Page 76 of Trials of Dusk and Dreams
“Alfie, my dear,” Puck sings melodically, inviting him to the dais. “You need no introductions. You are known far and wide, a steadfast, modest, and mirthful jewel in our Court of Dreams—Titania’s own favored to triumph in the exhibition. What magic do you weave to be such a delight?”
Alfie flashes a dazzling smile. “Why, it’s simple! I just imagine everyone in their underwear . . . made of cotton candy and dandelion seeds!”
The crowd roars with laughter. Alfie gives a flourish, then skips off the stage.
Actually skips.
I cough with surprise. Irisa grimaces at me with disgust.
“Sorry,” I mumble, tapping my throat. “I just vomited a little bit.”
Dahlia moves forward. I shuffle gratefully along the line. Then realization hits. I’m next. And I have no plan.
“Dahlia,” Puck leans in, voice tinged with curiosity, “now whisper us a secret. What is your heart’s desire should you claim victory?”
She pauses thoughtfully and tosses her raven hair. I detect a faint tightening of her posture when she answers with a broad grin. “I’d ensure everyone had a charm to make them as naturally stunning as me. Then, no one would need to fear deportation to the Subterranean. World peace through fashion!”
Laughter erupts from the crowd as if the plight of mortals is a big joke, but quiet murmurs of support break out from the exhibitors. From the sour look on Ignarius’s face, I don’t think she was supposed to say that. But her own House can’t sponsor her points, and she still hasn’t lived down how a Nothing made her look inferior in a class. Could this be her attempt at currying favor amongst the mortal exhibitors? The more she has on her side, the less competition she’ll have during the trials.
It’s a great strategy, if not a lie. She cares nothing for those being deported.
Then it’s my turn. I step onto the stage and try not to vomit for real.
“Ah, Willow, our firstNothingShadow,” Puck’s smile turns cruel, his stony eyes somehow glittering maliciously. He leans in close, his voice a silky threat. “Tell us, what’s your strategy for the trials? How do you plan to survive in a world that was never meant for you? After all, you’ve had plenty of practice, right?”
The crowd falls silent, and the mood suddenly grows heavy. I feel the weight of countless eyes on me, waiting for my response. Fuck Alfie for blabbering about my history. I instinctively seek out my mates’ familiar, comforting faces and find them standing together at the edge of the room. Legion’s expression is calm. Bodin’s is steady. Even Emrys and Styx hold no mocking glint in their eyes.
“Tell him to eat a bag of dicks,”Styx’s velvety voice slides into my thoughts, and I almost burst out laughing.
“Sounds like something an old-worlder would say,”I send back.“You’ve been spying again, haven’t you?”
“Maybe.”
It’s nice to hear his voice in my head. I haven’t spoken to him since our encounter outside of the keep. I thought maybe I’d scared him off.
“Have you . . .nothing. . . to say for yourself?” Puck taunts, still leaning toward me. He’s close enough that I smell chalky granite, a scent I’m beginning to associate with the Baleful Hunt.
Strange that I never noticed it this strongly with Sylvanar.
“I . . .” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. He rolls his eyes like I’m an amateur and points to the resonance stone receiver in his hand. I lower my lips to get closer and reply, “I just want my team to survive.”
Dissatisfied moans wash through the crowd.
“Bravo. What a riveting response,”Styx teases me.
“It’s not like I’ve had time to prepare for the questions,”I shoot back, glaring at him.“And it’s not like you’re helping me.”
His reply is a little hesitant, almost tentative.“Do you want help?”
“Duh, of course, I want help from my mates.”
Puck’s smile tightens, a predatory gleam in his eyes. He gestures at my clothes. “And your, ah . . .” A pause. A smirk. “. . . unique outfit choice?”
“Tell him you’re wearing Bodin’s clothes in public because it’s making him hard, and it’s hilarious because he keeps having to adjust himself, and?—”
“Not helpful, Styx.”
“Fine. Then tell him to go and eat two bags of dicks.”
