Page 49 of Trial of Thorns
“I don’t doubt it.”
“They didn’t think you had much of a chance at surviving that challenge, so I’m confident their attempt was halfhearted. You surprised us all, if I’m honest.”
First honest thing you’ve said today.
“I, for one, think you’ve been punished enough,” he continues. “You were only a child, after all. Even in the human world they don’t judge a child’s actions the same as an adult’s.” His tone is so sweet I almost gag.
I hold my breath, schooling every feature not to show my utter distain and disgust. I need this alliance. I need them to at least think I’m on their side for another challenge or two. If they’ll defend me against my real enemies—whowilltry to kill me—then I have to take it. I clench my hands into fits but otherwise manage to keep my expression calm.
“So, is it a deal?” I ask.
“We’ll take it under consideration.”
I clench my jaw. They made it clear they have the upper hand. They’re interested in the alliance, but they know I need them more than they need me.
Rev
Istand at the edgeof the ruby gates inside the training room, looking up at the intricate design, breathing deep and steady. I am ready.
“You ever think what our life would have been like if she’d never been born?” Brielle’s voice is soft beside me. The other champions gather behind us, but my focus is sharp. Facing only what lies before me.
I clench my jaw. “Every day.”
“Do you think things happen for a reason?”
“No.” I feel her wince at my harsh tone but refuse to look. “I think the world is shit, and we just have to do what we can with it.”
“We’re going to kill her,” she says, the venom in her voice terrifying. She repeats the same mantra every day.We will kill her.
“Yes,” I hiss. Even if I have to sacrifice my own life to do it. My brother’s murderer will meet her end before the end of the month. I’d rather not destroy all my prospects to achieve it—I’d rather not take my own life to steal hers—but I will. If that’s what it takes.
The doors swing wide and the remaining eight contestants walk out into the sunlight. I march, my head high as the crowd screams. I lead the pack. The rest of the champions march behind me.
At the end of the massive arena are the thorn gates that marked the beginning and ending of our first trial. Below the thorn arch, near the middle of the arena stands an orb of glistening black. Inside are three figures.
A pixie flies overhead, past the champions and over the crowd who cheers for her. She lands on top of the translucent black orb. “Welcome, champions, to your second trial! Today, you will each, one by one, enter the orb of despair. You must face your deepest regrets, and darkest fears in order to succeed.”
