pitch-black just moments ago. A long beat of silence. Then the crowd cheers.
No, it roars.
I, and twelve others, stand on the dais in front of the crowd. On the edge of the dais floats Taaslord Noire with his back to us.
“Ladies and gentlemen, noble fae of Ekios, honorable guests who have traveled from Emera and Wetra to witness history, we’re here tonight to celebrate the start of Val’taz Ezkairin, a monumental event that will determine the next honorable ruler of Ekios,” Noire says.
“It’s a great honor for every Ezkai to have an opportunity to participate in these trials.
Not many are brave and strong enough to enter.
But those who do, are the best of the best. They have the hearts of dragons, and each and every one of them deserves to be on this dais, in front of you, because they dare to risk their lives and everything else for the chance to lead Ekios into the brighter future.
So, let’s welcome the thirteen brave Ezkai who will be entering the trials of the century. ”
Noire looks at me over his shoulder. He winks, and it’s so unexpected and out of place that a startled laugh escapes me.
The crowd roars. Every cell in my body buzzes. The cheerful frenzy of the crowd is contagious.
Noire introduces the first contestant. “Ezkai Major Daegel Talbot, an heir to a notable Talbot family of Ekios, please step forward.”
My heart thrashes against my ribs like a bird in a cage. I can’t bear to even look at him. But of course, I do.
Daegel takes a step forward.
His head turns to the side, and when our gazes meet, there’s nothing but despair in his dark eyes. A round of applause goes around the crowd. A few shouts and whistles. He shows no emotion to the amount of support he has.
His full attention is on me.
Vera will notice. Everyone will if he won’t fucking look away.
Thankfully, he does. He bows at the waist in front of the crowd and Noire calls the second participant forward.
My heart beats in my throat, my knees weak. I can’t get my emotions under control, and when Noire calls my name, my brain barely registers it.
“Ezkai Lieutenant Phoenix Wildarrow, an heir to a noble Wildarrow family of Wetra, step forward.”
I blink. Swallow. And somehow force my feet to move forward, only to be met with ringing silence.
The crowd stares at me, mute for the longest moment of my life. The shock is palpable, and even without opening up my senses I taste it on the tip of my tongue. Bitter as dark chocolate.
Oh gods. This is the end of me.
I search the crowd for Vera, as if that could save me the humiliation. The moment our gazes meet, she lifts her chin, her steel-colored eyes fierce, as if she’s trying to tell me without words to keep my head up.
Then a clap echoes somewhere. And another. I look around, trying to find the person who clapped, but more people are clapping now and finally, the crowd starts cheering for me, too.
Keeping my chin high, I return to my space, and Noire calls the next name.
I’m taut like a bowstring when I finally get off the dais. Vera meets me there, alone.
“The dramatics. Noire has a taste for it from time to time. As I said, the nobles like a show,” she says to me. When I don’t respond, lost in thought, she eyes me. “Are you alright?”
I clear my throat and brush a hand over the silky smooth expanse of my dress. “Yes. The crowd hated me. It’s worse than I thought.”
Vera rests her hand on my forearm. “They didn’t hate you.
In the end, they cheered for you the same way they did for other contestants.
I understand it’s a lot. But we’re only getting started.
Now that all the participants have been introduced properly to the society, everyone will be networking and gathering support.
It’s very important we meet every single person of influence tonight. ”
I bite the inside of my cheek and nod. I’m ready to do whatever Vera tells me, as long as it ensures my win.
I can’t back down now.
A voice comes from behind us. “Excuse me, gorgeous.”
Both of us turn. A tall young fae with deep dark eyes and fingers full of stacked rings stands in front of us. He wears a tailored purple suit with a white silk shirt underneath that’s unbuttoned all the way to the middle of his chest to show off his elaborate eagle tattoo.
He looks familiar, but I can’t remember why…
All of his attention is on Vera. He flashes her the most dazzling smile. “I’m sure I know you from somewhere. Have we by any chance made love at some point in the past?”
I blink. He did not…just say that.
Vera doesn’t even bat an eye. “Sweetheart, if you’ve had the honor of experiencing the comfort of my bed, you wouldn’t have to ask me. You’d remember it as it would be the height of your life.”
She stirs us away from the audacious man. Of course, that doesn’t deter this asshole.
“You’re absolutely right, my sincerest apologies,” he says, following us.
“Would you consider granting me that honor, though? Maybe even both of you? I would honestly sell my soul to the spirits of the gods for one night of your company. Considering you, Phoenix darling, may not have much time left, I hope you will consider entertaining me, a handsome fool mesmerized by your beauty?”
We both come to a halt.
I whirl on my heel. “If you don’t stop talking, I’ll cut your tongue out—painfully slow, might I add—and feed it to the first homeless dog I find.” He’s amused by my threat. It only enrages me further. Who the fuck does he think he is? “But I’m curious—does this nonsense ever work for you?”
He bats his eyelashes at me. “Has anyone ever told you your eyes are the loveliest color? And yes, it does. I’m hurt you’d even ask that. Usually ladies find me irresistible.”
He winks.
That bastard has the audacity to wink at me.
I’m so stunned I forget to be furious.
Vera steps in between us. “What do you mean she doesn’t have much time left?”
His smile is as bright as the midsummer sun. “Well, she doesn’t have much time left because I was hired to ensure she doesn’t see the end of the trials.”