Page 49 of Fated for Flames

Deep down, I knew it was a bluff. Everyone there could see through it, but my resolve was ironclad. I might not win, but I was desperate to land one mark, just one, to prove to myself that I could.

As the match began, Viper moved with lightning speed, and before I could even blink, I was sporting three crimson slashes on my arms. Blood dripped down from the wounds.

“What the fuck,” I grumbled.

Viper’s laughter rang out, mocking and harsh. “That was pathetic, witch. At least give me a challenge.”

I tilted my head up, unwilling to let Viper intimidate me, as I pointed my dagger at him.

“Let’s go again,” I insisted, and he obliged.

Once more, I was bested in mere seconds.

“Again,” I demanded, determined.

Chad approached with furrowed eyebrows. “That’s enough.”

“No, again,” I insisted, locking eyes with Viper.

I’d picked up on his tactic; Viper tended to lean back just before striking. It was a slim chance, but it was all I had.

“Viper, don’t go easy on me,” I challenged, “or you’ll forfeit our little bet.”

“That’s not how it works, witch,” he retorted disdainfully.

“Well, it’s a new rule. I just made it up.”

Invigorated, Viper renewed his assault and went again for two more rounds. By now, my body was covered in bloody slashes, with the smut book siphoning some of my magic I wasn’t healing as fast as before, but I was determined to find a way to mark him.

And then I spotted it—the pattern, the opening—and I seized my chance. I landed a slash on the big ass.

His eyes widened in shock, disbelief painting his features.

A suspended silence fell over the crowd.

Then, unable to contain my elation, I shouted joyously, jumping up and down.

“I marked Viper! I marked Viper!” I danced and sang.

The crowd erupted in cheers, sharing in my joy.

Viper looked at me, and a smile crept at the corner of his lips. “You are one crazy witch.”

I grinned like a maniac.

Chad clapped me on the back, laughing in disbelief, while Ryker watched with a raised eyebrow and a hint of respect in his eyes.

As the night wore on, I found myself welcomed into the shifter community in a way I never expected. The competition was forgotten as we all gathered around the crackling bonfire, sharing stories and laughter long into the early hours of the morning.

Perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to this world than darkness and danger. Maybe there was room for light and friendship too.

Best night ever!

31

Evelyn

As I sat in the stillness of my room, unease washed over me. A month had passed since my unexpected return, and the mysteries surrounding my existence were only multiplying.

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