“I wasn’t trying to do anything nefarious. I’ve never seen wings like yours up close.”
“And I’ve never seen hair like yours up close. Would you be happy about me caressing it while you sleep?” He tilted his head to the side.
“No,” she conceded. She hadn’t thought of it that way.
“Plus,” he continued, “wings are, by nature, only thesecondmost sensitive part of our bodies. So much so that I will not be held responsible for my actions if you try that shit again.” She heard it in the tone of his voice; it was a promise, not a threat.
“Fine. Point taken. I’m sorry,” she resigned. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
The “festivities” weren’t set to begin until later, starting with a commencement ceremony and dinner. Then, the real fun would begin.
“I figured we would take it easy. I want you to save your energy for the trial tonight, so beyond making sure you eat and drink enough today to keep your energy up, I have nothing planned.”
Great. Looking forward to twiddling my thumbs in boredom awaiting my death.
“In the meantime, I have a few meetings today. If I learn anything else about tonight, I’ll relay that information.” He stood and stretched before opening the door to leave.
“I know I don’t have to tell you this, but do lay low for once. And if anyone tries to get to you… blow this place to Hel.”
And with that, he closed the door behind him, leaving Hazel alone in deafening silence.
Phaedra came and left a few times throughout the day, offering Hazel various foods and refreshments at Slaide’s insistence, books to cure her boredom—though nothing of great interest outside of an old romance novel—even offering her company at one point, which Hazel gratefully accepted.
Later, Phaedra drew her a magically-warmed bath filled to the brim with fragrant suds. The bath included a tantalizingmassage from her scalp to her toes. If nothing else, Hazel figured this was the best last bath she could have asked for. But she quickly shrugged off the thought. She had to start thinking positive, or her thoughts might become reality.
As Hazel finished dressing for the evening’s event and Phaedra put the final touches on her long braid, a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Hazel called.
Slaide let himself in, dressed in his signature black-dyed leather armor. His hair was pulled back into a half-ponytail with his daggers sheathed on either hip and a long sword strapped across his back.
Hazel addressed him over her shoulder from where she sat in the writing chair as Phaedra fastened some loose ends.
“Here I thought I was the one fighting for my life tonight. Any reason you’re dressed for battle?”
“Because it pays to be overprepared rather than underprepared and I don’t trust anyone. Any more questions?”
Hazel was jarred by his edgier-than-normal response, but shook her head.
“Good,” Slaide remarked as he walked a circle around her, looking her over from head to toe. “You know, you don’t look completely useless today. Some might even think twice about the target they’ve put on your back.” He turned to the angel. “Good work, Phaedra.”
She bowed deeply in response.
Slaide paused in front of Hazel and unsheathed one of his daggers from his belt. He offered it to her hilt first, just as he had during their training.But this time, it’s real.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Take good care of that,” he countered, voice low. “These were Sylvie’s.” He patted the dagger’s twin on his other hip. “But they’re still sharp as shit and deathly accurate when thrown.Which we didn’t work on, but considering how you tossed that candlestick, you’ll probably be fine.”
Probably.
“So, we’re ready then?” Slaide asked.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”To face death.
With that, Slaide led Hazel from the room, the beginning of a long, silent walk to the dining halls.
To Hazel’s dismay, the competitors were separated from their trainers—if they had them—for dinner. Slaide had warned her this might be the case, but as she was one of the last to arrive, all eyes fell on her as she entered the space. She would have done anything to have him at her side as she walked to one of the last open chairs at the long table, especially as her pendant warmed angrily. Not that she was surprised. She’d known there would be men here who wished her harm. Without Slaide, though, she was wholly exposed.And this is just dinner…
