Gabe, who’s been inching closer to the commotion, grabs his father’s wrist. “Let him.”
Others may mistake the two words for a plea, but Gabe’s clenched jaw helps me hear it for what it really is: a demand.
Chancellor Bren goes as still as stone.
Gabe releases his grip, but raises his voice so it echoes through the microphone. “The volunteer clause does not require your permission for his participation.”
The chancellor smiles, but it’s a contrast to the ice in his narrowed eyes.
“Indeed. It does not. What an adept pupil you are, my son.” He claps a firm hand on Gabe’s shoulder before nodding to Coraline. “The young gentleman may proceed. Now, if you’ll excuse us. This ceremony has incurred too many delays, and our great city won’t run itself.”
“Of course, sir!” Coraline bows while the chancellor ushers his wife and son down from the stage. Once they reach the steps, Coralinesmooths the wrinkles in her cloak and addresses the crowd. “It seems we have a volunteer. Kalden here believes so strongly in our noble vision for Caligo that he’s willing to trade places with one of our selected in hopes the Hunt will prove more fruitful with his presence. Isn’t that wonderful? Which young lady would you like to exchange places with?”
We eligibles are not permitted to speak during the ceremony. It’s not so much a rule as it is an expectation. But now that the chancellor is leaving, what’s worse—getting reprimanded for petitioning on Gem’s behalf, or staying silent while Kalden swaps places with another?
The first would be unfortunate. The second would be unforgivable.
So, while everyone’s eyes lock on Kalden, mine find Gem’s.
My intention must be obvious, because she shakes her head, but it doesn’t stop me from saying, “Pick her.”
Kalden steps toward us, his golden gaze scrutinizing Gem’s bandage while she scowls at the borrowed pants. He notes her displeasure, and I could swear the corner of his mouth twitches, like a smile is trying to break through his stony facade.
Fidgeting beneath his assessment, Gem folds her arms tightly across herself. “Don’t bother. If you try swapping places with me, I’ll volunteer to takeherplace.”
“You can’t go up there like this,” I argue.
“Neither can you. What are you going to do once you get hit with a debilitating migraine? Do you think the Sols will take it easy on you because you don’t feel well?”
“Gem.” My voice breaks, but I know she’s only lashing out this way in an attempt to save me, so I try to ignore the sting. “Please. Taur needs you here. And that baby is going to need its Auntie Gem.”
“What about Aunt Orelle? You’re needed here, too.”
“You can take my place,” offers the woman standing between Gemand me, glancing at us both with lifted brows. I can’t remember her name, only that she was the ninth to be selected.
Kalden frowns at the three of us before nodding.
Without sticking around for a verbal agreement, the woman bunches up her too-long cloak and jogs towards an unselected eligible, who’s waiting for her with open arms. Her partner mouths“thank you”to Kalden before planting a kiss on the woman’s forehead.
Hot tears blur my vision. I angle my chin up towards the wide expanse of the arched cavernous ceiling and swipe at my eyes. I don’t begrudge the woman for seizing this second chance at freedom. It isn’t her fault Gem chose misguided loyalty over self-preservation.
“Is now a good time to collect that favor?” Kalden asks while assuming the newly vacant position.
So, hedoesrecognize me.
I turn, giving him a glare that communicates that now is the absolute worst time.
But he keeps his head forward, not bothering to face me as he orders, “Stop crying.”
“Excuse me?”
How is this callous asshole standing beside me now the same man who saved our lives hours ago?
“What’s done is done. Crying won’t change anything.” Kalden finally deigns to look me in the eye as he says, “Whether you like it or not, you’re a soldier now. Soldiers can’t afford to feel. We are one distraction away from death.”
I’m loath to admit he has a point. There will be time later to process,ifI focus on making sure there is a later. If not for myself, then for Gem.
I nod, and Kalden returns to standing at attention, awaiting Coraline’s next orders.
