Page 103 of Shadow Witch

Paige wrinkled her nose. “And now you’ve ruined it.”

They reached the bottom of the stairs, and he stopped, twisting to face her. “All jokes, Paige. It’s my pleasure.”

Before she could answer, he grabbed hold of her, dipped her toward the floor, and planted a kiss on her lips. She blinked hard as he stood her up again, and she stumbled back a step. “You have really got to stop doing that.”

“Just my way of saying you’re welcome,” he answered with a grin as his father approached.

“There you are. Devon, it’s almost time for the last trial. You very nearly missed it,” Dominic said, his irritation obvious.

“Sorry. Paige and I were…bonding.”

“Save it for after the wedding, won’t you? Let’s get this over with.”

“I’m ready,” Devon said, smashing a fist against his palm. “I am ready to crush this sucker.”

“As much as I hope you win as a show of strength, I…” Dominic flicked a gaze over his shoulder at Paige.

“What?” Devon asked.

“Never mind,” he answered as they stepped into the ballroom. The crowd cheered as Devon arrived, ready for the battle to begin.

“Well, it appears we have all parties involved. The final challenge can now begin,” Dominic announced.

Applause broke out as Devon and Henry stepped forward, flanking Dominic who stood in front of another realm entrance.

Dominic shifted his gaze between the two of them. “This is the Test of Selflessness. Each of you will enter the realm and be presented with a decision. It will involve a sacrifice. Choose wisely, and you shall win the battle and our bride’s hand. Choose poorly and you shall lose. Good luck to you both.”

Devon thrust out his hand. “May the best man win.”

Henry stared at it, his lips tugging into a sneer. “I am certain I will.”

Devon pulled it back with a frown.

“Are we ready, gentlemen?” Dominic asked.

“Ready,” Devon said with a nod.

Paige settled into a seat as the two men prepared to enter the other realm for the challenge. She guzzled more water, hoping it helped her headache.

“What do you think?” Dewey asked as he perched on her shoulder. “Devon’s looking good out there.”

“I don’t think anymore. I’ve lost the ability to think. I just hope this works out.” She rubbed at her temples as Dominic gave them the signal to go.

Both men dove into the realm to discover what challenges awaited them. “And they’re off, Sam.”

“This proves to be a really interesting match-up, Charlie. We’ve got two hungry competitors. Still can’t figure out why, though.”

“I’m going to smash that guy in the face,” Paige said with a tired sigh.

“Well, the jokes on him. You’ve got two hot guys fighting to marry you, so…”

“Yeah, good point. I wonder who is going to win?” She narrowed her eyes at the screen showing Henry’s choices.

He stood between two massive pillars, his gaze flitting between them as he sized up his decision. Devon, directly across from him, had a similar decision.

“Well, Charlie, it looks like these two men are facing a similar choice. They can kill the other, hence winning Paige’s hand in marriage, or go for that compass.”

“Indeed, a very similar decision, Sam. And we’re being told that the soul compass is something the bride really wants. So the choice would be giving her what she’s been seeking or winning her hand.”

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