Page 28 of Shadow Witch

“Loser in one of these challenges always dies. That’s the way of it. Usually at the hand of the winner. So, if you lose…you die.”

Paige’s jaw unhinged. “No. No, you’re not serious. That makes no sense. It’s a challenge for someone’s hand in marriage. Not a duel to the death.”

“Well, yes and no. Ivy could very well spare you. Though I doubt it.” Drucinda flicked her ponytail over her shoulder and shrugged. “She hates you. I’d say she’ll kill you.”

“Oh, definitely,” Dewey said. “Probably in a really painful way too. She’ll make you suffer. She’ll drag it out. She’ll–“

“Okay, stop. I get it. Don’t lose. So, if I win…I have to kill Ivy?”

“No, it’s not required. You could let her go.” Drucinda puckered her lips and arched an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t. I’d stake her right through the heart.”

Paige winced at the idea, imagining herself shoving a wooden stake through the woman’s heart as blood spurted everywhere. “Okay, we’ll, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. So, first challenge, solve the riddles quickly and get out. What was the second one?”

“The Gauntlet of Trust,” Dewey answered. “A mystical, maze-like gauntlet brimming with illusions and obstacles that will test your commitment to Devon. You’ll have to navigate a treacherous path while actively choosing things that demonstrate your willingness to sacrifice for Devon.”

Paige let her eyes slide closed. “Are you kidding me?”

“Nope. And the fun bit is…we’ll get to watch it on the Jumbotron like a live-action movie.” A grin spread across Dewey’s face.

“Stop smiling. This is awful.”

“But it is another realm where you will have limited contact with Ivy, though there may be some. So you’ll need to watch your back, but for the most part, you can concentrate on the challenge without fearing she will kill you.”

“Oh, awesome, great. Super simple, yeah. I’ve got this.”

“I wouldn’t be so cocky, Paige,” Dewey said with a shake of his head. “I doubt you’ve ‘got it.’”

Paige narrowed her eyes at him. “I was being sarcastic. What’s the last one? Assuming I make it that far.”

“The Duel of Shared Memories,” Dewey announced, his voice dramatic.

Paige covered her face with her hands. “A duel. That’s just great.”

“In this wonderful event, you and Ivy will go to a magical area where you will each be given the opportunity to conjure a vivid illusion of your most cherished memory with Devon. Whoever created the most powerful, heartfelt memory reflecting their love and connection with him wins. You’ll take turns for three rounds.”

“And also,” Drucinda added, “Ivy will have the ability to kill you in this one because you’ll be together.”

“Ohhhh, perfect. So, I need to come up with heartfelt memories of Devon while avoiding being killed. Perfect. This is just grand. I’ll die before I ever find my mother.”

“Come on, Paige,” Dewey said. “Don’t be a Debbie Downer. You have to think positive. You can win.”

“Can I? My connection with Devon is tenuous at best. This is a fake marriage, so my loving memories should pale in comparison to Ivy’s, not to mention my humanity will likely be a detriment, and I’ll probably just get bitten and die a slow painful death.”

“Or you could win…and marry Devon.”

Paige slid her eyes closed. Which was worse? Dying at the hand of a Venompire or being stuck with Dominic Durand as a father-in-law for the rest of her life? She wasn’t certain, but she knew one thing. She may not survive this challenge no matter the outcome.

CHAPTER 7

Dewey fluttered closer and patted her on the shoulder. “Cheer up, Paige. There is a bright side to all of this.”

Paige flicked glassy eyes toward him, trying to discern what it could be. “There is?”

Was there some reward that she was missing? If she won, maybe she got millions of dollars in prizes or something.

Dewey settled on the arm of the chair with a bob of his head. “Sure, there is. It’s going to be so fun to watch.”

Paige’s lips tugged down into a frown as she let her gaze fall to her lap. “Soooo glad it’ll be entertaining for you.”

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