Page 22 of A Sky of Storms
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” I said. “It’s why I want to be queen. To make things better. Not just for the country but for my siblings too.”
“Plural? You have others besides Victoria?” Kendra asked, her eyes darting around for my wretched sister as she spoke.
I laughed. “Yes, but don’t worry. My parents haven’t corrupted them yet—or ever will if I have my way. I have a brother, Ethan, and a little sister, Hadley.” I smiled, wondering what both were doing that very minute. “They’re my everything.”
Kendra nodded. “It must be special,” she said softly, but not unkindly. “To have people who love you and look out for you. Not all of us are so lucky.”
My heart did a sad little sigh at her downcast face. She was right, I was lucky to have my siblings. To have Ethan in my corner. Everyone deserved to have someone to love. Especially someone like Kendra.
“Hey,” I said suddenly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her to a stop. “Let’s make a deal to watch each other’s backs while we’re here. To make it to the end together. And whoever wins? We can cheer the other on when we’re done with this place.”
Kendra’s eyes narrowed, even as a hopeful curiosity lit those dark brown eyes. “Why would you offer such a thing?”
I didn’t blame her for being sceptical. Honestly, striking such a deal could bite me in the ass during the trials, but hell, I felt like I could trust this girl. She was clearly smart and strong, having survived in this fucked-up world despite all the obstacles against her. Besides, I’d be lying if I didn’t want to see her succeed … if not by gaining the crown, then by some other means.
I shrugged, smiling as I cocked my head. “I know what it’s like to be on your own. To feel like every day you’re just fighting to survive. My parents are—” I swallowed, shaking my head. I may have wanted a friend, but I wasn’t ready to talk aboutthemyet. “I just think it’d be nice. To have someone in our corners. Someone who we can rely on.”
She looked at me long and hard, and I knew she could tell that maybe I wasn’t as put-together as I pretended. But after a while she shot me a broad grin and held out her hand. “It’s a deal, sky girl. And whoever wins can ensure the other is comfortable—their loved ones too. Let’s show these other Potentials what we’re made of.”
I blew out a breath and matched her smile as I slid my palm against hers. “Now that I can do.” We continued walking, and I felt a weight I hadn’t realised I’d been carrying ease from my shoulders. “You headed to magic class?”
“Yeah, I can’t wait to put Kayden in his place,” she said, crinkling her small nose in amusement. “It’s like toying with a mouse. The guy makes it too easy to rile him up.”
My brows shot up as I looked her tiny frame up and down. “You’re taking on Kayden? Do you have a death wish or something?”
She laughed. “I’m stronger than I look. I’m from the Crimson Steppes, remember? Not all of us need to be the size of a mountain to be as powerful as one.”
I followed her eyes as the man in question walked into view, shouldering people in his path until students started scrambling out of the way before he reached them. I didn’t miss the way she appraised those muscles though.
I grinned. “A mountain you would have no problem scaling though, right?”
Kendra pouted. “He might be an asshole, but I can still appreciate the view.”
“I see your point.” He was wearing a black tank top that barely contained his muscles and a pair of tight grey sweatpants that ever so slightly showed the outline of his dick. Goddess have mercy. It was unfair that assholes like him looked so good.
“Hey sweet cheeks,” Kayden said. I rolled my eyes, trying to cover up that I’d been staring, but that damn smirk of his said he knew. “Did you pick out that little number just for me? I bet you can’t wait for me to rip it off you before the end of this.”
I smirked, tossing my braided high ponytail. I did dress hot today, but certainly not for his benefit. I was wearing black short-shorts and a tight blue crop today, with cute black and gold sneakers that had little wings on the back.
“In your dreams, caveman. But you’re welcome to salivate all you like once Kendra kicks your face in.”
A muscle pulsed in his jaw, but as he opened his mouth to speak a feminine voice beat him to it.
“Quiet everyone,” the woman in her late thirties called out, gesturing for us to gather closer. She had long brown hair, brown eyes, and was a complete bombshell. And I was guessing she was Master Luna Jenkins, our magic tutor.
She steepled her fingers as she paced in front of the class in a skin-tight black top and pants combo, which I bet half the guys would be ogling right now. I looked around suspiciously. Yup, there were quite a few eyes glued to her ass.
“In less than two weeks you’ll be fighting for your life in the first trial. You won’t have access to your magic there, but believe me when I say, your survival in the tests beyond will require a sharp mind and even sharper magic skills.” She paused, a creepy smile spreading over her face. “Of course, most of you will be hard-pressed to get to the second trial at all. I don’t teach weaklings. If you aren’t in this with everything you’ve got, you may as well pack your bags and go home.”
Everyone looked at each other with wide eyes—everyone except Kayden, Ace, and Victoria that is. I saw them weighing each other up, and then their eyes swivelled to me, a challenge. I lifted my chin and clenched my fists, letting them see I wasn’t afraid. I’d faced worse monsters than them. Much, much worse.
“You there,” Luna snapped, pointing a deadly finger at a smaller student. “What’s your power?”
The poor kid shrivelled under her stare. He looked around twenty but was scrawny as a rake. He’d be lucky to last a few days in the first trial. “P-p-persuasion, Ms Jenkins,” he stammered.
“Ah, a Tritosian then.” She nodded, seeming satisfied. “A magic most common to the water dwellers of Tritosa City. A handy gift to have when facing opponents of varying magics. Tell me, Mister…?”
“Dick. Dick Jobs.”
