Page 20 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

The Choosing couldn’t end prematurely. It just couldn’t.

A memory flickered across Brynleigh’s mind. Her heart raced. Her stomach knotted. Flashes of too-sudden lightning and a deluge of rain forced their way out of the compartment where she kept them. She shoved them back down.

After what felt like hours but was probably a few seconds, Lilith smiled. “The Choosing will continue as planned. Chancellor Rose believes stopping it would give the rebels what they want.”

Brynleigh’s legs trembled in relief.

“And we’re safe?” Hallie asked.

“Extremely,” replied the Matron. “There has never been a single participant injury or death in the history of the Choosing. This one won’t be any different.”

Calliope asked a follow-up question, but Brynleigh didn’t hear her. Relief liquefied the vampire’s limbs, and she barely reached the empty seat on the couch next to Esme.

The Light Elf glanced at her, lifting a manicured brow in question, but Brynleigh shook her head. “I’m fine,” she murmured.

And she would be. Rebels be damned, Brynleigh de la Point wouldn’t be leaving the Hall of Choice without a ring on her finger.

CHAPTER 6

Today Would Change Everything

Ryker’s alarm blared, the obnoxious tone pulling him out of sleep. He rolled over, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. His heart thundered, and he stared at the ceiling.

This was the day he’d been waiting for.

Today, he would meet twelve women. One of them would be his bride.

His stomach, which was usually rock-solid, was a churning mess. It took him a moment to realize what it was—nerves. That was strange. Ryker couldn’t remember the last time he’d been nervous. He was a decorated soldier, for the gods’ sake. He’d faced down entire armies without a trace of fear.

And yet, he was anxious. Even his magic roiled in his veins. Deep within him, he knew today would change everything.

That thought had Ryker rolling out of bed, quickly showering, and getting dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt. He raked a hand through his hair and headed to the Ruby Lounge.

He wasn’t the only nervous one, it seemed. Breakfast was a rapid, loud affair as the men speculated about the women they’d meet. When the Matron entered a few minutes later, Ryker was polishing off a bagel with cream cheese.

Matron Cassandra’s eyes sparkled. “Good morning, gentlemen. Are you ready for today?”

A chorus of “yes” rang through the room. Ryker joined them. Breakfast had eased his nerves, and now excitement flourished within him. He was eager for this day to get underway.

Smiling, the Matron instructed them to head to the ballroom when ready. There, they would check in with a woman named Lacey to receive their headphones, a necessary component for the Choosing. After confirming that no one had any questions, she departed.

Less than a minute after the Matron left, the first man followed suit. Ryker stood as well and was in the middle of the group as they made their way through the Hall of Choice.

The walk to the ballroom took a lifetime and a few seconds. Maybe Ryker was still nervous, after all. An armed guard stood at the ballroom entrance, his expression grim. Ryker counted at least three weapons on the man.

His fingers itched for his own gun, or even a knife, but he wasn’t a captain here. He was a participant in the Choosing. Unarmed. Defenseless, but for the water magic that was his birthright.

He nodded at the soldier. “Good morning.”

“Morning, sir.” The guard opened the door. “Good luck, and may the gods bless your Choice.”

“Thank you.” Ryker had heard the blessing many times, but for the first time, it meant something more. He entered with a spring in his step, automatically scanning the dimly lit room for threats. He marked the exits, tucking the knowledge away in his mind.

The faint lilt of classical string music streamed out of hidden speakers, a backdrop to the quiet hum of conversation already filling the space.

A woman Ryker presumed was Lacey stood at a table nearby. Half a dozen white headphones were spread on the surface before her, and she held a clipboard as she spoke with Therian.

Two guards stood behind Lacey, and a dozen others were scattered through the room. They had their backs against the walls and were attempting to be inconspicuous. It was a nearly impossible task. The soldiers were dressed in black and had large guns holstered on their belts. They were a stark contrast against the ruby theme that surrounded them.

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