Page 34 of Starfall

“Yes. She’s in good standing with the community, has not committed any crimes against the citizenry, and has strong ties within our gathering here. There is no reason for her to face three of you at once.”

Emery said softly, “I don’t mind. I just want them using projections. I don’t want to create blood vendettas.”

Olmin nodded. “I agree.”

Penrose blinked. “But we want to face her directly.”

“You will, but you will use projections. Emery is a much more effective killer than you are. I have seen her in action. Emery, do you have a second?”

Orla shot her hand in the air. “Me. Me. Me!”

Emery chuckled. “Do you have to pee, or do you know the answer?”

Orla snorted. “Both. Don’t start before I finish in the restroom. Back in a minute.”

Orla shot across the field toward the trailer with lavatories that had been rented for the event.

Hunter was grinning. “This will be interesting.”

Rowen looked at her. “I can be your second.”

“Seasons are immune from combat. You know that; I know that. You have to remain avatars, untouched and separate.”

“I was looking forward to breaking the touching streak.”

She grinned. “I have been working out logistics. You are very tall.”

“Well, the fun thing is that if we are lying down, we will line up just fine.”

She blinked and fanned her face. “The mental images are a little much.”

He grinned. “Once it becomes a habit, it will be less petrifying.”

“It isn’t that. I have this weird urge to count all your muscles, and I know I am going to lose track and have to start over.”

His eyes warmed as he stared at her.

Orla came sprinting back, which was hilarious with her evening gown. “Done. Ready.”

Emery smiled. “Did you wash your hands?”

Orla paused, and Emery sent up a flare of ogre fire to wrap around her friend’s hands. The puppy stood and yipped, so she did the same for him.

When Orla was clean and Emery had stopped chortling, they hugged and then nodded to the heads of the magical community in the area. Emery nodded. “Ready.”

Rowen looked at her. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I do. This will seal the issue. Once this challenge is done, they can’t come back and do it again.”

“You are sure you will win?”

She grinned.

He smiled and kissed her cheek. “I am giving you the luck I can.”

“Thank you, but I’ve got this.” She looked at Orla. “Can you make my dress a little less vulnerable?”

“I think I can manage something. I will remember this one, though; it’s stunning.”

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