“I wasn’t in any danger. I can protect myself,” I say, throwing my arms up.
“That’s exactly what Kitajo believed before he was murdered in front of his whole fucking government.”
We stare at each other for a long while. I don’t need to read Vera’s emotions to recognize the pain that fills her eyes.
Jax clears his throat.
“Phoenix, I think what Vera is trying to say here is that we were worried when you disappeared last night without saying anything,” he says calmly. “With danger lurking around everycorner, it’s only natural to be worried about the safety of our chosen champion, don’t you agree?”
I sigh, and some of my irritation evaporates.
“Fine, I get it,” I say. “But next time, choose a different way to communicate that rather than waking me in the morning with a damn argument.”
Vera clicks her tongue. “Will try my best. You still haven’t answered my question—where have you been?”
My heart skips a beat right before I open my mouth to lie. “After you guys left me alone, I felt very restless and anxious. So, I went for a walk in the forest to shake some of it off. I came across a beautiful mountain river, so I decided to meditate. I lost track of time, as you have seen happen often during my training with Oka Oya.”
Vera nods. “Going for a walk in the forest you’re not familiar with is reckless. Next time take one of us with you.”
“I will.”
“We know you have a taste for danger, but we can be good company, too,” Jax says and his eyes glitter.
I narrow my eyes at him. Thankfully, Vera doesn’t pick up on the tension between us, or maybe she simply doesn’t care.
“Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk important stuff,” Vera says. “The trial starts in two hours. You need to get dressed and get some food before we head to the location where it’ll take place.”
I sit down on the edge of my bed and nod.
“While you were meditating, Jax made himself useful again,” Vera says.
He winks at me. “You’re welcome, darling.”
I roll my eyes.
To me, Vera says, “He snooped around and came across a stash of Kond powder that the monks keep around for safety.This powder is super rare, and it’s the only thing that can kill a dragon’s fire.”
I frown. “How?”
“The dragon must inhale the powder. Through their airways, the powder gets into the fire production glands and blocks them for a short time. While a dragon without its fire is still lethal, it’s much more easy to manage, and even kill.” Vera glances at Jax over her shoulder. “I was surprised to find out monks have it. It’s a forbidden substance, and can only be found on the black market because of the danger it poses to a dragon’s well-being. They’re already rare as it is.”
“I overheard them say it’s for the safety of the audience while they watch the trial,” Jax says. “Just in case the dragons get aggressive towards the spectators.”
Vera nods. “That makes sense. They must take precautionary measures.”
I reach a hand towards Vera, and she puts the small linen pouch in my palm. It’s light as a feather.
“So, what do you want me to do with it?”
“Take it with you into the trial, of course,” Jax says, his voice light. “As a protective measure, just in case you find yourself in a pickle because you’re so adamant about not slaying a dragon. Can you imagine, though, how cool it would be if you were Ezkai General Phoenix Wildarrow, the Slayer of Dragons?”
“Shut up,” Vera and I both snap at the same time.
Jax presses his lips into a thin line and mimics locking them with a key and throwing it away. The dramatics.
I turn to Vera. “But won’t the Ezkai and the rest question where and how I got the powder that’s supposed to be illegal if I use it?”
Vera shakes her head. “There are no rules that forbid the participants from seeking out whatever measures are necessaryto help them win this trial, as long as it doesn’t involve other people.”
