Theon lets out a chuckle. “Yeah, we all do.”
“Has Kaine seen him?”
“He’s avoiding him.” Theon sips on his drink. “It’s for the best.”
“Is his mother here?”
“No, she has stayed back to help the Realm. Supposedly, a few darklings somehow managed to enter, and they are cleaning up the damage.”
“Seems as if the light from the Realm is dimming faster than we all expected.” I set my glass down. “Are any of the other Kings here?”
“All of them.” Our eyes meet. “Just stay away from them, they are not happy with the Queen for allowing you to enter the games. And the rumors about you have just heightened their anger towards you.”
My eyes roll upward, catching the light that trickles from the chandelier. “Shouldn’t be hard to stay away from them.”
“It’s time for the flame to confirm the chosen this year!” Queen Antivianna opens her arms out, her golden gown shimmering in the light as she walks up the stairs that lead to the flame. The Royal guards are still in formation in front. “The chosen, please make your way up here!”
My heart drops to my feet.
“I can’t do this.”
Theon’s expression shifts with annoyance. “Just stand next to Koen while you're on stage, that’ll help you calm down.”
My lip drops, shoving his shoulder. “That is quite the opposite, actually. I swear, you and Kaine, you two will never let this go.”
He turns on his heels, walking backwards. “It’s so fun watching you get worked up over it.”
My eyes roll, but I pick up my dress to follow him.
Death leads the way, forming a line behind the flame. Each man is dressed in an onyx suit, with a golden chain draping from their collar to their pocket, adorned with the dragon symbol of the eight. The two unfamiliar men enter next, with Dryden trailing them. He briefly meets my gaze before stepping onto the stage. Theon comes next, followed by Kaine, then Koen… and finally, I make my entrance.
The flame dances in front of us, flickering and popping, echoing in the now-quiet room.
“Thank you all for traveling to Eekatia.” The Queen smiles, her white hair braided half up. “For the next eight, the flame and myself must choose them to continue to be a part of the Pyre. To fight for the year, to eventually break the curses for good.”
Everyone lifts their glasses, cheering with their neighbors in a quiet celebration.
“Death.” The queen extends her hand, inviting him to approach, with the flame between them. Her heels click on the cobblestone floor as she circles the flame and places her hands on the back of his head. Her gaze shimmers as Death remains motionless, permitting her to peer into his thoughts before she releases him.
“Please, place your hand over the flame,” she instructs.
He grasps the golden dagger, its handle adorned with scales, and cuts his palm, allowing his blood to drip into the fire. Inmoments, the crimson flame transforms into a vibrant blue. The fire crackles loudly, and those who watch applaud in celebration.
He returns to the line, making way for the next person to step forward.
I wait patiently, though my fingers incessantly pick at my nails and my teeth press into my lips.
All the men before me are greeted by the flames, accepting them as the chosen, even Koen. He approaches me, nodding, and I step forward. My gaze is fixed on the fire, observing its transition from blue to red hues. I move around it, positioning the Queen behind me.
“How are you going to touch me?” I whisper softly to her.
She smiles, gesturing to a guard who hands her a pair of gloves. “Everything will be just fine,” she assures, putting them on while I watch, my heart racing. I turn away from her, glancing between the fire and Koen.
Her fingers press firmly against my head, my eyes shutting, trying to allow her to see me. To view the life I have lived. But she presses harder.
My cheeks rise by the discomfort, feeling a burning fire coursing through my skin.
“Interesting,” she whispers.
