If I collapse, if I scream, if I show even an ounce of what I’m feeling, I might never stop.
She moves like she’s in a dream. Graceful. Dutiful. Blind.
I want to call her name, to scream at her torun,to throw myself between her and the Oracle. But my voice catches behind my teeth like a snared rabbit.
Somewhere, distant but sharp, a child cries. The world doesn’t end in that moment. But mine does.
Time slows as I watch my sister climb the steps to meet the Oracle’s embrace.
The Oracle stands tall, her voice like smoke and stone as she steps away and gestures to the girls standing before us with a flourish. “People of Solmere, behold: this year’s Bloodmoon Brides!”
The crowd erupts in thunderous applause.
I don’t move. I can’t breathe. The Bloodmoon has chosen.
And once again, it’s chosen to take someone I love away from me.
Chapter 5
The Race
I’ve never run so fast in my life.
The streets of Veyora blur as I sprint past vendors and spectators, shoving through the vast throng of people, dodging garlands and the smoke of incense fires. My boots pound the cobbles, lungs burning with air thick from spice, soot, and desperation.
My father’s words and Aaron’s flippant boast hammer in my ears like war drums:The winner of today’s race has the right to ask the Council for a favor—anything.
Anything.
And now I have something to ask for.
I reach the outer ring just as the iron gates swing closed behind the last contestant. The final bell peals, a mournful clang that echoes like a death knell.
“No, no, no…” I skid to a halt.
The officials are already packing up. A bored guard with a waxed moustache barely even glances at me. “You’re too late, miss. Try again in two years.”
But there won’t be a next time. Not for Kat.
Come on, Selene. Think.
Somewhere in the crowd, a flash of auburn hair catches my eye. A burst of laughter lures my gaze to a lean figure swinging into the saddle of a black stallion with silver socks.
Aaron Grey. Ofcoursehe’s racing.
I shove through the side gate toward the mounting stalls. “Aaron!”
He turns, unbearably pleased. “Fairchild! Come to cheer me on? Or finally confess your undying love for me?”
“Keep dreaming,” I snap reflexively.
“I do. Nightly.” He leans back casually. “Miss the signup?”
I level a glare at him.
“Oh?” His eyes sparkle. “Here to give me a kiss for luck? At least buy me dinner first.”
“I need a favor,” I say breathlessly.
