Even though I should be breathing a sigh of relief, all I feel is icy, twisted dread as they turn together and start walking towards the tunnel leading to the temple’s entrance.
“No!” I scream. I get to my feet. “Taron—”
With a wave of his hand, he sends me flying backwards through the air until I fall in the shallow pool by the foot of the ancient tree.
“You can still be freed,” I cry, sitting up. I’m too weak to move. “Please, don’t go…”
But he walks on until he vanishes down the tunnel.
Madame Vera stops to sneer at me. “Don’t you understand? He belongs to me, dear.”
“You monster,” I whimper, rising slowly to my feet. But even that requires too much strength, and I sink to my knees again.
“Oh, silly girl,” Madame Vera taunts, turning to the entrance again. “Don’t tell me you fell for Taron? You’re a fool. He’s not capable of love, you see. Or at least, not of loving anyone other than me. You were always bound to have your heart broken.”
A moment later, they’re both gone, and the sound of her boots echoing against the tunnel walls fades into silence.
I’m still on my knees, still staring at the tunnel’s gaping maw. He’s gone. It feels like a physical blow. Tears blur my vision, but I make no sound. The pain is too raw.
Taron is gone. Just like Elara.
Once again, I’m alone.
I don’t know how long it’s been before I hear the sound of movement somewhere within the temple. Footsteps. They grow louder until they’re rushing through one of the arches to my left. I look up, and all I feel is numbness.
The monocled man is leading a charge of soldiers from the Principal Guard. They’re wearing glinting black armour and have their weapons poised, the air around them crackling with whatever talents they wield.
I can tell they’re disappointed when they see me instead of Madame Vera. A young girl, battered and bruised, barely strong enough to perch upright. A criminal, a traitor to the throne.
When they approach to arrest me, I don’t resist.
Games Master’s Post
32nd Day of Mors Half, Stellar Year, 1200s
Citizens of the Triumstellar Accord,
Aurora Isle has delivered yet another Reckoning to remember. A spectacle of chaos, cunning and breathtaking twists. What a tale it has woven! An unfortunate encounter with a dragon scale saw dear Mei Sato succumb to the venom. Her untimely death at camp left her teammate, Rhius Voss, disqualified from the tournament. A shame, dear friends, but also a testament to the Reckoning’s volatile nature.
Our four remaining teams faced their greatest challenge yet in the jungle’s shadowy depths. The competitors pressed forward to the Temple of Stars, but Aurora Isle, ever merciless, demanded more from their journey. To gain access to the temple, our competitors had to unite two halves of a crystal star, each held by opposing teams.
A battle by the river commenced. Maeve Speck and Wren Hull fought fervently against Young Prince Cyrus and his servant, Gideon Kepper, but not all was as it seemed.
In a most astonishing development, Young Prince Cyrus exposed Maeve and Wren as impostors. The pair had infiltrated the Reckoning under false names, attempting to manipulate the outcome of the trials. Maeve was identified as Talia Sereneth, anuntrained Emo from the remote village of Stellargrove in Astraloria. Her accomplice, Wren, was identified as Taron Vale, a Luna believed to hail from the Astralorian capital, Rava. Little is known about him, and he remains at large after managing to escape.
Young Prince Cyrus, however, dutifully apprehended Talia and delivered her directly to the High Council for judgement. For his courage, cunning and loyalty to justice, I daresay the title of prince suits him splendidly.
Elsewhere in the tournament, the Temple of Stars loomed. A monstrous Soul Wraith, the dreaded Nightshade of ancient lore, emerged from the jungle’s heart. Its suffocating darkness and deadly tendrils left even the strongest of competitors gasping for air.
In a moment destined for legend, Kara DeLange and Savannah Dlamini wove light and sand together to form unbreakable shackles, binding the Nightshade and clearing the way to victory. Our heroic pair stood before the Astrals themselves, and were able to choose their wish.
In a gesture that speaks to their selflessness, they wished to cure the Blight, a devastating crop disease that has plagued farmlands across the principalities for many Stellar Years. Such noble hearts are worthy of the highest honour.
And so, dear friends, another Reckoning concludes. As always, I thank you for your unbridled attention and enthusiasm for our great tournament. Until next time, and remember: Aurora Isle is always watching from the depths, and so am I.
Yours ever-watchful,
The Games Master
