Page 23 of Run of Ruin

My eyes narrowed instinctively. Of all the things people had said about my brother today, his condition, his circumstances, no one had expressed any sympathy forme, for the fact that I left him just when he needed me most. A nagging voice, that sounded a lot like Zaffir, in the back of my head reminded me not to trust it entirely.

I must have looked surprised because she added, almost like an afterthought, “I’ve got a brother, too.”

I sighed, trying to keep my tone light but failing to hide the edge. “It must have been hard leaving him to come here.” After all, I knew the feeling.

Briar shook her head, and there was something raw in her eyes, something I didn’t expect. “I wish I got to leave him behind,” she said, a dark twist to his words. My eyebrows rose,and eyes widened in question. “The unlucky bastard just had to go and get himself chosen in the lottery.”

My breath hitched, unable to stop the shock from registering on my face. “Your brother’s here, too?” I asked, my voice a little breathless.

She nodded, but there was a strange, bitter edge to the motion.

“Yes, he is. And he’s not unlucky. He just got a free all-expenses paid vacation to the capital of Nexum,” another voice interrupted from behind us, dripping with sarcasm.

I turned quickly, eyes widening at the new figure standing there. He was a near mirror to Briar, with tanned skin, dark hair, eyes that gleamed with an intensity that matched his sister’s. But this man’s hair was shorter, cropped and shaggy just above his ears, and his features were a little sharper.

“Thorne Grey,” the man said smoothly, offering me his hand.

I blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected introduction. His presence was as commanding as his sister’s. I hesitated for a moment, then shook his hand.

“Thorne and Briar?” I asked, sending a cheeky look back over my shoulder.

Briar shrugged, moving to stand next to her brother. “Our Ma was real outdoorsy,” she said as if that was answer enough for the woodsy nature of their names.

“Brexlyn Hollis,” I said, turning back to Thorne. “You’re Briar’s brother, then?”

“Nah, no relation” Thorne said, his lips quirking into a half-smile.

Briar elbowed him in the ribs and Thorne let out a hearty laugh.

“Alright, alright. Unfortunately, I am.” He gave his sister a glance that spoke volumes, a complicated mix of familiarity,irritation, and something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Then, turning back to me, he leaned in slightly, as if sharing some secret. “But don’t let her fool you. She may have gotten the votes, but I’m the far superior twin.”

Briar rolled her eyes, clearly used to this dynamic. “Maybe you should go get something to drink, Thorne.”

But Thorne wasn’t having it. He waved a hand dismissively, his voice teasing. “Oh, and miss out on meeting this gorgeous creature? Look, if the universe wants to play its cruel joke on me, at least let me enjoy it.”

There was a flicker of something in Briar’s expression, something like regret, maybe even a hint of defensiveness. But before she could respond, Thorne gave her a shove, turning back to me with a wry grin.

“So, love, can I call you love?” he said, his tone shifting again, “You’re here to win the medical trials right? ”

I stood a little straighter, feeling the weight of their gazes on me, and crossed my arms. “Maybe I’m here because the universe is playing some cruel joke on me,” I said, borrowing from Thorne’s description. He offered me a smile. “But while I’m here, yeah, I hope I can win those trials. Or at least place high enough to get my brother some help.”

Thorne’s grin widened, his eyes twinkling with a cocky glint that made my stomach flip. He looked like he was about to say something more, but before he could, the anthem of Nexum blared through the speakers, its booming, triumphant notes echoing through the grand hall. The entire room fell silent in an instant, all eyes drawn to the elevated platform where Archon Evanora Veritas had taken her place.

I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat as I looked up at her. There, standing above us all, was the epitome of power. Archon Veritas, tall and imposing, with a presence that seemed to dwarf everyone in the room. Her gown wasan elaborate masterpiece of gold and silver. The flared edges of the skirt created a solid few feet of space around her, a deliberate gesture that kept anyone from getting too close. A barrier designed to remind us of her untouchable position.

The room’s collective attention shifted entirely to her as the anthem reached its peak, and then, with a calm, commanding voice, she spoke.

“By the will of the Praxis, you are welcome,” she exclaimed.

“For the will of Praxis, we arrive,” the room boomed. I’d never heard the response quite so full and eager. But I guess when in Praxis…

“Welcome, Challengers, to the Reclamation Run!” Her voice was smooth, laced with an undeniable edge of authority, but there was also something strangely captivating about it, like she could command a room without lifting a finger. The crowd responded with a loud cheer, a chorus of admiration and anticipation.

As she spoke, her gaze swept over the gathered crowd seeking out the Challengers scattered amongst the privileged, lingering just a moment longer on each one of us. Her eyes passed over Briar and Thorne briefly, but then I noticed her attention flicker in my direction, just for a split second. I didn’t know if it was because she recognized me or if it was simply the way she had a knack for making everyone feel like they were under her watchful eye. Either way, my heart skipped a beat.

I wasn’t the only one to feel it. The entire room seemed to hold its breath as she continued, her posture regal and unwavering.

“Tonight, we mark the beginning of the Run. Those of you who survive the trials will be given the chance to reclaimwhat’s been lost. Your prize? Resources. Honor. And for some of you…salvation.”

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