Before I can question his reassurance, his proximity, or his delicious and familiar scent, Cordelia’s voice cuts through the air.
“It is with great delight that we announce the fiftieth anniversary of The Institute Games. If you’ve enjoyed the delights of the past years, we cannot wait for you to see what’s in store for you. It’s going to surpass your wildest dreams,” she conveys, exhilaration rippling from her as she speaks.
“Why don’t I like the sound of that?” I rasp, my chest tight, and I swear I hear a snicker from my right, but when I turn to glance at the shadow fae beside me, his face is stoic.
“The Institute Games give us the opportunity to reinforce team spirit, institute pride, and excellent sportsmanship, while also strengthening both you and our community. We can’t wait to announce the first phase,” Willow’s mother adds, and Institute One cheers loudly.
“Have a wonderful day,” Rikard adds with a nod, and in the blink of an eye, the room is restored to the state it had been in mere moments ago.
The cherry blossoms are pink again, the room light and airy, but the elation is pumped to feverish levels as everyone talks with passion and eagerness.
“Breakfast is just too good this morning,” Ocean insists, returning her attention to her plate along with the guys, but I can’t even bring myself to look at my food now.
Clearing my throat, I sigh. “So, apart from the crap she just rambled on about, what do the games actually entail?” I ask, glancing around the table with wide eyes.
Rion leans forward, bracing his elbows on the table as he grins at me. “The Institute Games are a set of organized events, tests, and well…games, where each institute is pitted against one another until only one wins.”
That still sounds ominous as hell, but it’s a little more information, at least. “And what do they win?” I ask, watching as Ocean’s jaw falls slack and her eyes widen.
“Instant ascension,” she whispers, and I gape at her.
“Are you serious?” My heart races, finally feeling my first dose of excitement over the entire thing, but the way her eyebrows quickly furrow leaves me wary.
“Apparently, these things aren’t annual or run like clockwork, but that’s what the rumor is,” she explains, but rumor or not, it’s something.
“We have to win,” I blurt, sitting tall in my seat, when a shadow casts over the table to my left. I brace, ready to see a bitchy redhead who loves to drive me insane, but to my surprise, it’s a group of five girls, all wearing the Institute Thirteen uniform.
“You’re right, new girl, we do have to win,” the girl at the center states, splaying her fingers on the table as she leans closer, staring down at me.
I tilt my head, aware of the energy shift as she tries to size me up, but the sensation that pools in my stomach is a familiar one.
Can I participate in this supernatural throwdown with ease? No.
Can I deal with the hierarchy of a catty girl group? With my eyes closed.
I don’t speak; instead, I cock my brow at her, signaling for her to say whatever she came here for. She takes the hint, standing tall as she folds her arms over her chest as the air stiffens, and before she even speaks, I know I’m not going to like whatever it is.
“The question is, new girl. What are you going to offer us to make it happen? Because from where I’m standing, you’re going to be our weakest link, and the first person we’re all going to blame when it all goes to shit.”
SEVENTEEN
ELODIE
What do I have to offer?
What do I have to offer?
What do I have to offer?
That damn question has been circling in my head all day and I can’t stand it.
I have plenty to offer, but I can’t show them the magical side of me; otherwise, I’m screwed. I need to figure out how the hell I can ascend without revealing myself so that The Sanctum will have no choice but to let me go.
My gut niggles at the certainty of that fact, but it’s the only hope I’ve got, so I’m sticking to it. I can’t let doubt creep in. Not when I’m officially leaving my past in the past. That’s step one. Step two, remove myself from The Sanctum’s radar.
Permanently.
“Elodie.” The barista calls my name and I reach for my drink with a smile. The sweet scent of hazelnut hot chocolate heightens my senses as I bring it to my lips.
