Page 30 of The Blood Moon Oath

I shake my head, turning to Kael. “You feel it too, don’t you? The pull? Don’t try to pretend you’re immune to it, Kael. None of us are.”

Kael’s eyes meet mine, steady and unyielding. “She’s dangerous. That much is clear. But we can use that. She’s already agreed to the Trials.”

"The Trials aren’t a game, Kael. Rothgar isn’t a game. And now, you’ve tied yourself to someone who’s barely more than a stranger.”

“She’s more than that,” Kael says firmly, meeting my gaze.

I pause, my mind reeling at his words. “What isshe, then?” I demand. “Because she’s not normal, and you know it. That pull we all feel—it’s not just because she’s stubborn or clever or whatever else Torin likes to spout about her. There’s something in her blood, Kael. Something we can’t explain.”

Torin leans back, his boots hitting the floor with a dull thud. “She’s human. At least, mostly. I mean, she’s not glowing or chanting spells under her breath.”

“Yet,” I mutter darkly. “We all feel it. You can’t deny it, Torin. She doesn’t just push us physically; it’s like she’s in our heads. That’s the binding, yes, but it’smore.”

Torin shrugs, clearly unbothered. “So she’s a mystery. Big deal. Maybe she’s got some interesting ancestry. Maybe she’s just... unique.”

“Or maybe the witches’ magic didn’t die out,” I counter, my voice dropping. “Maybe the old prophecies are real.”

The words hang heavy in the air, and for the first time, Torin’s grin falters. He exchanges a glance with Kael, whose jaw tightens almost imperceptibly.

“That’s not possible,” Kael says after a moment, his voice calm but resolute. “The witches are gone. Their power was consumed centuries ago.”

“Or so we’ve been told,” I reply, my tone sharp. “But what if it wasn’t? What if their magic found a way to survive? You know the prophesy.”

Torin whistles low, sitting forward. “So what are you saying, Finn? That she’s the chosen one? The big savior? Come on. She’s just?—”

“She’s notjustanything,” I snap. “And you know it. You feel it, don’t you? The way she pushes back, the way she looks at us. It’s like she knows something we don’t. And now, thanks to you—” I jab a finger in Kael’s direction, “—you’re bound to her. Whatever happens in these Trials, we’re all vulnerable because of it.”

Kael’s expression hardens, but he doesn’t deny it. He leans back in his chair, exuding calm, but through the binding, I can sense the tension simmering beneath the surface.

“We need her ready,” Kael says finally, his voice measured. “The Trials aren’t just about her survival. They’re about ours. Rothgar doesn’t leave loose ends.”

Torin snorts, but there’s no humor in it this time. “And we’ve just painted a giant target on our backs by throwing her into the arena.”

“She’s not defenseless,” Kael says.

“She’s notready,” I counter. “And you know it.”

Kael’s lips twitch into a smirk, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Then we make her ready.”

Torin sits back again, his grin reappearing like a mask. “Fine. But if she keeps stealing knives and pulling stunts, don’t come crying to me.”

“You let her steal that knife, Torin,” I snap. “Don’t pretend you weren’t curious about what she’d do with it.”

“And wasn’t it worth it?” Torin says, his grin widening. “She’s unpredictable. Keeps things interesting.”

Kael rises from his seat, cutting off the banter with his commanding presence. “This isn’t about curiosity or entertainment. The Trials start soon, and she can’t lose. We’ve all felt Rothgar’s wrath. Do you want to feel it again?”

Torin shrugs, but his eyes flicker with something darker—something he’s not willing to say aloud.

Kael turns to me, his expression firm. “We’ll prepare her. Push her harder than she’s ever been pushed. She’ll be ready.”

“And if she’s not?” I ask quietly.

“She will be,” Kael says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Torin stands abruptly, stretching. “Well, this has been fun, but I’ve got better places to be.”

Kael and I exchange a glance, both of us knowing exactly where he’s headed. “If you’re going to her room—” I start, but Torin cuts me off with a sharp grin.

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