Page 17 of Hunger & Harmony

“No!” I say, tearful gaze glued to the vial.

It emits a subtle vibration. I squeeze my eyes shut, so sure this is it.

“Were you truthful in your explanation? You’re only running from strict parents?”

“Yes! Yes, I just . . .I love music, a-and they’ve always said no! I really don’t know what Ez was talking about, I just wanted to travel and . . .and . . .”

When I dare open one eye to peek, I see the amulet rattling. Is that good? Or am I a goner?

The liquid inside fades from black to clear, looking devoid of anything as Selene and Ezren exchange a long look. I quake like a leaf while they silently determine my fate.

Ezren’s hand relaxes, and he backs away completely. I hug myself tightly as my back hits the wall, sniffling and blinking at them both.

“I’m sorry, Cadence,” he says, voice trembling. “I didn’t want to do that, I just . . .We’ve had scares in the past.”

I’m too shaken to respond. What can I even say? Nothing about that made any sense to me.

“I completely understand if you resign,” Selene says.

My bottom lip wobbles. That’s what they all seem to want. Especially Ryel. I haven’t even been here a full week, and my life has already been put on the line.

Uncharacteristic fury flashes through my body. I tighten my arms around myself. Why? It’s just a job, I shouldn’t be put in this position!

Remorse reflects in Ezren’s watery eyes when he staggers back. He didn’t mean harm, did he? He looks ready to jump out of his own skin.

My eyes find the dark floor, and I take a breath. No. I won't sway. Freedom always comes with a price, right? I just need to be way more careful about my big mouth. There’s nothing I even have to hide! A spy? If only my life were that cool.

I adjust my disheveled bangs and straighten my shoulders.

“It’s okay. I get where you’re coming from,” I say, mostly to Ezren. “Let’s just start over. No hard feelings.”

“Start over? No hard feelings?” he echoes. “For real?”

It’s not like me to hold a grudge. Especially not when I feel his sincerity. Viola always said I’m too trusting, but I’d rather get hurt trying than never take risks.

“Yes.” I extend a hand out to him. “You’re protecting your king. Technically, I am now, too.”

Ezren stares at my hand. A hint of a smile fades as quickly as it appears on Selene’s lips.

When his tatted hand takes hold of mine, I grin. Finally, he returns it.

“Wow. If that was a test, you passed with flying colors,” Ezren says, yanking me into a tight hug.

“Not that it was,” Selene says as I’m crushed in Ezren’s embrace. “Though this is a reminder to be on high alert.”

After he releases me, Ezren remains quiet. It’s almost unnerving, but I let it go. He had that severe reaction for a reason.

“We’re on in thirty,” Selene says after a beat of silence.

That’s so little time.

“Shit! We need to hurry!”

Relief settles over me to see everything’s still on track when we return. Vibrations rattle my bones, the bass and roar of fans reaching a fever pitch out there. Anticipation clings to the air like humidity. Even the backstage crew works in a steady rhythm, an elaborate choreography between all departments.

Niko and Ryel are waiting amongst the chaos, both postured expectantly as Selene and Ezren join them.

“What’s going on?” Ryel asks, already interrogating.