I’m not clueless. Yes, I am worried about Sienna. With every passing moment that we wait in this palace, I’ll be on edge, but I also know it’s not the reason for my anger. I didn’t care when Ares and Carter left.
I simply rolled my eyes and thought,What idiots.
It’s him.He’sthe reason I’m feeling like this.
But why?
Wait. Do I… like him?
My stomach twists, and I almost shudder.
Goddess, please no.
What do I even like about him? His witty attitude is more annoying than anything. Or is it simply because he’s stupidly handsome and has a very good body? No – it’s just a fucked-up crush! Or something! I have a boyfriend! Even if I want to dump him, that’s beside the point. There is no way I’m crushing on Theo.
I’m fighting to keep my heart rate steady. My moment of clarification has shaken me. There’s something about opening up to him that just feels a bit easier. Is it because he has his own secrets? I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it’s made me tell him things I’d never voice to another.
This is just something weird. He is not my type. He’s annoying, infuriating, never shuts up and is a complete idiot! Then why do I feel sick knowing he’s in there with other women?
“I’ve taken a look around; it’s pretty much just us and the staff,” Renji says, making me turn.
He had slipped off earlier, saying he was going to do a once-over of the place.
“He will honour it,” Ahren says with confidence.
“And I hope he will honour this duel and put an end to the centuries-old grudge,” Jayce says, frowning slightly.
“I hope so. I’m sure we’ll win,” Renji says with a smile as he sits down beside Allie and sighs heavily. “So, how long are we going to be here waiting?”
“He has three days to answer, and then we’ll both put forward our conditions. Only after that will a date be set,” Jayce explains emotionlessly.
“I feel like he’ll ask for something extremely risky or big,” Allie says.
“Then, we don’t give him a chance to win,” Renji replies.
“The five of you need to have a battle strategy in place,” Ahren says. “Although I have seen the five of you work together, it is pretty epic.”
“It sure is.” Renji smiles.
“We should get some rest,” Ahren says. “If it makes everyone more comfortable, I think one of us should keep watch, in case a messenger shows up or something.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jayce says.
“I guess at least there are beds,” Allie says. “I have a feeling this is going to drag out… I wonder if they have clothes. I’ve been wearing these for way too long…”
“These are an extension of ourselves, regardless of what you change into. You’ll find you can’t wash these, as upon your will they will disappear until you need them.” Ahren smirks, making Allie frown as she sniffs herself.
“Gross, then I’ll wash them while I’m wearing them. I can’t smell anything, but I know they’re dirty.”
Let’s go find some clothes,I write, just wanting to get away from everything.
I can feel Ahren watching me as I lead the way down the hall, and Allie follows me. My eyes flick to the doorway Theo had gone through and feel another wave of irritation.
I am not ruining my mood over an idiot.
This is a palace; they will most likely have incredible baths,I write. Allie nods.
“Good, I need it.”
