I thought I learned that lesson when I lost my family. But the ache that’s settled in my chest tells me I haven’t.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Let go.
The arrow lands true.
One by one, I draw the arrows and shoot them until my quiver is empty. Unfortunately, I don’t feel any better. So, I go to retrieve the arrows and start again.
Just as I draw the first one, aiming at the thin branch at the very top of the plum tree, the sound of rustling leaves reaches my ear.
It’s midnight, and I’m in the middle of the plum orchard on the castle grounds. Nobody’s supposed to be here at this time.
I pivot on my heel, aiming the arrow at the intruder.
When I recognize Vera’s steely eyes, I lower my bow. “You should know better than to approach a Decarios with weapon in hand in the middle of the night unannounced.”
“Phoenix Wildarrow, the daughter of deceased Airo and Tana Wildarrow one of the most influential Decarios families in Wetra,” Vera says, taking a step closer to me. The ivory suit she wears offers a stark contrast to the darkness of the night. “I’ve been looking for you.”
She carries herself with confidence. Yet, there is an aura of melancholy around her. Quickly, I open up my senses and I’m met with…nothing.
I cock my head sideways. “You’re a Decarios?”
“No. I’m just a simple fae.”
“Then why can’t I read your emotions?”
She arches an eyebrow. “You Decarios think just because you have the ability that it’s your right to intrude on others’ emotions. It’s appalling.”
I don’t understand.
If this fae is not a Decarios, then how come I can’t access her emotions? It only every happens with other Decarios. I’ve never met a regular fae, human, or a dwarf whose emotions I couldn’t read.
“I would apologize for the intrusion, but I couldn’t read you, so…”
To that, she says nothing. We stare at each other for a few heartbeats.
I’m the first to break the silence. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
A breath hitches in her throat. The only indication of any sort of emotion that my words may have induced.
She doesn’t say anything to that, either. Instead, she says, “Do you know how the next Ezkai General is chosen?”
I nod.
“Good. We don’t have to waste time with explanations,” she says and takes another step closer to me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman—fae, human, or dwarf—as stunning as she is. “Val’taz Ezkairinwill start in a week; the sign-up is open. Every member in Order of Ezkai are allowed to take part.”
“I know. Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I want you to enterVal’taz Ezkairin.”
A laugh bubbles out of my chest. I’m so surprised by her words, I shake my head.
“I don’t understand.What?”
“This is not a joke,Phoenix,” Vera says, eyeing me from head to toe. “It’s a very generous business offer. A proposition one may get once in a lifetime. Anopportunityof a lifetime. I’llensure you have the support of the most influential folk, and everything you need to help you win.”
