Page 21 of Empire of Flame and Thorns

I remain there, slumped against the wall, and watch as he stalks back down the hall.

A deep sigh escapes my chest.

Well, that went splendidly.

CHAPTER SEVEN

There is a nervous tension in the air. A quiet murmur. It’s so palpable that I can almost feel it vibrating against my skin, even without using my magic. I desperately want to, though. I want to reach out with my magic and calm the anxiousness in the room so that it’s easier to breathe. For everyone. But I’ve learned from experience that people hate it when I use my magic on them without being asked. Even if I’m trying to help. So instead of decreasing the worry that I can see on people’s faces, I just grab a plate of food and sit down alone to eat my breakfast.

Even though the dining room is large, at least compared to what I’m used to, it’s filling up quickly because of the number of contestants. Yesterday, Imar said that the first trial wouldn’t start until midday. But apparently, no one was keen on sleeping in. Instead, we’re all up at sunrise. Ready to face whatever today might bring.

I look down at my plate as I settle into my seat.

There is bread and cheese, eggs and sausages, and even a pile of diced fruit. Joy pulses through me. It’s the most luxurious breakfast I have ever had. In fact, it’s thefirstbreakfast I’ve ever had, since we usually only get one meal a day.

Picking up my knife and fork, I carefully cut into one of the eggs. The warm yolk runs out a little on the plate as I cut through it. I use a piece of bread to mop it up.

A soft moan escapes my throat as I eat.

Goddess above, this alone was worth the climb over the iron wall yesterday.

While I continue eating the delicious food, savoring each bite, I study the people around me. These men and women will be my competition for the three winning spots in the trials. I need to figure out what I’m up against.

My gaze lingers on a group sitting in the middle of the room, right underneath the golden chandelier. Alistair and his four friends. He is lounging in his chair as if it were a throne, and based on the way people around him behave, it might as well be. Everyone averts their eyes and gives his table a wide berth when they pass. It appears to be out of fear rather than respect, though. I don’t blame them. After all, Alistair has fire magic. It’s not only a rare magical ability among our people, it’s alsotheirelement. The dragon shifters’ element. That alone would make people wary of Alistair.

I pick up my slice of fluffy bread and take another bite while I shift my gaze to the table next to mine. The woman with ice powers sits there. Her long black hair lies neatly down her back, and her blue and silver eyes are focused on the food before her as she eats. She doesn’t even look up when two guys, one with silver hair and one with blond hair, pull out the chairs opposite her and sit down.

“Hey,” the silver-haired one says.

The woman looks up from her eggs. Her dark brows pull into a scowl at finding them there, but she gives them a curt nod in greeting before she goes back to eating.

“What? No hello?” he pushes.

She simply continues eating.

“Rude,” he scoffs. Then he and his friend exchange a knowing look. “Though I can’t say I’m surprised. We’ve heard that you’re very unapproachable, Isera.”

The woman, Isera, simply slices through a sausage and spears it with her fork.

“Want some advice?” the guy says. But he doesn’t wait for a response. “How about actually replying when a man tries to make small talk?”

“Yeah,” the blond one fills in. “And you should smile more.”

At that, Isera finally looks up. Her face is an expressionless mask and her tone is flat as she replies with one single word. “Why?”

“Because it makes you look pretty.”

“And why would that be my goal?”

Stunned silence falls over the table as the two guys stare at her, uncomprehending, while their mouths work up and down a few times.

Isera lets out a scoff and goes back to eating.

“No wonder you’re still single,” the silver-haired one huffs. “Fucking ice lady.”

Utensils clink as he and his friend angrily gather up their things and stomp over to another table. Isera doesn’t even watch them leave. She just picks up her slice of bread and arranges some cheese on it. Three other people quickly take the empty seats at Isera’s table, but as opposed to those guys, they don’t bother her with annoying comments.

A smile steals across my lips as I watch her. Goddess, that was epic. The next time someone tries to walk all over me, I’m going to do that as well. Just treat them like they’re less than air. I’m going to?—

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