When my own foot broke through what looked like solid sand, sending me stumbling toward a pit, Maddox stopped walking entirely. He watched me struggle for balance, his expression expectant. Waiting to see if he’d have to choose between helping me or letting me disappear into the hungry sand.
I managed to grab onto a tree limb and tug myself out, Lexie and Derren shoving Maddox to the side and hauling on my arms. Maddox scowled. Even though he wanted to kill me himself, my survival must disappoint him.
The heat grew worse as we continued. My leather outfit stuck to my body and rubbed. Warm, wet trickles told me I was bleeding where my skin had blistered and shucked the soft skin. Light reflected off the sand, making my eyes water, and mirages shimmered in the distance, pools of cool water, shade trees that weren’t there when we reached that area.
“How much further?” Kerralyn asked, her voice strained.
“There.” I pointed ahead, relief flooding through me. “I see solid ground.”
By the time we crested the final rise and walked onto stone, my legs shook, and my nerves had been frayed raw. My boots squished like they were half-melted from the sand’s heat, and we all looked ready to collapse.
We stumbled across rock-strewn, grassy ground but came to a stop, our jaws universally dropping.
A wide courtyard lay ahead of us, paved in white stone gleaming like polished shells. An open-air hall dominated the center, itscolumns carved with intricate patterns that shifted when I blinked. And everywhere—everywhere—I found abundance.
Tables groaned under the weight of food more beautiful than anything I’d seen even in Caldrith’s royal kitchens. Fruits glistened with juice, their skins so perfect they looked painted. Grapes clustered like green jewels. Bread steamed as if it had just been pulled from the oven, the crusts golden.
Wine sparkled in clear goblets, deep red and calling to me. I could almost taste it on my tongue, rich and soothing. I’d sink into a bath myself, and I’d take some with me. An entire bottle. I’d drink it until I felt silly.
My mouth watered, but my mind ticked over each detail. We’d been tested every step, and nothing here felt real. I scanned the tables, the pools, the glowing air, looking for inconsistencies, traps, any sign that this comfort might be a lie. My pulse still raced, but caution kept my feet rooted.
“It’s the end,” Lexie breathed. “Our reward for making it through the Rite of Bonds.”
Derren groaned and dropped to his knees. “I can taste the food. Feel the soft clothing I see lying on a table. And pools. They’re steaming. I’m going to sink into one and soak for three days.”
Other tables held the neat stacks of clothing Derren had pointed out. Not the rough, practical garments most of my group wore, but fine fabrics in colors that would complement each of our complexions perfectly. I could see a dress the exact shade of blue that would match my eyes, made of soft-appearing material that would feel like water flowing across my skin. Shoes that I’d bet would fit my feet like they’d been made for me. After the agony of walking and running for days in boots, delicate shoes would feel almost overwhelming.
Even practical Bryson looked longingly at a set of well-fitted leather armor.
And the pools. Carved directly into the stone, they’d been filled with steaming water. Floral scents drifted up from the surface, reminding me of the gardens at home.
Soft towels lay folded beside each pool, thick and plush and inviting. Soap that looked like it would lather into rich foam sat nearby. Slippers that would cushion feet worn raw by days of walking rested on the ground at the base of each set of steps.
All we could possibly want was laid out and waiting.
The air shimmered with warm, golden light that made everything look touched by magic. Strange creatures flickered overhead, winged things no bigger than my hand, their bodies translucent and glowing. Glimmersprites. I’d only read about them in books. They hummed as they flew, a soft melody that made my eyelids feel heavy.
My stomach cramped with hunger so sharp it doubled me over. My skin itched under layers of grime and dried sweat. Every muscle ached from the trials we’d endured. Every cell in my body screamed for relief, for comfort, for one moment of peace.
Yet we all remained frozen at the edge of the courtyard.
It felt too perfect. Rot could wear perfume, and this one reeked of rotten leaves.
Lexie took a half-step forward before catching herself. Her hand reached toward the nearest table before she yanked it back.
“Those look like what my grandmother used to make,” she whispered. “Honey cakes. They smell just like…” Her voice broke. “I swear I can hear her saying, ‘Eat, sweet girl. You’re safe now’.”
Derren rushed over to the nearest pool, his body trembling with eagerness. His lips were cracked, his face gaunt. His hand hovered over the steaming water, his fingers spreading wide.
“It’s warm,” he breathed. “I can feel the heat on my palm. I can see myself in the water. I’m sitting there, finally relaxed. Lexie’s with me.”
Kerralyn’s eyes had fixed on a table stacked with books with leather bindings and gold lettering. “First editions?” she asked in wonder. “Some hold the titles of texts I’ve been searching for my whole life.”
“Haven’t seen a meal like this since my wife passed,” Bryson said roughly. “My sweet love used to cook everything before…”
“Jaxon’s here.” Maddox lifted his arm, pointing, stumbling forward. “Jax. Wait!”
Something about this perfection made my skin quiver.
