“I’ll do it, alone,” I answered, straightening myself as if to intimidate him.
He looked a bit baffled by my reply, but he merely pouted while thinking about it, before he shrugged. “Sure.”
“When do I start?” I asked, trying to push on before he regretted his decision.
“Tomorrow,” he nodded. “You all look tired and starved… Nicron, won’t you show our guests to the dining hall? While they eat, find rooms for them at the inn to freshen up… then, you are all welcome to join tonight’s ball.”
“A what?” Mey’s eyes widened and she didn’t realise her words slipped out before it was too late. But Michlael merely chuckled in response to her.
“Yes, you had perfect timing; we’re holding our annual ball tonight, just upstairs. We put on a magical show and dance all night, celebrating the gift of life.”
No words were needed, I saw Mey’s eyes beaming with curiosity—this definitely seemed like something she’d dreamed of doing.
“Nicron will see to it that you’ll receive clothing for the occasion as well,” Michlael smiled, drinking in Mey’s enthusiasm.
“Of course, sir,” Nicron answered politely, as he began walking towards us, signaling with his hand for us to turn around.
“Thanks,” I stammered, not sure if it was needed or not, but it felt right.
Malakai grabbed my arm and pulled me along, as if I had dwelled too long already.
“Food, food, food!” Ashley began chanting once out in the hallway.
“Finally something besides potatoes… right?” Nate asked, hesitant.
“We have lots to choose from, I’m sure something will fit your taste,” Nicron sneered at him.
“Do you know anything about the trials?” I whispered to Malakai.
“No,” he answered flatly. “But you’ll get through them all the same.”
“How can you be so sure?” I frowned.
He glanced down at me, a slow vicious smirk appearing on his lips. “If you don’t, you’ll have to deal with me, sweetie.”
I furrowed my brows at him and he snapped his teeth together, telling me he’d devour me if I failed. A shiver went down my spine as I pictured it in my head, and Inodded slowly. “Yep, I’ll get through them.”
Something moved at my other side and when I glanced my gaze collided with Lionel’s who looked silently back and forth between us. I opened my mouth to explain, but he averted his eyes before giving me a chance to speak, continuing away from us.
Shit.
CHAPTER
25
If there was any way to win my squad over, it was through their stomachs for sure.
The Aetherion had everything; meat, salads, potato, fish, rice, fruits and even brought out wine. It was like a feast, they presented us with whatever we asked for. Nate was already on his third plate, gobbling food down as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks.
Mey savored hers slowly, letting out small sighs of delight as she tasted something new she liked.
Ashley and Eve fought about what tasted best, the chicken or the fish, trying out different seasonings to see if their arguments changed.
Lionel seemed almost frozen in his chair, we had never seen this much food before, let alone been allowed to taste it freely like this.
I myself didn’t know where to start; everything looked good, but I didn’t have the same appetite as Nate, my nerves making me feel nauseous.
Malakai placed a plate in front of me, a few potatoes, a large piece of chicken and plenty of fresh salad.
