Page 75 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
Pure rage flamed through me.This is unacceptable.
Chapter Twenty-One
Briar
My heart raced as wisps of light gray Aureline magic swirled around me. Hysteria choked me, but I focused on what Many-Greats had said when he’d half-portaled into the cave for the second time. I would be part of the third trial with the rest of the bridal contestants, and he’d make sure my friends survived so long as they listened to instructions. Everything would work out for all of us, as long as we didn’t leave our circles until the end of the trial. When I’d refused to leave without Elias, he’d assured me he would take care of him as well.
The gigantic set of double doors leading into the Ascension Hall appeared in front of me. The smooth, cool floor soothed my feet, but that didn’t quiet the ringing in my ears or the way my body coiled. Through it all, theyankin my chest had me wanting to shove the black marble doors open to find Vad.
I had no idea what I was going to face inside. And the thought of people looking at me like I was the king’s actual killer rippedme in two. I never would’ve done that to the king. He’d been a good man.
The Aureline guards opened the doors and gripped my arms hard at the elbows. A second later, they dragged me over the threshold into the Ascension Hall as if I were fighting them.
My bare feet slid on the slick marble, but the pain wasn’t anything like being scraped by the horrible coarse rock in the prison. The heavy wool dress still grated on my skin, warm but uncomfortable and scratchy. My wolf snarled as I tried to stand up straight once again. I needed my pride intact.
"Keep moving," the guard on my right growled low, yanking me forward.
I stumbled but caught myself as I bit back a growl. My wolf was close to the surface now, desperate after being caged for so long. I held her back, barely, but I wasn’t sure how long I could.
"Briar!" Thalira called out. “By the waters, what have they done to you?” The rings on her fingers glinted as she reached toward me, her soft black hair falling around her shoulders.
Myantha pressed her hands to her mouth, horrified, while Calla Lily hid her face in Velessa’s good shoulder, her other arm still in a sling. Yuki's usually calm features were twisted with anger.
Glowering, Quen started toward me. "Let her go, you callow-souled brutes!" She balled her fists. Her eyes met mine, fierce and determined despite the wetness gathering in them.
The guard on my left unsheathed his sword and pointed it at my friends. “Stay back. No one approaches the prisoner.”
Quen bared her teeth. “Void rot.”
My insides tensed, and my mouth dried. “Please don’t put yourself in danger for me. It’s fine.”
“We’re in the trialwithher.” Yuki approached. “If she’s gonna kill us, we’ll take that chance. We’re all about to get sent into face our deaths again. So, hands off our friend.” She stopped beside Quen.
“Isaidback off,” the guard demanded.
My heart expanded as my vision blurred. I hadn't realized how desperately I'd missed them until this moment. I couldn’t let any of them get hurt because of me.
“Disqualify them all for insubordination.” Kaylen sneered and tossed a mocking laugh my way. “If they’re here to support the assassin, then none of them are fit to?—”
“Oh, for feck’s sake, let her friends hug her,” Siray shouted from the back of the room. She set her hands on her waist, her expression pinched. “She’s never been a threat to any of them, unlike some who have love only themselves. She may be a fool, but she’s got a decent spirit.”
Kaylen arched an eyebrow. “It isn’t a matter of friendship. The best woman will win. The one whom Fate herself deems worthy. Ceana, tell her.”
There was no response, causing Kaylen to glance at Ceana, who stood there examining her nails.
Upper lip curling, Siray lifted her chin in challenge at Kaylen. “Looks like Ceana agrees withmenow.”
Rhielle moved from behind Thalira. Her gaze softened when it met mine, and she flicked her attention to Vad and then back to me. She had to be trying to tell me something, but when I followed her gaze, my eyes locked with Vad’s, and my head spun.
Each time I saw him, the urge to be with him grew stronger. I would’ve sworn we were fated mates, but that wasn’t possible in this realm.
“That’s fine with me,” Kaylen shouted. “I’ll be the one who wins?—”
“Order! There will be order!” Vyraetos’s voice boomed through the huge marble room. “We will have the reading of the rules.”
Everyone fell silent, and Vad turned to face Vyraetos, his leathery wings spread wide. “The rules will not be read yet.”
Vyraetos’s brows lifted. “Your Highness, it’s time–”
