Page 28 of Empire of Flame and Thorns

“Approved,” he declares.

Relief washes over me.

Twisting towards the Icehearts, I give them a respectful bow in acknowledgement.

And then, just because I can’t help myself, I turn back to Draven and execute a theatrical bow full of smug victory.

A rush of power pulses through me at being so blatantly disrespectful to someone like him.

With a grin on my mouth, I straighten, spin on my heel, and stride straight towards the other wall.

And I’m lucky that I make it there without Draven’s sword through the back of my ribcage.

CHAPTER NINE

To my surprise, I also make it all the way back to my room without getting Draven’s sword shoved through my chest. In hindsight, what I did to him back there might have been a mistake. Especially that mocking little bow at the end. But damn, it felt good. And besides, he’s the one who decided to interfere and mess with my test first. He deserved everything he got.

The corridor is empty when I arrive at the door to my room. Since I was worried that Draven might try to ambush me, I took the long way back. Everyone else must already be inside their rooms.

I glance towards the room two doors down from me. It belonged to a fae man with incredibly enhanced hearing. Now, it’s empty. About ten percent of everyone who walked into that room today was deemed unworthy to continue the trials and were kicked out. He was one of them. I know that I should probably feel bad for them, but I’m really just relieved since it will mean less competition for me.

After sliding out my key, I unlock my door and slip inside.

I only make it two steps into the room before I freeze. Blinking, I stare at the large white box on my bed. That mostcertainly wasn’t there before. And the room was locked. So who put it there? Who else has keys?

Approaching warily, I study the strange package. There is a thick silver ribbon around the rectangular box. Towards the middle is a note, kept in place by the ribbon.

My mind churns. Is it some kind of trap? It can’t have been one of the other contestants. The room was locked. And besides, we were all at the test together. It must have been one of the dragon shifters. They probably have a set of extra keys for every room.

Just the thought that they can come and go as they please inside my room makes uneasiness slither through my stomach like a cold snake. But it’s not as if I can do anything about it. I need to be here and win these trials, so I must play by their rules.

Carefully reaching forward, I grab the edge of the note and pull it towards me.

Nothing explodes.

Since that’s a good sign, I flip the note open as well.

Only a few sentences, written in swirling black script, meet me. I read them quickly. And then I have to read them again. And again.

Congratulations on becoming a full and worthy participant in the Atonement Trials. To celebrate the start of the trials, there will be a ball this evening, and you are cordially invited to attend. Wear the clothes that have been so generously provided for you.

My head spins.

A ball? We’re going to have a ball? Why? I thought these Atonement Trials were supposed to be brutal tests of power. But so far, all we’ve done is to sleep in comfortable beds, eat delicious food, and show off our magic in a safe and comfortable one-on-one display. There has to be more to this. It has to be some kind of trick or something.

After setting down the note on my bed, I gently untie the ribbon. Then I angle my body as far away from the box as I can before I lift the lid, just in case it will explode or there is a venomous snake in there or something.

But when I remove the lid, all that meets me is shimmering silver fabric. Disbelief swirls inside me as I lift it up to find a gorgeous dress. Made of silver silk and white gemstones, it looks like liquid starlight.

I run my hand down the length of it.

A small noise comes from the back of my throat, and I close my eyes briefly, because of how silky smooth and absolutely perfect the dress is.

By Mabona, it’s the most breathtaking dress I have ever seen. And someone has given it tome. It has to be some kind of elaborate trap.

And if it is, I need to find out.

Reluctantly putting the dress back in the box, I hurry across the room and towards the door. I need to know if anyone else has received a box like this. If it’s just me, then I will know that it is indeed a trap.

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