Page 10 of The Kingdom of Ruin

That’s where I will reign.

My nostrils flare as I take a deep breath before slowly exhaling and continuing along the path.

Reaching the bottom of the incline, I notice the tree line grows thicker, the lush green leaves forming the perfect archway over the path as I slink into what seems like a forest. White snowdrop flowers grow sporadically throughout the grassy area, with a few sprinklings of berry shrubs and daisies.

It’s undeniably breathtaking, but it has a strange way of setting me on edge. Like it’s out of place here. Maybe that’s the point of it: to catch us off guard.

Well, consider my guard well and truly in place. Thank you very much.

The sound of music playing drowns out the tweeting birds, and every step I take makes it louder. I purse my lips, considering whether to continue on ahead and risk bumping into whoever is playing the awful tune that fills the air or turn back around, slink back into the shadows, and walk the long way back.

My stomach grumbles in protest, reminding me that I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday evening, but the indecision still wars inside of me. Curiosity gets the better of me when I spy two guys by a fallen tree trunk.

I slow my pace, sticking to the opposite side of the path to where they are as I take them in. One has a soccer ball in his possession, tossing it up in the air and catching it while he lays on the grass beside the trunk, whereas the other guy sits with his elbows braced on his knees.

They’re chatting and laughing, none of which is actually audible with the music playing, but the familiarity and calmness between them is clear. Which is crazy as hell because I can tell they’re not from the same origin.

The guy on the grass has messy brown hair, emerald green eyes, and a noticeably broad frame, even from this distance. The guy with him has jet-black hair swept to the side with precision and deep brown eyes that seem to be calculating everything, even while he’s seemingly relaxing.

A glance from anyone else may seem irrelevant, especially from this angle where you can’t see any more significant details about them, but my father trained me how to confirm someone’s origin. It’s an ability I like to keep close to my chest. Especially here.

Secret or not, the two origins I find laughing together now are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

A wolf and a vampire.

The origins with the largest populations, making them the top two origins likely to produce the new heir. The thought alone makes my jaw clench and my eyes narrow as I stare at them, even though they’ve technically done nothing wrong.

A twig snaps under my boot, a sound not noticeable above the music, not to the naked ear at least, but it drags both of their gazes in my direction. It takes everything in me to school my features and keep my feet moving, despite their attention, but it’s impossible to tear my eyes from them.

The air shifts around me and the wolf forgets his ball, bracing on his elbows as he glances over at me. The vampire frowns, the tick to his jaw noticeable from here. My presence is clearly not wanted. Maybe turning around earlier to go unnoticed was the better option, but it’s too late for me to change my mind now.

Rolling my shoulders back, I wet my dry lips as I strain every muscle in my neck to look away from them, but just because I’m not looking at them doesn’t mean they’re not looking at me. My body tingles from their attention, and as much as I will it away, it only grows stronger the closer I get.

Just follow the path, Addi. Pretend they’re not there and get the hell out of here before you open your mouth and cause any unnecessary drama.

“I don’t know who suggested you go for a walk through here, but let me make it clear: no humans are wanted along this path.”

“Not human, but thanks,” I bite back before I can stop myself.

A flash of movement flickers in the corner of my eye, and a moment later, the pathway in front of me is blocked. The green-eyed wolf stands with his arms folded over his chest, a step behind the vampire who leers a little closer than I’m sure is necessary. He taps at his chin as his gaze drifts over me from head to toe, the cloak concealing most of me from them.

Thankful for the floaty layer, I slip my hands inside to hold onto the first weapon I can get my hands on. Just in case.

“Well, you’re not a vampire, as there’s nothing flashy about you,” he states, turning his nose at me, but I keep completely still, refusing to react.

“Definitely not a wolf. She’s not warm and welcoming,” the guy behind him adds, making the vampire nod.

“Not a human, so she says, and she’s missing pointy ears. Sure, she’s wearing a cloak like a mage, but she doesn’t have the air of regal wisdom like Abel does. Wouldn’t you agree?” He doesn’t bother to glance over his shoulder at his companion, who nods in agreement.

“If you’re done with your assessment…” I start, but the vampire’s gaze darkens as he shakes his head at me. Which only serves to annoy me more.

“Which only leaves a shifter, but there’s just…something missing from the equation.” He edges in closer, making my spine stiffen. “So, we’re back at the beginning with you being a human. Lying about it is never going to change that fact.”

I refrain from rolling my eyes, barely, as my mouth parts, ready to put him back in his place, but the shrill sound of girls giggling bursts the little bubble we seem to be in. My lips mash together and I sink my teeth into my tongue, willing myself to keep tight-lipped.

Glancing over their shoulders, I track the new arrivals: three girls and five guys. I feel both pairs of eyes remain on my face for a moment longer before they follow my line of sight.

Use this to your advantage, Addi. Get. Out. Of. Here.

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