Page 136 of Trial of Thorns

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Rev

My eyes narrow at thebird in Brielle’s hand. A bird.

I recall Caelynn’s comment to take care of the bird if she died. I recall her strange conversation with no one at all on that island. Although wasn’t that an owl? This is a raven. Either way, even despite Caelynn’s words, I didn’t realize how much it means to her until I see her reaction.

Caelynn is dead still. I’ve seen her panic. I’ve seen her break down. But I’ve never seen an expression like the one she wears now.

Caelynn, who’s so good at masking every emotion, is terrified.

“A bird?” I say, crossing my arms, trying to deflect any attention from Caelynn. “You really think a bird is going to cause her enough pain to satisfy you?”

Brielle turns her attention to me. “I admit, I was surprised too. But I knew something was off when it continued to follow us. When it so clearly warned you of our planned ambush. And then, when I was able to glamour the creature, I knew.”

My eyes narrow.

“This bird is certainly notjusta bird.”

I laugh. “That’s not even the same bird. You’re going to humiliate yourself when you kill a bird in the middle of the final trial and get no reaction whatsoever. Don’t be cruel to the creature for no reason.”

Her smile widens. “Perhaps you’re right.” She turns to Caelynn, who I’m honestly not sure is breathing. “But I’d rather find out for myself.”

The bird squeaks and struggles in Brielle’s grip as she reaches up with her other hand, gripping the small creature’s head.

“Wait!” Caelynn screams. “I’ll forfeit now. I’ll let you kill me, I swear it.”

Brielle’s smile grows, her eyes shining red. “You see, Rev?” She pulls the bird closer to her chest, caressing its head gently. “She doesn’t even love you. She loves this human. Pathetic, isn’t it? And so, very, very perfect.”

“I swear,” Caelynn whispers again.

“I don’t want you to die, Caelynn,” Brielle says. Tears stream down Caelynn’s cheeks, and my stomach clenches. “I want you to live with it, the way I had to live with it.”

In one swift movement, Brielle snaps the bird’s neck.

****

CAELYNN SCREAMS ANDjerks forward, but it’s too late. We all know it’s too late.

Caelynn’s scream is so palpable the crowd hushes, focusing on her agony. Feeling it with her. The voice coming from her throat fills the arena, echoing and unnatural. It’s not her voice, I realize.It’s his. It’s the creature whose power she holds.

Before the black bird’s limp body even reaches the ground, a blast of power rages from Caelynn’s body and slams into Brielle with utter silence.

The ground beneath us rumbles with the explosion, knocking Drake off his feet, but Brielle’s body is frozen still, her arms flung open, her mouth wide in a silent scream.

The world stops in that moment.

As a dark power takes over Caelynn’s body, pulling Brielle apart at the seams.

At her feet lies a slight female form with raven black hair sprawled everywhere. The girl doesn’t move.

The smell of death fills the quiet arena.

Brielle remains in her frozen state of agony as Caelynn rushes to the limp child. She shakes her shoulders. “No!” she screams, and I shudder. She wails a pained sound that permeates the whole arena, and my heart aches for her.