The betrayals of those I loved have cut me so deep I am unsure if I will ever heal.
I sit on the edge of my bed, twirling my damp hair as I stare at the floor. Almost allowing time to pass by without wanting to move.
The ash is gone, the body is gone, and all that is left is cobwebs weaved in the corners. My eyes shut, and I clench my hands around the bed frame, holding in the raging yells that want to rip from my throat.
But I force them away. I force the thoughts that are consuming my mindaway.
I force him away.
And focus on my one purpose… revenge on my sister.
My eyes wander around the empty room, and I catch sight of the white bow and arrows Kaine crafted for me, making my heartskip. I squint my eyes, noticing my initials, S.Q., scratched out, showing the raw wood underneath the white surface.
I rise, grabbing the bow in my hands as my fingers glide over the new initials, S.D.
Serene Deskyiara.
A soft tug pulls at the corners of my lips, knowing Kaine did this for me. I place it gently down, hoping one day I might never have to use the bow to kill. But if it comes down to it, I will do anything to protect my friends. To protect this Realm. Even if almost everyone in it has tried to kill me.
But it will end. The bloodshed will end.
With exhaustion, I fall back onto the bed, allowing my chin to rise and close my eyes.
My door creaks open, I must have forgotten to shut it all the way.
Klyara walks in, an ombre dress with the colors of a blazing fire elegantly laying across her arms.
“The Queen wants you to wear this tonight.” She places it next to me on the bed. “Seems as if she wants you to match the horse you have bonded to.”
My lips tighten in a line, and I let my fingers glide over the shimmering material. The heart-shaped neckline forms flames that will wrap around my chest. But no sleeves. No gloves.
“I suppose she is making sure I dance with nobody tonight, huh?” I tease.
“You know how she is.” The mattress shifts under her weight as she takes a seat. “She always has a motive behind everything she does.”
I scratch my head aggressively, recalling all the words she spoke in front of Kaine and I about never wanting her daughter to take the throne. He doesn’t trust her. Neither do I. Something inside me is screaming there is something wrong, I’m just unsure what.
“Are you going tonight?” I take the dress in my hands, twisting the material around to catch the delicate beads that are woven in.
“I never miss a party.” She hops up, walking over to the window. “Seems as if the men are already heading towards the castle. Ivker sure looks good tonight.”
My lips tug into a soft grin, noticing Klyara tiptoe, gripping the window seal tightly and steadily watching the men leave.
“I suppose it’s time.” I lift, placing the dress against the bed. “What happens if the Queen can’t read someone's mind? What if the flame doesn’t turn blue?”
She leans against the edge of the window, her fingers tapping the edge. “Then they don’t move forward. But, death won’t come for them either. She always lets them live.”
“I’m surprised the Queen allows anyone to live,” I laugh.
“I agree with you there.” She sighs, catching sight of my fingers fidgeting along the dress. “At least I know you will be with us when we fight the darklings. The Queen better let me fight this year.” Her lips curl into a pleasing grin. “I say we make a little competition on who can kill the most of them?”
She catches my attention, pulling my gaze away from the dress and up to meet her smirk. “Oh—” I cock my head to the side. “You really think you can kill more darklings than me?”
“Oh, I am sure.” She doesn’t hesitate.
“And what happens if I win?”
“You already know she would outbeat you in thislittle competition,” a deep voice interrupts, starling us both as we jump.
