Chapter 38
?──── Koen ? ────?
“Time to get up!” A voice drags me from sleep, but I keep my eyes closed.
The scent of lavender and vanilla lulls me deeper into the warmth I’m wrapped in. I groan, tightening my arms around—wait.
The blanket is abruptly ripped away, cold rushing in. “I said it’s time to get up ,” the voice snaps again.
“Shhh…Koen, go back to sleep,” a soft, feminine voice murmurs beside me.
My eyes fly open. Serenya is pressed against me, face buried in my chest. My heart slams against my ribs, gooseflesh rippling over my skin.
What the hells? The last thing I remember was the trial…
standing in the courtyard, waiting for her.
Did I pass out? Where am I? No…better question—why is Serenya asleep next to me—in my arms?
“Serenya…” My voice is rough, careful.
She stirs, tightening her arms around me. A second later, she jolts upright, stiffening. Cold floods the space where she’d been, and I instantly regret waking her. Damn, I love holding her.
Her hands cover her face. “Oh no, Koen. I’m sorry.
You were hurt, and I healed you, but you wouldn’t wake up, so I brought you here.
I meant to sleep in the chair—I should have.
But my bed is so big, and I thought it’d be fine.
I didn’t mean—” She cuts herself off, lowering her hands. Her gaze catches mine.
I’ve leaned back against the headboard, arms folded behind my head, watching her ramble.
She’s adorable when she does this. She did the same after saving me from the mawless.
It was hard not to smile then, too. Her eyes go to my biceps, then flick to my chest and dart away just as quickly, a flush rising to her cheeks. I smirk.
A throat clears.
We both turn. Torin and Alira stand at the foot of the bed. Torin’s brows are raised, all steel and no humor, while Alira grins like it’s the best thing she’s seen all year.
Serenya’s eyes widen. Neither of us had noticed them. All my attention had been on her. Her braid has loosened, black strands spilling around her face. She’s in a silk black nightdress. No wonder I hadn’t seen anyone else. She always has all my attention.
“Get up,” Torin snaps. “The second stage of the trial begins today, and you’ll be late. Again.”
Serenya’s shock hardens into irritation. “What’s your problem, Torin?” she fires back.
My brows rise. I drop my arms, desire gone in an instant.
“You’re not taking the trials seriously,” he bites out.
“You distract contestants with trips to candy stores. You interfere mid-trial when the point is survival . You vanish for a month, forcing Alira and me to cover for you. And now, I find you in bed with a contestant.” His voice is venom, arms crossed tight.
Her irritation sparks into full anger, heat that matches my own. I don’t know what’s happened between them, but I don’t like the way he’s speaking to her. My mouth opens, but Serenya beats me to it.
She scoffs. “Is this still about my month away?”
“Are you going to tell us where you were?”
Her eyes narrow. “No.”
“Stop acting like a child. You’re to be our queen in mere weeks.”
“You’re the one acting like a child, Torin. What I do with my time isn’t your business unless I make it your business. You’re not entitled to answers.”
“You’re both acting like children!” Alira cuts in, her usual playfulness gone. “Torin, she’s right. She doesn’t owe us anything.”
Serenya winces. “That’s not—”
Alira interrupts firmly. “Serenya, I hope you’ll trust us enough to tell us. But know you don’t have to. I’ll always be here, no matter what.” She exhales. “Now, both of you will be late. Torin brought fresh leathers for Koen.” She nods at the chair. “We’ll give you privacy.”
The door shuts behind them, leaving silence in their wake.
“Hey—” I start, but since this is Serenya, of course she interrupts me before I can finish.
“I’ll change in the washroom,” she blurts, already fleeing into it before I can say a word.
By the time she returns, I’m strapping on my sword. We leave in silence, her tower chambers making the walk long and winding.
After a while, I can’t help myself. I finally ask the question that hasn’t left my mind. “So…where were you last month?” My voice is low, careful.
She falters, then answers. “I was re—”
“I swear to the gods , Serenya, if you say resting…” My irritation bleeds through.
She sighs. “I was in Noctheron. That is all I will say for now. I’ll explain later.”
I study her face, see the quiet plea there, and nod once. “Fine.”
Unfortunately, curiosity burns hotter. The words slip out before I can stop them. “Were you with him?”
The instant it’s said, I regret it.
She stops dead, turning to me. “Who? Dimitri? Yes, I was at his palace.”
“Were you with him?” I press, voice lower.
Her brow furrows before realization hits.
Her fury is immediate, scorching. She looks at me like she did Torin.
She steps closer, eyes sharp. “And what makes you think you have the right to ask that?”
I step closer too, fighting sense, letting instinct take over. The growl rips from me before I can stop it. “Because, little shadow, you’re mine.”
Her eyes widen. Breath catches. She opens her mouth—
“Princess Serenya.” A guard interrupts, bowing. “I was sent to fetch you. The queen is…displeased with your tardiness.”
Serenya smiles at him, soft and sweet, making my jaw clench. “Of course. Lead the way.”
We follow in tense silence. She won’t look at me. My words still hang in the air between us, unanswered. Was she going to deny me? Yell at me? Or…gods help me…agree?
I trail a few paces behind, fists flexing as I force my eyes away from the sway of her hips. I’m utterly gone for her, and now she knows.
We step into the courtyard. All eyes shift to us. Lioran and Asbel exchange a glance. I plant myself between them and Serenya, but Lioran leans past me, smirking at her. She winks back, making my muscles tense. He chuckles under his breath, and I shoot him a glare.
Queen Zephyra stands on the marble steps, council at her sides. Her voice carries, bright yet edged with judgment.
“Today, you will not stand alone. The second stage of the third trial is one of balance and bond. You will be bound in pairs, your fates entwined until the trial’s end. The strong must temper their strength. The clever must trust another’s hand. Alone, you may falter. Together, you may prevail.
“Choose your partners wisely, for they will be your shield, your weapon, your survival. Refuse unity, and you will not leave victorious.
“An Orb of Vaelith will follow each pair,” she adds, gaze sharp.
“Through it, not only the council and I will witness your every trial, your triumphs and your failures, but also the people of Syltheriel. They have gathered in the center of Elarion to watch. You are not unseen. Prove yourselves worthy of all our eyes.”
Her lips curve into a half smile, half warning.
“Step forward. Name your partner. Once choices are sealed, the trial begins.”
Asbel immediately steps forward, hands clasped behind his back. “Lioran and I will be partners.”
“You’re welcome, big bro,” Lioran mutters to me with a wink.
My brows knit, but Queen Zephyra speaks again before I can reply.
“Very well. Our pairs are Asbel and Lioran, Koen and Serenya. When your portals are opened, you may begin.”
Pixies drift forward, opening the shimmering gateways.
I glance at Serenya, but she refuses to look at me. She simply looks at the portal with disgust, then strides through, not even checking if I’ll follow.
I sigh. Perfect. My partner won’t even acknowledge me.
Taking a steadying breath, I step in after her.