Page 105 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Professor Ross’s gaze flicked across the forest, as if gauging whether anyone else was near.
Out of habit, Alaire’s fingers inched toward her blades. This was the man who’d kept secret files on her, who’d offered her freedom—because he suspected she was different…
“He’ll be a pile of ash before he touches you,should he prove himself an idiot,”Solflara warned down the bond.
“No time now. Heed my warning, or the consequences could be dire.”
He was always talking in fucking riddles.
“Notime?” Alaire snapped. “You’re the one who thought it important enough to pull me aside, give me veiled warnings, then claim there’s no time to explain? The consequences are always dire around here. What makes this different?”
Professor Ross ran a hand through his sandy-blonde hair but said nothing, his eyes fixed on a particularly dark patch of trees.
“Answer me,” Alaire demanded. She was sick of half-truths—she deserved honesty.
Blinking, he shook his head, readjusted his jacket, and walked on as if nothing had happened.
At the forest’s edge, a group of administrators and Headmaster Carth sat on elegant black velvet settees. Near the cliffs stood a black-and-gold platform.
“What do you think that was about?” Alaire asked down the bond.
“An odd fae,that one.A warning,perhaps.Though he does seem to know at least one thing.”
Alaire’s lips twitched. “You’re shameless.The slightest praise,and you melt.Might as well roll over and let him rub your tummy.”
“It might be praise,but it doesn’t make it any less true.Don’t be jealous you don’t get the same compliments from the prince.”
“What is your obsession with me and the prince?Not everything is about him.”
“Doesn’t seem that way to me.He occupies a considerable amount of your thoughts.It’s rather pathetic.”
Heat rose in Alaire’s cheeks.
“This conversation is pointless.Focus.” The platform was quickly approaching—and with it, their first trial.
“Seems you’re trying to change the subject,but I digress.We can continue pretending your body doesn’t heat up when he’s around.”
Alaire groaned. She hadn’t realized how close they’d come to the edge.
“You’re welcome.” Solflara tilted her head as if to sayI told you so.
“All of that was on purpose?”
“Anger and vengeance focus you.Something about the prince makes you particularly vicious.What lies ahead will require your complete concentration.Debating Professor Ross’s words will have to wait.”
“We’ll be circling back to your methods later.For now,let’s kick this crucible’s ass.”
Solflara’s gaze met hers, fierce determination flowing between them.
Professor Ross gestured for them to step onto the platform, which bounced under their weight.
“Beware,” he said. “Many obstacles in this test are naturally occurring, but others have been simulated. The trial begins with a grueling flight across the North Sea. The Nocturne Crucible assesses endurance through various scenarios while flying through designated markers. You may see other fliers along the way—donotengage. Gold-and-black flags mark checkpoints through each obstacle, allowing administrators to monitor your progress and determine final scores.”
Professor Ross leaned forward, pressing a gold enamel pin with two wings into her palm. “If you run into trouble—or cannot complete the crucible for any reason—prick your finger with this. You’ll get immediate assistance. There is no victory without sacrifice. Drawing your blood is a symbol of that.”
Alaire pocketed the pin, hoping she’d have no reason to use it.
“One last thing.” He handed her a rolled parchment. “A map to the finish line. It’s enchanted to withstand the elements.”
