Page 104 of Shadow Witch

The other announcer bobbed his head up and down. “It’ll be interesting to see what choices they make. One is a sure-fire win, and the other is complete stupidity.”

“Gentlemen,” Dominic’s voice boomed. “Make your selection.”

Devon grimaced at Henry who matched his expression. As the clock counted down to zero, each man pointed at their choice.

Paige’s jaw dropped open as Devon chose the compass, but Henry chose to kill Devon. “Oh, no. If Henry kills Devon…”

“Wow, I did not see that coming, Charlie. Devon LeBlanc has foregone the chance to kill his competitor in favor of giving the bride the soul compass.”

“An interesting choice indeed, Sam. Meanwhile, his competitor has made the decision to kill Devon. Which in turn could also mean that he could then slay the vampire and claim the soul compass for his bride. This will be an interesting turnout.”

Paige’s stomach twisted into a knot as she tightened her grip on her water bottle. She’d end up stuck with Henry, and Dominic probably wouldn’t even give them the soul compass. Would Devon really be dead?

Tears welled in her eyes. Had she cost him his life? He’d only been trying to help. She considered shouting out to stop the contest. Could she object? Could she do anything to stop Devon’s death?

She rose, her fingers curling into fists.

“What are you doing?” Dewey whispered.

“I have to stop this. Devon can’t die. Not because he was trying to do this for me.”

“Sit down. They haven’t even announced the winner yet.”

“What?” Paige asked, her brow crinkled.

“They’ll announce a winner based on their choices. It’s not going to be mass chaos. No one’s getting killed…yet.”

Paige frowned as she sank into her seat, her heart still thudding against her chest.

The judges conferred at their table, whispering back and forth before the head judge leaned forward toward his microphone. “We have a decision. Competitors, please note the decision is final. Both competitors should leave the arena after it is announced.”

Paige wiped her sweaty palms against her trousers as she blew out a shaky breath.

“The winner of the Test of Selflessness and the Amor Fortis…the man who will marry Paige Turner is…”

A hushed silence came over the crowd as they waited for the announcement.

The sound of Paige’s heart thudding and blood rushing through her ears deafened her. Her chest tightened, her breathing turned labored as she waited for the result.

“Devon LeBlanc,” the judge announced.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as people leapt to their feet to celebrate the win. Paige’s muscles went weak as she sank her head into her hands, a few tears escaping.

“He did it! He did it!” Dewey chanted. “Paige, you’re going to be a princess!”

Paige wiped the tears away as she lifted her head. “Yeah. Thank goodness. At least now we can move on.”

Dewey buzzed into the air and spun in a circle. “Let’s go congratulate the groom!”

“I think not!” Henry shouted from the realm. The celebration died down as all eyes turned back to the screen. “You will not be allowed you win, you foul creature!”

He drew his sword and pointed it at Devon.

Devon held his hands up in the air, a wince on his features. “Come on, now. You heard them. I won, fair and square. Don’t be a poor sport.”

“I most certainly will be a poor sport. This is Paige’s life. Her future. I will not see it marred by a marriage to you.”

“Well, unfortunately, that’s not up to you now. I won the challenge,” Devon answered.

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