Page 41 of Bound to Three Fae Beasts

“Do you think they’ve come here for me, then?” Penry asked anxiously.

“I don’t think they would for you specifically, especially since your mother took back the claims that you were fathered by Court Manilow,” Freta answered. She gave Penry a warm smile. “You know what? Court Alegro has a private room. Let me show you where it is so we can talk more freely.”

She was showing her the secret room? We went to the rosebushes, and Penry was visibly surprised by the secret entrance. Once we were inside, Silas started telling her about the other secret passages around the school, including one right to the kitchen.

“We’ll go sneak some food in a bit, since it doesn’t appear like us undesirables are going to get fed,” Silas told her.

Penry laughed. “Thanks. I don’t think I could eat, though, not until Manilow is gone. How long did they say they were going to stay? A few days? Maybe I could hide out here the entire time,” she added, trying to sound like it was a joke, and failing.

“Of course. And we can bring you food here. You will get in trouble for skipping class, though,” Freta said.

“I could stab you,” I suggested. “So you can have medical leave.”

Penry chuckled, though she looked uncertain. “I can’t tell if you’re joking or not.”

“I’m joking.”

As they kept talking, discussing different ways to keep Penry hidden away here without getting her into trouble, it occurred to me that our little circle had just opened up one more spot. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Every time I trusted someone, every time I started to care about them, it gave me another chance to be hurt or disappointed. I’d had what I thought were friends from time to time at the orphanage. They had all turned against me.

And the binding trials were coming up. What if one of my new friends died? What could I do then? I’d vowed to have revenge against my bullies. Could I get revenge for my friends, too?

I shook myself. I didn’t want to think about that, not right now. After the strange day that we’d had, I was mentally exhausted. “I’ll be glad when they’re gone.”

“I bet that’s the real reason Court Manilow is here. The first binding trials are happening next week,” Silas said. “I bet they’ve come to watch and see how we all do.” He frowned and shook his head. “No, they wouldn’t come this early. Besides, all the courts will arrive to watch them.”

“All the courts?” I repeated. My stomach dropped. “Just how public is this?”

“Very public.”

Penry shuddered. “How are you three preparing? I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

“I’ve been stockpiling potions,” I told her, jumping to my feet. I showed her the shelf. “The four of us will train together. Silas and I both won our duels, so we can hopefully give you some tips. And the potions will be useful, too.”

Freta joined me and picked up one of the potions. “I just wish we could have an idea of what the trial would entail. If we could have a head’s up … but I guess that would defeat the purpose.” She smiled at us. “Hey, with any luck, the trials will do what they’re meant to. I’m sure that you’ll all find your beasts.”

“And I’m sure that your badger will surprise us all and be the most ferocious beast our year has seen,” Silas said comfortingly.

Penry and I shared a look. I saw in her face she wasn’t convinced, either, but I held my tongue. What was the use of being realistic in this circumstance? It would only make the mood heavier. So I tried to act as though I believed them.

But they didn’t know the full truth, that I was only human, not half-fae. Would the potions be enough?

Chapter 19 - Azriel

Court Manilow’s visit lasted only a day. Students were encouraged to behave normally, but we didn’t. Penry stayed in Alegro’s room the whole time, while Freta and Silas snuck food from kitchens and I excused myself to the library. I grabbed a bunch more books and brought them back to the room. The rest of the day was spent reading, eating, and talking about lighter topics.

After they left, everything grew more intense. The duels continued, resulting in both Silas and I losing to our second opponents. He nearly lost an eye, and I got a broken wrist. We were given healing potions, but we both had to use some of the extras I’d swiped to recover properly.

The days passed too quickly, and the nights were too long. Before I knew it, the week was over, and it was time for the first binding trial. The Surfacing. It was meant to force the beast of the unbound to surface.

The first-years were separated from the rest of the school and taken to Lotmas’s pavilion. Lotmas stood at the head of the room, smiling at us. He looked excited, and I once more thought he had a sadistic streak. Beside him was Thatcher, who was grim-faced as always. He didn’t look like he cared if we died, but at least he wasn’t gleeful about the possibility.

“The first trial is about to begin. Try your best to stay alive,” Lotmas said. “You will walk through this portal one at a time,” he gestured toward a ring on the floor, “and you will be deposited within the trial grounds with nothing but what you have on your person. As such, you will be alone within the trial.”

I peered over the heads of the students toward the ring on the ground. It looked innocuous enough. I mentally felt around my body, checking the weight of my knives and potions. Next to me, Freta, Silas and Penry touched their caches. I shook my head at them. They were giving away how much they were carrying.

“Special beasts have been brought in for you to face. Terror is the purpose of this trial. Terror will drag your beast to the surface. Mortal danger will trigger its manifestation.”

Flora giggled here. “And those of us who already have our beasts?”