Unfortunately, curiosity burns hotter. The words slip out before I can stop them. “Were you with him?”
The instant it’s said, I regret it.
She stops dead, turning to me. “Who? Dimitri? Yes, I was at his palace.”
“Were youwithhim?” I press, voice lower.
Her brow furrows before realization hits.
Her fury is immediate, scorching. She looks at me like she did Torin.
She steps closer, eyes sharp. “And what makes you think you have the right to ask that?”
I step closer too, fighting sense, letting instinct take over. The growl rips from me before I can stop it. “Because, littleshadow,you’remine.”
Her eyes widen. Breath catches. She opens her mouth—
“Princess Serenya.” A guard interrupts, bowing. “I was sent to fetch you. The queen is…displeased with your tardiness.”
Serenya smiles at him, soft and sweet, making my jaw clench. “Of course. Lead the way.”
We follow in tense silence. She won’t look at me. My words still hang in the air between us, unanswered. Was she going to deny me? Yell at me? Or…gods help me…agree?
I trail a few paces behind, fists flexing as I force my eyes away from the sway of her hips. I’m utterly gone for her, and now she knows.
We step into the courtyard. All eyes shift to us. Lioran and Asbel exchange a glance. I plant myself between them and Serenya, but Lioran leans past me, smirking at her. She winks back, making my muscles tense. He chuckles under his breath, and I shoot him a glare.
Queen Zephyra stands on the marble steps, council at her sides. Her voice carries, bright yet edged with judgment.
“Today, you will not stand alone. The second stage of the third trial is one of balance and bond. You will be bound in pairs, your fates entwined until the trial’s end. The strong must temper their strength. The clever must trust another’s hand. Alone, you may falter. Together, you may prevail.
“Choose your partners wisely, for they will be your shield, your weapon, your survival. Refuse unity, and you will not leave victorious.
“An Orb of Vaelith will follow each pair,” she adds, gazesharp. “Through it, not only the council and I will witness your every trial, your triumphs and your failures, but also the people of Syltheriel. They have gathered in the center of Elarion to watch. You are not unseen. Prove yourselves worthy of all our eyes.”
Her lips curve into a half smile, half warning.
“Step forward. Name your partner. Once choices are sealed, the trial begins.”
Asbel immediately steps forward, hands clasped behind his back. “Lioran and I will be partners.”
“You’re welcome, big bro,” Lioran mutters to me with a wink.
My brows knit, but Queen Zephyra speaks again before I can reply.
“Very well. Our pairs are Asbel and Lioran, Koen and Serenya. When your portals are opened, you may begin.”
Pixies drift forward, opening the shimmering gateways.
I glance at Serenya, but she refuses to look at me. She simply looks at the portal with disgust, then strides through, not even checking if I’ll follow.
I sigh.Perfect. My partner won’t even acknowledge me.
Taking a steadying breath, I step in after her.
Chapter 39
?---- Serenya ? ----?
