Page 48 of Trial of Thorns
Drake grins, but Caspian curls a lip in disgust. Apparently he feels the same.
“So sad when past mistakes continue to bite us in the butt, isn’t it?” Drake says.
“Not really,” I say. “That’s simply called consequences. Without them, our world goes to shit.”
Kari narrows her eyes as she examines me. “Do you not wish to win the trials, then?”
Drake turns a glare to her. “Why wouldn’t she?”
Kari doesn’t take her eyes off of me. “Are you just trying to make a point? Or do you have another goal?”
I shake my head. “I intend to win.”
Caspian rolls his eyes. Drake grins—he doesn’t think I have a chance. Kari continues to watch me with quiet consideration.
“Winning the trials is as much a punishment as it is reward.” And I believe I’m the right one to enter hell in search for a cure.
“You seek redemption,” she says with a nod.
I shrug. “A form of it, I suppose.” I clamp my mouth shut after that, knowing if I continue, I won’t be doing myself any favors. I want them to think they have something to give me that I’d sincerely desire—other than winning the trials. Let them think they have the upper hand, that they have what I desperately desire in the palm of their hand.
Confident people make mistakes.
“What makes you think we’d want you with us?” Caspian says, clearly annoyed. “You’re visibly weak. What value would you bring?”
I raise my eyebrows.
“I don’t know,” Kari says. “Riding a shadow-vyrn? That was pretty badass.”
I smile but ignore her interjection. “Distraction,” I say, answering Caspian’s concern directly. “So long as I’m in the trials, Rev and his allies are distracted with their bloodlust.”
Kari crosses her arms but smiles widely. She likes this answer. Drake too, looks impressed.
I know without a doubt that they’d wanted me to show up to this meeting. They want me as part of their alliance—well, not Caspian, clearly, but the other two. And this is the reason why.
“It’s an interesting proposition,” Drake says. “We are one of two major alliances left in the trials. The other is Reveln, Rook, and Brielle. Perhaps we could stand to use another on our side.”
“They’re a pretty tight alliance. Friends for years, and I hear Rev and Brielle are an item now.” Kari winks, causing my stomach to sink.
“That’s disgusting,” Caspian says.
“Why?” I can’t help but ask. What would be disgusting about two fae courting?
“Boning your dead brother’s fated mate?” He shivers.
My blood runs cold. Brielle was Reahgan’s mate? I... hadn’t realized.
“They were never together, what does it matter?” Kari asks.
“Anyway,” Drake says. “All three of them, I know for certain, have sworn to kill you at the first opportunity. So, I can see how advantageous a strong alliance would be for you.”
And why he can trust I won’t turn on him. Alone, I’m unlikely to survive. “They’ve already tried,” I admit.
“They attacked you?” Caspian asks.
“They set a trap for me during the first trial.” I leave it simple. No need to give them more details than necessary. “It didn’t work.”
“They’ll try harder,” Drake says matter-of-factly.
