Page 79 of A Touch of Gold and Madness

The Elemental glamour. I paused mid-scoop. “Right.” There was way too much food on my plate. I felt guilty knowing I would waste a portion when most people outside the Hollow killed each other for a small fraction of what I would leave behind.

Finally, Chrome straightened, holding his packed dish in front of him, and angled his head toward me. “Sit anywhere you like. We don’t bite. Unless…” He slanted his brow in a suggestion of how he was going to finish that sentence.

“I swear on everything alive on this godsforsaken planet, Chrome. If you finish by saying, ‘unless you want me to…’ Iwillchange my mind and gut you where you stand.”

He barked a laugh, “You can try…again.” And then he disappeared into the midst of the tables.

Fuck him.

I took a deep breath and scanned the dining area for an available spot to sit, preferably alone.

The uneasiness coiled a path from my heart to my stomach, cinching tight at the curious stares that averted once I met them. Since Chrome was the only person I knew, I searched the sea of people for his chromatic hair. It didn’t take long to spot him at a table in front of the glass door overlooking the pool.

He wasn’t sitting alone. I ignored the familiar hands of anxiety threatening to trip me in front of the foreign crowd. If they didn’t already, they no doubt searched for a reason to hate me.

I stayed alert and held my posture straight, ignoring the desperate need to look at the floor. I weaved through the tables as if it were an obstacle course, careful to avoid corners and chair legs that poked out.

Finding an empty spot on the end I set my plate down and quietly took my seat. The chatter ceased, but I pretended to ignore it as I dug into the food that called to my soul.

Someone cleared their throat. I peered up from my plate, scanning the golden faces and extraordinary eyes. Chrome was smug, enjoying the sight of me flailing outside of my comfort zone. Asshole.

With my mouth full of buttery potatoes, I looked around, seeking the throat-clearer. I recognized the petite beauty from earlier—Aella. My faux confidence snuffed out like a dying flame. I’d always found other women to be judgmental, scrutinizing even. At least toward me. And I’d felt her discernment—distrust—from the moment she’d laid eyes on me.

The deep male voice from earlier broke through my scattered thoughts. “I’m so fucking happy you’re finally here,Princess.”

I spotted Onyx sitting across from Chrome, a few chairs down from me. His orange currents raced up his arms as he propped his chin on his fists. The excited smile he beamed at me was genuine. I didn’t know how to respond.

“Seriously,” Onyx said, glancing at Chrome, “we’ve been waiting years to get you both here. Can’t wait for training tomorrow. Which reminds me,” he paused, lowering his forearms to bear on the table, leaning forward. “Did you ever surpass Golden? Please tell me you kicked his ass.” His amber gaze pleaded with me to confirm.

The smallest of smiles betrayed me. “Yes.” The memory of plunging my dagger hilt-deep into his gut flitted through my mind. “I should’ve killed him, but…” Smokey, Onyx’s father, had stopped me.

“At least you knocked down his bloated ego a bit,” he responded with a quick nod.

I returned to spearing the juicy, tender asparagus. It melted in my mouth. I’d never known it could be so savory. The food at the palace was good, but there was no extra effort put into it. At least, not mine. There’d never been any…heartin it.

“Gray,” Chrome said, gentle authority lacing his voice. I pulled my enamored gaze from my plate to peer at him. “I want you to meet everyone here. You’ve already met Onyx.”

Onyx waggled his fingers in a wave as he grinned.

I scanned the table and recognized many of the same faces from the meeting upon my arrival. Setting my fork down, I sat up straight in my chair and met their gazes.

“I am Kodiak Vines. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Princess.” The bronzed, beefy man from the meeting greeted. Appearing no younger than his mid-twenties, he offered a gentle smile. “I am the Hollow’s Warrior General and cartographer. So, I’ll be a part of your combat training. I’m at your service, just as I am for Chrome.” He dipped his head in a solemn bow.

The man sitting next to him spoke next. Underneath that golden sheen, his skin was the deepest of umber. His irises were solid black, void of anylight or color, rimmed with twin silver rings. “I’m Void Halcyon, Top Advisor and Elemental warrior. I’ll be leading your training. Welcome.” Void’s baritone voice was clipped as he spoke. A thick loc fell over his muscular shoulder as he squinted at me for a beat—as if he saw me but didn’t at the same time—before silently returning to his food.

“I’m River. Emissary.” My eyes met the bright violet, assessing stare piercing me from across the table. “Welcome, Princess. I think we’ll get along just fine.” She wore her black hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail at the nape. Her prominent jawline highlighted the severe expression on her Native features.

I recognized her from the meeting, but there, she’d remained silent and observant. She shared physical traits with the mischievous, fire-eyed boy with the wicked grin but lacked any of his playfulness. Siblings, perhaps?

I gave her a tight smile and a nod. She swallowed and returned to her plate, picking at her vegetables with a fork.

“I’m Aella Wisp, the Hollow’s Warrior Captain,” Aella guided a springy curl behind her ear. I wondered if it was out of habit. “Welcome,” she said in a stiff tone, offering a tight smile.

Silence reigned over the table while they waited for me to say something. The soothing sound of the water crashing to the boulders put me in a temporary trance. I wasn’t great at public speaking, so I said, “Thanks for having me in your home. Your secrets are safe with me.” And I meant it.

Chrome’s quicksilver eyes appraised me. The barest hint of a smile ghosted his sharp features. He dipped his head the slightest fraction. No one else noticed his silent exchange that read, “Well done. Welcome home.”

My chest ached with homesickness. Homesick only for the bright spots of my former life. Would I ever find a place to truly call my home? Where I could be accepted and not ostracized? The few friends I held dear were most likely dead or imprisoned. Labeling Cotton as a friend was a stretch, at least prior to my revel.The way he came through for me in my escape not only surprised me, but warmed me toward him, regardless of his motivations.

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