Page 16 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"That's all I know. Something terrible occurred following whatever evil magic the Spellcasters attempted," he recounted.

My mind spun with unanswered questions, the pieces refusing to align. The Kings had been deceiving us. But for what purpose besides us Mundanes who yield no magic? It doesn't make sense.

"Where did you come across this information?"

His demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. "This afternoon, I overheard Sir Alder mention the War with Jesri and Darius. I couldn't make out everything, but it seems the evaluation Sir Alder wants you in might involve creatures or some animal. They discussed the need for a cage."

My heart stopped, realizing what Jesri meant about taking the evaluation down. But what was its link to the War?

I stood up and staggered away from our tree, my mind swirling with questions. Whatcreatureswere they discussing? What animals? The last evaluation involving animals left me ill for weeks after a rabid dog bite paralyzed half my body.

I closed my eyes, feeling a surge of fear and anger course through me.

"Why tell me?" I snapped, struggling to contain the rising anger that threatened to overwhelm me. His eyes glazed over as he stood up against the thick trunk. "Why?" I rasped, feeling like a pawn in his game.

"To better prepare you," he said flatly, his temper rising.

"Evidently, that's what Levon is for," I spat.

His stature shifted at the mention of Levon to something mimicking disgust. He rolled his eyes before palming his faceand stroking his hair back. "Can you not believe me when I say I'm trying to help you?"

I gritted my teeth, clutching the lavender shawl tighter in my cold hands.

"Why?" I ordered. "Why does Jesri think I can do this? Or that I will?" I inquired, feeling pressure build up in my throat. "Why does he hate me?"

His face softened, realizing my terror. Despite my efforts to deny my fear, deep down, fear held me tightly, slowly squeezing the air from me as I secretly wished for our wretched tree to answer my pleas.

"El," Calum murmured, drawing me closer to him. I tensed, irritated at his attempt to soothe my fearful heart and regain control. I reluctantly let him stroke my hair, not having the energy for another fight.

I knew that this outcome would happen. That I would be sent away to use my abilities in whatever form was needed. I just wasn't prepared for…this.

"I don't know, El. I don't understand why Jesri thought you would be the one to do it," he confessed, a hint of jealousy coloring his words as he broke the silence.

I pulled out of his embrace, leaving me cold. Of course, he would be jealous. Calum was kin to Jesri, and I was nothing more than a pawn heading towards my demise.

Overwhelmed by a torrent of questions and emotions I wasn't ready to confront, I turned to walk away, but he caught my hand.

"Stay," he pleaded. "Please, El."

7

Every part of me yearned to flee, to find peace somewhere far from here. But his pleas, like a siren's call, tugged at the threads that still connected us. Despite all of Calum's flaws, aside from Aoife, he was my only friend, and the thought of finding comfort in his arms made me push past my fear and resentment. I couldn't let go of what might be our last moment together, so I stayed. He held me close as we gazed up at our tree and the stars twinkling through its branches. The soft, cool moss beneath us became our bed for the night.

"What do you think the tournament will be?" I asked, snuggling in closer to his side as the night grew colder.

"Something exciting enough to make Jesri say yes," he mocked, readjusting himself and pulling me tighter.

We sat silently for a moment, the gentle breeze whispering through the leaves and the sweet scent of flowering trees filling the air as we inhaled the fragrant night.

"Where were you at the party today? You've never missed it before."

He smiled sincerely, exposing his dimples even in the starlight.

"With Lady Annabelle," he cooed with a chuckle.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes and push away from him, feeling like theotherlady he would always run back to when things got rough.

"Hopefully, she quelled your appetite because you missed the best pastries Jesri has ever gotten," I said, stretching out my neck.

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