The other twelve participants are regal, their shoulders squared as they stare at the big double stone door in front of us, waiting for the ceremony to start. Neither of the Ezkai talk or look at each other.
Except for Daegel.
He’s another reason why I’m so nervous tonight.
He stands on my right with his dark eyes glimmering in the candlelight. When I meet his gaze, my stomach’s in knots. We left things on bad terms when we last spoke, once again. There’s pain reflected in his dark eyes, but there’s also something else.
Determination.
Is he determined to win the trials…or get me to submit to his desires?
I want to look away, but it would be a sign of weakness. So, I stare at him with my chin high until the double door croaks and slowly opens.
Three monks dressed in long, crimson robes appear in the doorway. Their hair is weaved into lengthy braids that reach all the way to their knees. To my surprise, they all wear pleasant smiles on their lips.
“Greetings, honorable participants ofVal’taz Ezkairin,” the monks greet us in unison.
The one in the middle takes a step forward.
“We have gathered here tonight for the Cleansing, so you can undress your souls and minds in front of the spirits of the gods, let them judge your worthiness and offer you their blessing,” he says, looking at each of us. “It’s important for the Ezkai General to rid themselves of the past and learn to listen to their heart and the spirits of the gods so they can find the right path forward.”
Judge our worthiness?Nobody mentioned judging of any kind before.
The monk walks between us, his feet light. I follow his movement with my eyes without turning my head.
“You’re going to be very close to the spirit world tonight, as the Cleansing ritual requires. The spirits of the gods will feel you approaching. You must stay strong and focused on cleansing yourself without getting lost in the vastness of your spirit world or meddle with the gods.”
I have absolutely no idea what on earth is he talking about. Every muscle in my body is tense. I roll my shoulders. Suddenly, I wish Dad was here to assure me I’ll be okay. That I’ll make it.They have nothing against you, baby girl. So go in there and show them what a Wildarrow is made of,he always said to me when I was scared to do something I’d never done before.
I barely remember what his voice sounds like.
“Ezkai,” the monk says, returning to his place between the other two monks. “Let’s begin.”
They turn and we follow them into another large hall with tall ceilings. Sun shadows dance on the earthy walls. As we go deeper into the space, a large body of water emerges. It’s a pool of water, but it’s nothing like I have ever seen before.
The water is bright blue, like the sky of the brightest summer afternoon with not a single cloud in sight. Waves and tendrils appear out of nowhere, swirling at the surface, as if the water itself is…alive.
Terror grips my chest so tight I can’t get a breath in.
What. The. Fuck.
Once we approach the edge, the Ezkai escorting me step away and leave me standing alone. I’m exposed, naked, and vulnerable. I want to hug myself to offer some form of comfort, but I know it would be seen as a weakness. So, I square my shoulders and take a deep breath in.
They never mentioned this shit at the Ezkai Academy.
“The Well greets you,” the monks say in unison.
They stand on the other side of the pool, their hands clasped over their bellies.
“We greet the Well,” the Ezkai respond together and I follow their suit.
“You look terrified,” Daegel whispers. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this afraid, princess.”
He’s standing dangerously close to me.
“That’s because you barely know me,” I snap.
He scoffs. “Ouch. So feisty.” He looks around and then leans even closer. The hairs at the back of my neck rise at the proximity. He smells so good. “I may have only known you for eight months, but I do know you better than you think.”
