Page 99 of Trial of Thorns
Rev
Icrouch beside Tyadinin our shadow sprite-covered hiding place. This is absolutely bizarre. This shadow magic is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It sings over my skin, slipping beneath my clothing and into strange places. I shiver as they tickle beneath my arms. Over my back and neck.
We’re quiet, able to see out to the still forest, with those outside unable to see us.
Finally, the subtle shifting of leaves hints the approach of an enemy. Caelynn’s breath shudders, and I bite my lip, resisting the urge to watch her bright eyes filled with awe, her beautiful lips curling into a subtle smile.
I turn my attention to the pathway—what’s happening outside our hideaway is more important.
“Did we go through a portal?” a sharp female voice exclaims.
A bitter laugh echoes. “This is the shadow lands. They found a shortcut.”
Good, they haven’t yet realized the key to the arena maze. This isn’t a shortcut—this was the only way to get here in a day’s time.
Of course, it’d have been better if they hadn’t followed us at all. Then they’d have been lost for good, but I’ll take what I can get.
“But we’re in an entirely different land now,” Brielle says, her eyes wide as she walks forward slowly.
“We’re supposed to be,” Drake says. “The Black Gates, remember?”
Brielle sighs, “Yes, but I heard Kari scream. We wouldn’t have heard her if she went through here.”
“So?”
“So, she’s back there somewhere, injured! We have to go back and find her.”
“No,” Drake spits. “If she lost to Caelynn or Rev, then she’s lost her value. We move on without her. Besides, there was more than one reason I chose to align with Caelynn. I knew we’d spend a large amount of time in the shadow lands. The queen says it’s the most like the Schorchedlands, and Caelynn knows her way around here. We need to keep close to them.”
Drake certainly knew more about this trial than anyone else. How fair is that?
Brielle stops, her eyebrows pinched in concern. “You’re saying we leave Kari behind, without even knowing if she’s dead or alive?”
“Yes,” he says.
Brielle swallows, pausing right in front of our hiding place. My muscles tense, not even daring to breathe—even though I know the sprites are very capable of silencing any noise.
“They’re stronger than us now,” Brielle whispers, as she begins a slow walk after him.
