Page 109 of A Fate so Wicked

I didn’t know what the future held or if it was the last time I’d ever enjoy someone else’s company, so I wanted to soak up every second. Clearing my throat, the room became charged with anticipation as I picked up the cards. A palpable energy buzzed through my body when our fingers brushed and created an electrifying tension. There was no way I’d be able to forget him should I make it out of this hellhole.And I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

He pushed me to my limits. He believed in me. Refused to let me give up. Called out my bullshit.

Loathe as I was to confess it—and I doubt I would to him—I wouldn’t have survived so long without him.

I fanned my cards to face my chest and concealed a smirk. It was nearly a perfect hand, with almost a full run of tens and a set of spades. As much as I didn’t want this night to end so quickly, the satisfaction of beating Talon would be well worth it.

He flipped over the top card, revealing an eight of clubs that I could either pick up in exchange for one in my hand or pass.

“Pass.”

Talon arched a brow and picked it up for himself, placing a two of hearts in its place. “I hate to break it to you, firefly, but I already have this game in the bag.” He leaned back in his chair, letting his foot graze the side of my calf as he crossed his ankles.

My eyes flickered to the table, but I wouldn’t let him distract me. Talon played dirty. This time, it wouldn’t work.

“Always so confident. It’s kind of cute.” I pulled from the stockpile and stuck my tongue out at him—a king of spades. He had no idea what was about to hit him. “Too bad it’s nearsighted.”

Talon laughed, deep and full of that rare boyish charm that filled me with warmth in the places that usually felt cold. “I’m sorry, can you repeat that? I stopped listening after you said I was cute.”

I kicked him under the table. “Stars. That would be the only thing you heard.” He shrugged as if to say I should’ve known, and I kicked him again. “Go asshole, it’s your turn.”

We went back and forth, collecting and discarding cards in tense silence until we were halfway through the deck. I knew there was no way he had a better hand—I was sure of it.

I’d formed three separate melds that included a run of spades and diamonds, as well as a set of tens. It was as perfect as it could get. I beamed with delight while I waited for Talon to take his last turn and knocked on the table, signaling the end of the game.

And that I won.

Talon sucked his teeth, trying but failing to not look upset—the big baby—and splayed his cards on the table. He had a few good sets and a run of hearts, but it wouldn’t be enough.

I smiled as I laid mine down and leaned back in my seat, enjoying the pitiful expression that wrinkled his forehead.

He really did hate losing.

It was glorious.

“If I’m not mistaken, this beats your high score, no?” I teased, stacking the cards back into a pile before handing them to Talon.

He dropped his head and chuckled. “Mhm. I’ll let you have this moment, firefly. But the gloves come off next time.”

He wished.

Rising from the table, I straightened my back and eased the strain in my neck with a slow roll. Eventually, I found myself drawn to the large bay windows and wandered over.

The once bustling courtyard of fae below had grown silent and empty from my viewpoint. Gone was the array of colorful folk parading about, some who dressed in eccentric fashions, while others wore nothing but rags. Curiosity itched to the surface as I wondered where they went after nightfall. If they lived in the castle or on the outskirts of the surrounding city. A small part of me yearned to find out. To dive headfirst into the culture. To explore.

In a realm as beautiful as theirs, with equally fascinating individuals, there had to be more than met the eye.

I strolled over to the bed and flopped onto the mattress with a thud. A million emotions swirled inside my chest. “I can’t believe there’s only two more trials left,” I said after a moment, keeping my gaze locked on the ceiling. “I’m trying not to think about it too much. It sends me into a panic if I do, and I get shaky and nauseous.” I wanted to look at him but didn’t. “And I’m not ready to die, Talon. There’re so many things that I want to do. Places to see. Foods to eat.” I wrung my hands. “I’m terrified,” I whispered.

There it was—the truth I’d been trying to run from. The truth that seeped into my dreams

The bed dipped as Talon laid down next to me, propping himself up on an elbow. “You’re not going to die, firefly.” He laced his fingers with mine and pulled me closer.

“You don’t know that. Aeron’s out for blood. The king is absolutely mad. When we step into that arena in a few days, anything can happen. None of us stand a chance.”

“You’re right. I should just start preparing your obituary now. What a tragedy, I was just starting to like you too.”

My jaw dropped, and I shoved him in the shoulder.

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