What—?My thoughts dispersed and I couldn’t form a single one.
Faelad had never seen my face. So what was it he saw?
He cleared his throat, blinking back whatever ghost he’d seen in me.
“Apologies,” he said with a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Might need to have a few words with my guards about thestrengthof the ale!” A deep, rumbling laugh rolled through his chest, and his people joined in, smoothing out any wrinkles of tension.
“Anyways,” Faelad continued, straightening. “As I was saying, Luckland can rest assured. We are as strong as ever. Our eyes remain fixed on the Grove, and they will not stray. From this day forward, we will have zero tolerance for any unwelcome visitors.”
Across the room, Lochlainn bit back his lip, frustration carving deep lines between his brows.
Faelad drew in a long breath.
“But tonight, there’s no room for gloom—we have too much to celebrate!” A guard shuffled forward to refill his goblet. Faelad gave a small nod of thanks before the man camouflaged back into the crowd. “Eostre Land’s Fecunditas begins tomorrow,” Faelad continued, grinning in excitement, “and we have hand-selected the most extraordinary team to represent Luckland.” He quickly spun and gave a curt nod. Another guard approached a cloaked pedestal and yanked the covering off, revealing a small ornate wishing well. “Throughout the evening, you’ll witness each nominee offer a token to enter into the Eostre Trials.” Faelad outstretched his arms once more, smiling ear to ear. “May the Scurboga-blessedwaters deem them all worthy!” The crowd cheered. “So, without further ado—let the festivities begin!”
At the sound of Faelad’s final words, multiple cannons blasted, raining gold confetti over the room.
A coin appeared in Faelad’s hand, seemingly out of nowhere, and he flicked it high into the air. It exploded into a cascade of shimmering color, decorating the ceiling in waves of rainbow-enchanted starlight.
Beautiful.
The music suddenly returned, this time with a jarring burst of rhythm. The beat was significantly faster, livelier. Almost wild compared to the refined elegance that preceded it. Glasses clinked, cackles rang out, and guest swarmed the dance floor with a newfound energy.
“Carwynn!” A bubbly voice pierced the noise.
I whirled around to see Breena bouncing excitedly at the far end of the ballroom, flailing her arms like a windmill, trying to get my attention. Aine stood beside her, half-grinning.
“Come dance with us!” Breena shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify.
I glanced at Finley in silent question.
“Go on,” he said, smirking. He gave me a gentle nudge. “I’ll get us some drinks.”
My foot stepped forward, then hesitated.
“Wait,” I said, jerking a thumb toward the dais. “Aren’t we supposed to enter into the Trials?”
“Don’t worry.” Finley leaned in close so I could hear him over the chatter. “We’ll get to that later. Lochlainn has to give us our tokens first anyways.”
“Oh, right.” I nodded. “I promise I’ll only be gone for one dance—maybe two. Depends if Breena kidnaps me. At that point, you might have to come rescue me.”
Finley chuckled, before placing a warm hand around theback of my neck. He pulled me closer. Warm lips met mine in a quick, sweet, savoring kiss. He pulled away and his forehead met mine.
“Without a doubt, the luckiest lad here,” he said with a cheeky wink.
At this rate, my cheeks would be sore for days.
I gave him a parting peck, then slipped into the chaos, snailing my way toward the back.
“Carwynn!” Breena grabbed my wrist, beaming so hard it felt like looking at the sun. “I want you to meet my date! This is Oakley?—”
She presented a tall, lanky gentleman dressed in brown tweed pants, suspenders, and an adorable bowtie. Honey-colored curls skimmed the tops of his rounded glasses—clearly decorative. He looked familiar. That made sense, since he’d worked at the Institute as well. Probably passed him in a hallway.
“It’s really nice to meet you,” I said, smiling while holding out a hand.
Oakley adjusted his glasses with a nervous flick. An awkward smile pulled at his babyface as he glanced at Breena, unsure. She shot him a look only a mother would give a toddler. Thecome on, you can do itlook.
“Oh! Yes!” he blurted, eyes going wide. “Sorry! Completely forgot about the human upbringing thing.” A choppy chuckle burst from him as he grabbed my hand to shake. It felt like a clammy, dead fish.
