Page 87 of Courting War
“My parents almost didn’t let me attend the Agoge,” Kellyn continued. “They’ve threatened to disown me if anyone found out about my affliction. That’s what they called it because since I was young, I’ve struggled to learn. Nothing helped. My parents tried withholding privileges, beating me, and even beating others when I failed, but nothing helped because I couldn’t learn like that.”
Kellyn’s palms sweated, and he couldn’t look his friend in the eyes. His shame was out in the open. Emmett would know justhow stupid he was. But this was an apology, so he needed to finish it. “Gallagher switched out my speech with one handwritten in cursive, and I got flustered. It’s harder to read handwriting because none of the letters look the same. I couldn’t read any of it and didn’t want to name the wrong person, so I named myself.” Kellyn’s mouth was dry, and he swallowed. “When I found out it was your name, I got anxious and lied.”
Kellyn sank into silence. Shame swirling around and painting a tableau in his heart. The shame of his affliction, but also the shame of not telling his best mate. If he could reverse time, Kellyn would’ve told his friend everything years ago, but he was too afraid of losing their friendship. Now, because of his lies, it was already lost.
“You can’t read . . .” Emmett repeated slowly.
“I didn’t tell you because I would lose everything if my parents learned anyone knew. It was better to die than have people know my shame.” Kellyn shook his head and rubbed his temples. “No, that’s not completely true either. I didn’t tell you because I was ashamed. Intelligence is the most important thing to you, and I felt like you would hate me if you knew.”
“I wouldn’t have hated you,” Emmett said. “Not for that.”
Raising his head, he finally met his friend’s eyes. “But you would’ve thought less of me.”
Emmett nodded. “Yes.”
“You think less of me now.”
“Yes.” Emmett’s lips fell into a flat line, and his eyes hardened. “I need space to recoup and prepare for the next challenge.”
Kellyn felt theyeslike a punch to the chest, and he didn’t know if Emmett thought less of him because of his confession or because he thought he was a big dumb brute like everyone always assumed.
Both options gutted him, but he couldn’t ask for clarification because Emmett didn’t want to continue the conversation.
Chapter Twenty-Six
KELLYN
Champion of Theoden
THE HALL OF MIRRORS, CITY OF THE GODS
Emmett was better in the sense that he could stand and walk on his own, but his complexion was pallid, his eyes sunken, and sweat dripped from his brow with barely any movement.
A walking, talking weakness.
All Kellyn’s fault. He didn’t like their chances in the challenge. They needed all the gods’ favor if they were to make it through alive. But they needed to continue. Kellyn couldn’t afford any more delays.
It was Queen Nefeli’s challenge. Her mirror was framed by twisting oak tree branches with spiral knots. Its silver reflection was intermingled with falling rose petals and yellow diamonds.
“Shall we?” Cecile asked.
Kellyn grunted and stepped into the mirror first. Best to get it over with.
As his hand slipped through, it felt like a calming bubble bath with rose petals floating on the surface. It was like the mirror was greeting him with a comforting hug.
He shivered. Its kindness was just as unsettling as if it hadused claws to greet him. It caused his stomach to churn and set his toes on fire. He expected danger around any corner. The gods were evil, and any perceived kindness was a trap. A wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Kellyn stepped out onto train tracks leading into a tunnel. Cliff edges surrounded them, and bright pink trees and bushes grew down their sides. Magnolias, crabapples, and cherry trees expanded in every direction, covering the crevices, and shadowing the canopy above. It was a burst of pink; all shades from tea rose to moonstone . . . and even puppy paw pink littered the rocks.
A land of enchantment.
Petals rained down on them, and Morrigan shuddered as she caught a wisteria seed. Her face grew green, and her eyes grew hollow, clearly remembering her sickness.
Sprites danced along the branches, eating her tangled emotions. The little fairies sang songs of joy and unease, sounding like a grand symphony with one of the violinists out of tune. Engrossing, yet slightly off.
“Into the tunnel?” Emmett asked, eying the cave consumed by shadow. Bella stood at Emmett’s side in panther form and acted almost as a walking aid.
“So it would seem.” Morrigan shooed away a sprite that landed on her shoulder.
