“You deserved that.” My lip pulls into a teasing smirk. “But yes, it's different fighting in the arena while people watch. I fight for my life down there, not caring what they think of me but here…” I pause, glancing back towards the room. “Here I don’t fight for my life. I am not putting on a show for them. I am just simplyme.”
“There is nothing simple about you.” She walks around me, her heart-shaped, silver gown perfectly framing her figure, her lengthy left leg fully showing with the height of her slit. “I think everyone in that room knows that too.”
She tucks a strand of her teal hair, scrunching her nose as her piercings catch in the light, and leans toward me. “Be that woman I saw that day in the Pyre. Don’t let these people who don’t know you dim that light inside of you.”
Her chin rises as she pulls back and yanks the door wide open. “Now watch how an entrance to a ball is supposed to be done.” She smirks and walks in with grace. “I’m going to find the book this evening with Theon,” she whispers over her shoulder.
All eyes lock on her.
She walks down the raven staircase that shimmers like the nighttime sky with each step she takes, catching the attention of everyone down at the dance floor. I notice not only Florian’s eyes watching her but also the rest of the men. Theon and Kaine actually stop chatting once they see her. Ivker elbows the shit out of Zake, who spills his drink mid-sip. But Koen, his back is turned towards her, drinking out of a slender glass.
Interesting.
Maybe because Lykia stands in the nearby corner with Skie, watching his and Florian’s every move. I can sense Skie’s jealousy all the way over here as she notices Florian’s lingering stare.
Klayra stops, purposeful at the bottom of the stairs, glancing towards me. She knows I’m watching.
Her lips curl into a mischievous grin, clearing her voice for everyone in the room to hear.
“May I have your attention?” Her back arches upright, tossing her hand outward to the side. “May I present you, Serene, the woman who burns. Our first woman in the battle games. Our first…” she turns towards me, giving a subtle wink, “woman in the chosen!”
Damn her. I should have killed her.
My eyes shut, lips pulling between my teeth.
There is no turning back. My lips part as I let out a shaky breath and raise my chin upright.
I can do this.
I slide the door open, eyes staring at the floor. My crimson-red dress catches the golden lights that hang from the ceiling, the hues of fire, bold against the midnight-black flooring. I take a step, catching sight of the trickling lights that resemble stars dancing around my heels.
My chest rises, and I inhale deeply as I raise my gaze upward and notice all eyes are on me.
I can’t hide from this. I am in sight.Vulnerable.
With hesitation and everything inside me begging to run back down the stairs and leave, I lift my eyes.
Death is in the corner, arms crossed with a fruit in handle, giving me a subtle nod. But as my fingers reach out to curl around the raven railings, Koen shifts on his heel, his emerald eyes lifting from the multi-colored marble flooring to meet mine. My knees buckle, leaning into the wall as I take my first step.
My eyes never linger from his gaze.
He sets his glass down, following my movement with his eyes as he takes a step forward and away from the table.
The violins in the background begin to play, a melody so gentle, people begin to grab one another and walk out to the dance floor.
Koen weaves through them, never blinking.
My heart wants to leap out from my chest and allow him to take it at last.
But it’s impossible. This will be a forever torture. A forever heartbreak.
I reach the floor and let my fingers delicately trail off of the railings and pull them in front of my body. I must make sure I touch no one. I will not burn anyone.
Kaine catches sight of Koen walking towards me, he lifts his glass, spilling the beverage as his brows lift and a smirk paints along his lips.
“Enjoy,” he mouths out.
“I hate you,” I mouth back towards him.
