I can’t believe this moment has come.
I can’t believe we’re here.
I make my feet move forward despite my leg muscles feeling fatigued from all the crouching in the damn tree for so many hours. Daegel is waiting for me in the clearing, I know that. He’s not going to seek me out in the forest where no eyes can witness our fight.
When I reach the edge of the forest, I pause. I have a clear view of the clearing where Daegel stands tall over the dead bodies of the fallen Ezkai. He looks unbothered, with his shoulders laid back and both blades lowered to his thighs.
It’s just me and him now.
The two last Ezkai left standing.
Younglings are so much wiser, so much more alive. Not yet burdened with experience,Lorca purrs.
I frown.I thought you would appreciate seasoned souls much more. They have more to offer.
The only thing they have to offer is souls beaten down by life,they say.Youth is praised for its beauty, its innocence. It’s a waste.The trickster chuckles.It should be praised because it’s a savage hunger. For the pureness of its untamed ambition. Raw, untamed desires.
I lift my chin and press my lips into a tight line.So, how is this going to go?
It depends on you, Phoenix Wildarrow.
I win, you claim his soul? I lose, you claim mine?
The trickster god takes their time to answer me.
Yesss, if you so happen to lose…you’ll be mine instead,they finally say. A chill goes down my back.
One last chuckle and they are gone.
I square my shoulders. One final steadying breath and I leave the comforting safety of the forest behind me. I enter the clearing to meet my fate.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE
PHOENIX
“This has gone on for too long,Phoenix,” Daegel purrs.
My name on his tongue is like the caress of a lover. I roll my shoulders, making my way closer to him with determination.
The crowd cheers for me.
Forus.
For the last two contestants standing.
How tragically poetic, two lovers at a deadly crossroads.
I’m so close to the finish line, yet so far away. And gods, how painful all of this is.
People chant our names. A part of me is…exhilarated. Despite the odds. I hope both Jax and Vera are somewhere in the crowd. Only the thought of their presence gives me strength.
I toss my bow aside and slide the quiver off my back and let it drop to the sand as I prowl towards Daegel. He doesn’t lift his blades in preparation.
He’s arrogant enough to look at ease until it’s time to strike. And I know he won’t strike me down like this. Not yet, at least.
“Finally, we’re here,” I say once I’m a few steps away from him. I’m careful to stand far enough from him that his blades can’t reach me easily. “Last two Ezkai standing.”
He lifts his chin and eyes me. “I’ve been trying very hard to prevent this day from happening.”
