Page 65 of Oleander
“I’ve been experimenting with my magic and mixing different metals with iron to make it lighter and less abrasive to our skin. But just as effective, if not more, against the enemy.”
“I’m extremely impressed, Flame. Thank you.” This was the most thoughtful thing he’s done for me since we were kids.
“Here’s the duffel bag. You might want to zip that back up, though. It definitely goes against the student handbook.”
“Thank you,” I say again, putting as much feeling into the words as I can manage and truly meaning it.
“This doesn’t mean we’re friends or that I forgive you. Just that I don’t want you to die.Got it?”
“Got it,” I confirm as he disappears around the corner, but I can’t stop the small smile from tugging at my lips.
He still cares. And I’m hopeful he’ll fully come around and be my friend again.
When I make it to the garden, I'm pleased to find I’m the only one here. I take my shoes off and roll up my pants, allowingthe soft blades of grass to tickle my soles and brush against my calves. I let my magic out, only calling a small thread.
The ground pulses, and the trees whisper as their branches sway in a rhythmic dance, lulling me into a trance. I wander further, enjoying the solace of nature and finding the perfect spot to settle. I sit cross-legged, setting Skyler’s backpack next to me. I close my eyes, inhaling fresh pine and absorbing the peace from the trees, letting it charge my magic. I prefer to do this in the privacy of my own space, whether it be nature, back at the East Tower, or the balcony garden I’ve cultivated at our suite. A private connection with nature is what I need to feed my soul and boost my powers.
I advised Skyler to go back to the shields and charge his own magic sometime today. We need to be at full power and ready for all that’s going to come for us. He was a little hesitant, as can be expected after the shock he received last time, but I assured him it wouldn’t happen again. Not without the iron cuffs. It’ll feel good for him this time. Just the way it does for me as the earth’s magic rolls through me like a low rumble of thunder on a warm summer night. The elements charge us, ground us, and comfort us.
I whisper sweet compliments to the plants, running my fingers through the long blades of grass. New flowers bloom around me, the sweet scents comforting me. I unzip Skyler’s backpack, revealing the thermos of lavender tea and lemon poppyseed muffins I packed earlier. I indulge myself, fully relaxed, while I sip my favorite beverage.
Losing track of time, I stay in the garden too long, making me late for my next class, but I’m too high on the magic to care. In fact, I think I’ll skip the whole day and text Sky to do the same thing.
Our lives are more important thanschool. We have a hunt to prepare for.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
SKYLER
The evening of the Hunt is finally here, and nerves swarm my belly like I swallowed an angry hornet’s nest. The ride to Sparrow Spring Tavern is silent, everyone deep in their own thoughts. Zephyr, Hawk, and Leo are going to drop us off at the bar where we originally signed up for this shitshow.
“Good luck, you two. Please be careful,” Leo says, worry shining brightly in his blue-gray eyes.
Zephyr remains stoic as always, keeping his emotions close to his chest. And Hawk looks uncomfortable for once in his life. Perhaps even regretful for the little prank he played when it could ultimately cost us our lives if things go wrong.
Oleander and I enter to find the Shadow Man standing in the middle of the bar with the magical parchment in his hands. His hood is pulled low, casting his face in darkness and hiding all his features. Now that I’m sober, I wonder what the fuck I was thinking trusting Hawk or this man.
I recognize a few other locals from our night at the bar, as well as a handful of Aurorian soldiers looking for fame and fortune. The bartender sticks two fingers into his mouth, whistling loudly for everyone's attention.
Ander and I stay exactly where we are, in the back of the room, out of the spotlight.
“Listen up! The rules and the rewards,” he shouts.
Shadow Man steps forward. “To the victors go the spoils. You must partner up to give yourself a fighting chance. Do not take this lightly. The winners’ names shall be recorded in the history books as heroes, warriors who defeated evil beasts and sent them back to the Underworld, ridding Faerie of more darkness. Not only will you bestow honor upon yourself and your family, and be awarded a solid gold trophy, but the victor will be awarded one million Fae coins.Tax and duty free.”
A low murmur echoes throughout the crowd, the excitement building after the announcement of the prize sum. That type of money could set me up with a nice life here in Auroria now that I’m basically an orphan.
“What does he need the money for?! He’s the feckin’prince!” An angry participant shouts from the back, pointing at us.
“There are no rules against royalty partaking in the Hunt, Josiah. And might I suggest you show some respect to your future king,” Shadow Man scolds. “This is about ridding Faerie of as many evil creatures as possible. Mark each kill, and I will be able to read the magical signature of both you and the dead hellhound. And, if you’re brave enough, a spirit of the dead yields triple points. You have until sunrise.Now, hunt!”
A few of the meathead soldiers raise their swords, casting fire in their palms, and race out the door and straight into the woods.
I shake my head, grabbing Ander’s hand and taking our time. The Shadow Man has magical torches available, and Ander gets one for us.
“Good luck,” he whispers—not ominously at all—before disappearing back into the shadows.
We link hands, Ander holding our torch high, and walk into the forest with iron blades strapped to our backs and courage in our hearts.
