Page 33 of A Hunt So Wicked
Riv whispered under her breath, "I vote once we get into the forest, we leave Belinda behind to fend for herself."
I couldn't hide my smirk as several of the girls actually looked intrigued by Riv's plan. Belinda was making enemies left and right. Any woman here who was serious about winning should be doing everything in their power to make friends with every single person they came into contact with. Even I knew that royal life was all about connections and who you knew. If she did get chosen, she was setting herself up for a very hard time.
Unfortunately, Riv hadn’t been quiet enough, and Belinda looked back at me with a smirk. "What are you smiling about, Evie? You're probably just excited to get some alone time with your gu—"
Belinda's catty insult was cut short and she jumped when she realized Kael had moved directly behind her. He simply stared at her, and that was enough to get her to shut her mouth.
"Come on, Isla and Riv. Let's go stand over there," I said, pointing to an empty spot near the gate. I didn't care to look at her face for another second.
“What was that about?” Riv questioned. “I feel like I’m missing something.”
I groaned. “Last night, I needed some air and ran into Kael in the hallway. I hugged him, and Belinda and two other women saw us.”
“Oh, that’s not good,” Isla murmured, glancing over at Kael, who was still behind Belinda.
Riv shook her head at the situation. “She’s intimidated by you. You’re competition.”
“I don’t want to be, though!” I blurted out and quickly regretted it. I still hadn’t been honest with them about my real reason for being here. I knew I would at some point, but I couldn’t just yet.
“Tough shit, my friend. Those dances last night put a target on your back. We just need to make sure she doesn’t develop a case of loose lips and start spreading gossip.”
"Why is she the literal worst?" Isla asked, looking angry for the first time since I’d met her.
"Some people just choose to be miserable," Riv said.
Kael was making his way to us, his expression stony.
"She was about to do some real damage," I spat. "Does she have any idea what would happen?"
“Believe me when I say she doesn’t care. That woman only cares about one thing, and who cares if my shoulders are relieved of my head so long as a crown sits on hers?”
I gasped at his brutal words. “That isnotgoing to happen.”
Riv leaned back against the stone wall. "Well, if she wishes to spew venom, I can always just remove her wicked serpent tongue."
"If only you were my type," Kael breathed, holding a hand over his heart.
"Back at ya, luv." Riv winked and resumed her spot next to Isla.
“No, really. We could be great together.” Kael spread his hands wide. “Total realm domination.”
I rolled my eyes. “Seriously? You must have a death wish.”
Suddenly, the air around us became charged with energy. My hair began to stand on end like an invisible force was causing it to rise. With a crackle and a pop, Liam and Corvus appeared. Some of the girls shrieked while others jumped. I stared in absolute awe as Liam adjusted his navy blue and white shirt, the colors of The Roaring Isle.
Magic.
I'd always had an obsession with studying all the magics, probably because my father tried to forbid it. He learned the hard way that restricting a child from something just makes them that much more curious about it. So, I learned everything I could, as if that would suddenly bless me with the ability to be able to perform it. Unfortunately for me, that's not how it worked. You were born with the gift.
"It is time!" Liam shouted, quieting the noise. "Your guards will escort you all from here to the forest. From there, you'll continue into the woods until you reach a small stream. That is where the royals will meet up with you. You are to return to this spot at dusk to be readmitted into the keep. Any questions?"
Nobody said a word.
"Very well. Corvus, please open the gate."
The sorcerer closed his eyes and placed a hand upon the thick iron of the gate. He whispered something and a loud click sounded as the lock on the gate was undone. With a strong push of magic, the gate swung open, creaking loudly.
"Happy hunting to each of you. Thank you for your commitment to the realm," Corvus called to us as a group. He held out his cloaked arm, indicating that it was time for us to go.
