Page 6 of Angel of Ruin

"Sir, I?—"

"Save it," he snaps. "You've made a huge mistake in coming to these trials, girl. If this is any indication of your abilities, you won't last five minutes."

I flinch at his words, each one a knife to my already fragile confidence. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back furiously. I won't cry in front of him.

"I suggest you turn around and go home now," Sariel continues, his voice cold. "Save yourself the embarrassment of failing in front of everyone. Your clumsiness might just cost you your worthless life."

I stumble away from Sariel, his harsh words ringing in my ears. My face burns with shame, and I can feel the weight of his intense stare on my back. I want to disappear, to melt into the floor and never be seen again.

But I can't. I won't.

You're not worthless, I tell myself fiercely, clenching my fists at my sides.Your life means something.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. As I walk away, I can feel Sariel's golden eyes on me, burning into my back. Part of me wants to turn around, to see if he's really watching me go, but I force myself to keep moving.

This encounter, as humiliating as it was, isn't going to break me. If anything, it's lit a fire in my belly. I'll use this shame, this anger, as fuel. I'll prove to Sariel, to everyone, that I belong here. And that I'm going to earn my wings, whether they like it or not.

I lift my chin, squaring my shoulders as I walk. Let them stare. Let them whisper. I'm not here for them. I'm here for me, for my family, for a chance at a better life.

As I round the corner, out of sight of Sariel and the others, I allow myself a moment to lean against the wall and catch my breath. My hands are shaking, but not from fear anymore. It's determination coursing through my veins now.

I'm going to train harder than I ever have before. I'll push myself to the brink, day and night, until I'm ready for that first trial. I'll show Sariel and every other xaphan who looks down on us humans what we're really made of.

Watch me, I think, picturing Sariel's cold, golden eyes.I'll make you eat those words.

With renewed resolve, I push off the wall and head back towards the arena crowd. I come back just in time for the room assignments. They slip me a small piece of paper, designating me a room number as well as a list of my trial mates that I'll be living with. Kai, Lena, and Mira.

My heart clenches as I make my way to the room, situated within the arena. This is happening. This is it. The trials will begin soon, and I'll be able to prove to myself, to everyone, that I'm worth something.

When I arrive to the room, a girl with long auburn hair is already inside, sitting on one of the beds. The room is small, with only one window to allow sunlight in. There's four beds, two desks, and no decorations.

There's hardly any space to breathe in here, I think. But it's better than nothing, I suppose.

"Hey there," the girl says, rising to her feet. "My name is Lena."

"I'm Lyra," I say, shaking her hand.

I sit down on the bed across from Lena, my nerves still jangling from my encounter with Sariel. "So, how are you feeling about all this?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Lena's green eyes meet mine, excitement flickering in their depths. "Honestly? I'm terrified. But also... hopeful, you know?"

I nod, understanding exactly what she means. "Yeah, I get it. It's like standing on the edge of a cliff, not knowing if you're going to fly or fall."

"Exactly!" Lena leans forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Have you heard the rumors about how dangerous these trials can be?"

I swallow hard, remembering the stories I've overheard back in my village. "I have. But we've got to try, right? It's our only chance at a better life."

Lena nods solemnly. "That's what keeps me going. The thought of finally being able to help my family, to be seen as more than just... human."

Her words hit close to home, and before I know it, I'm spilling my guts about my encounter with Sariel. I'm eager to talk to someone who finally gets me. Who knows exactly what I'm feeling without having to explain myself with big words.

"I made such a fool of myself in front of him," I groan, burying my face in my hands. "He's one of the overseers, and I dumped water all over him."

To my surprise, Lena doesn't laugh or judge. Instead, she reaches out and places a comforting hand on my arm. "Hey, it's okay. These xaphan, they're not gods. They're just... beings. With wings."

I look up, meeting her sympathetic gaze. "But the way they look at us, like we're nothing..."

"I know," Lena whispers, patting me on the arm. "I've dealt with it my whole life. My parents work as servants in a xaphan household. The things I've seen, the way they treat us..."

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