River doesn’t respond, sensing that I have more to say.
‘I won’t deny that the thought of tomorrow terrifies me,’ I say, leaning back against the wall, ‘but it’smorethan the trial. You’ve seen how the others act around me, andI don’t blame them for it, truly. But when all this is over – that is, if I make it through – I am bound to serve the new Aquatori sovereign, in any capacity they might wish. And if that person is Fjord or Marina, I will be forever bound to somebody who despises me.’
I can see it clearly now, this bleak, lonely future that has haunted me from the moment the moon eclipsed the sun. Whiling away my days at the Court of Waves, never to leave, never to sail to the Otherlands, being reminded every moment that I am and will forever remain the most hated girl in all the realm.
Sheer misery clasps me tightly and won’t let go. I don’t even have to think about my mother. The drizzle begins to fall, clinging to my eyelashes.
River reaches out automatically, but seems to think better of it, his hand falling back to rest on the silver trident at his hip. ‘You have already decided that you will not succeed, and I will not attempt to convince you otherwise,’ he says softly. ‘But strength, like weakness, is a choice. I trust you will make the right one.’
I look at the floor.
‘As for the others,’ he continues, ‘you know, perhaps better than anyone, that hatred can sink its claws in deep. And if I were you, Blaze, I would start sharpening my own.’
17
Iwalk through a forest so close and dense that it blocks out any sunlight. Just up ahead lies something gold and gleaming, small enough to fit in the palm of my hand.
Blaze.
I can feel its power, crackling like lightning, radiating around me in great waves. I’m getting closer now, close enough to see it clearly.
It looks like … like …
That’s when the ground begins to tremble beneath my feet, fault lines spreading out across the earth. Fear courses through me and I start to run. Only the forest floor is gone. I’m plunged into dark nothingness, falling through the world.
I wake to the sound of sharp, impatient rapping.
‘Go away, Spinner,’ I mumble into my pillow.
‘Oh dear,’ says a familiar voice. ‘It seems we’ve left our manners at home.’
My eyes fly open. ‘Grandmother?’
And there she is, standing over my bed, hands clasped over the hilt of her ruby-encrusted stick, wearing a thick red gown and a worried frown. Her expression softens slightly as she takes me in, reaching out a hand to cup my cheek.
‘What’re you doing here?’ I ask.
She props her stick against the nightstand and sits down beside me. ‘Did you really think I’d miss your first trial?’
I must still have been falling, because I hit the ground hard enough to knock the wind out of me. Of course. My first trial. And undoubtedly my last. Today I will be humiliated before the Crowned Council and seal my fate as the next Aquatori sovereign’s lackey.
The sun streams through the windows, illuminating the silvery streaks in Grandmother’s dark hair.
‘Nice day for it,’ I say.
She gives me a look, then snaps her fingers. A moment later Elva appears carrying my breakfast. My stomach churns as she sets it down in front of me.
‘Eat,’ commands Grandmother.
‘I’m surprised you came all this way just to see me fail so spectacularly,’ I tell her, ignoring the food. ‘I’d have thought you’d had your fill of watching me shame the family.’
Grandmother tuts. ‘The only person you shame by talking in this way is yourself. You are no more a source of shame to me than your brother is.’
‘Ah, yes. How is Flint Flameborn? He seemed pretty chipper last night. Have you been to see him already?’
She shakes her head. ‘I go where I am needed. Now, eat.’
To appease her, I nibble on an apple slice. Then I ask, ‘Did you visit Mother before her first trial?’
