Page 76 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
“Whoever saw to the transfer of the prisoner back to this chamber, explain why the prisoner isn’t dressed like all the other candidates.” He tore his focus from me to glare at the guards standing on either side of me.
My breath hitched, and heat coiled inside me. The urge to run to him and throw my arms around his neck surged through me. All I wanted to do was bury my face in his shoulder and breathe in that heavy masculine scent of leather, smoke, and citrus.
“Are we putting our thumbs on the scales of justice?” Vad challenged. “Accused or not, assassin or not, if she competes, she receives the same treatment as the other candidates. Whatever Fate wills will be, and we shall not permit any accusations of creating a needlessly unfair environment."
My knees weakened, and I bit my lip to stop myself from speaking. The man afraid of love had transformed in front of me.
Vyraetos inclined his head forward. “That matter was overseen by the Aurelines. The Shadows would prefer that all candidates be outfitted equally. Therefore, unless a compelling reason is provided by the Aurelines, the proceedings will temporarily halt.”
One of the Aureline council members edged forward and said something in a voice so soft I couldn’t catch it. My wolf magic was weak from being caged, and I couldn’t hear as well as I could before.
Elara frowned, and Thalen scoffed.
Vad’s stance stiffened, and his expression darkened. “No.” He snapped his fingers and pointed to someone I couldn’t see. “Go fetch her attire and boots that fit.”
The Aureline council member spoke up a little louder, her voice shaking. “We understand, Your Highness. But the trial begins at a set time. We cannot delay it.”
“Then pray they move fast.” Vad sneered. “Or you will bear the full punishment for this error—unless the source of this decision is presented. Send Briar through last if you must, but you willnotput her at more of a disadvantage than any other contestant. When Fate judges her, it will be at her full capacity, and not because someone weighted things against her.”
I kept my chin up, eyes forward, though I could feel the weight of all those stares. The only people whose reactions had surprised me were Siray and Ceana. Ceana refused to look at me, staring down at her blue fingernails. Siray had an expression of almost grudging respect, though I wondered if that was because she was angry with Kaylen after the second trial.
Vyraetos cleared his throat as the rapid footsteps of someone leaving the hall sounded. He spoke in the same measured tone. “Now then, we can of course proceed with the explanation and rules. This is the third and final trial. Due to unusual circumstances, the High Aureline Council has ordered that it is Fate’s will for all members to participate. It is known that Fate will strike down anyone who has attempted to kill or succeeded in killing a member of the royal family for whom the trials are being held.” He met each woman’s eye. “This final trial will test the candidates separately.”
The hairs on the nape of my neck rose. They were separating us, and there was no doubt they intended to kill me and make it look as if Fate had wielded justice.
“This trial will assess the character of our future queen.” Vyraetos steepled his hands. “None of you will be told how to win the challenge. There are no special rules to be disclosed. If you survive, you will be free and will receive favors and gifts from the Shadow Kingdom in honor of your service.
“When your trial begins, you will be placed in a chamber alone. No one will see what happens while you are there. You must choose the best course of action based on the situation provided for you. But there is one small mercy.”
He hesitated a beat, then lifted his index finger to draw attention to his point. “Upon entry, you will be standing in a sigil. So long as you remain within the confines of that sigil, you will not be harmed. You can step out momentarily and then step back in and still be protected. So, if you do not wish to be queen, you do not have to step out of the circle…unless circumstances or your own choices compel you. If you stay out of your circle too long, it will vanish, so make your decisions wisely.”
I wanted to laugh. The last time we’d had circles and shields, all sorts of monsters had attacked us. I doubted the reality of the trial would be even remotely as easy as he made it seem.
“The test will conclude at a point of completion known only to Fate, and the exit will open at that time, unless you complete the challenge sooner. To complete it, you must simply cross the chamber and step into the corresponding sigil at the far end of your chamber,” Vyraetos continued, standing taller and leaning over, showing his face more directly. “Bear in mind. Just because you step onto the final sigil does not mean you have won. The exit door will allow you to depart within minutes after you do, but it is only if the sigil flashes gold and glows that you will know you are the first to finish and are Fate’s choice according to this trial.”
He paused. “If the sigil only glows white, that simply acknowledges that you completed your part in the trial. If you remain in the first sigil for the entire trial, then once it is over, a door will appear on the far side of the chamber near the second sigil. At that point, a gong will sound, and the danger will cease, making it safe for you to cross the obstacles, walk to the second sigil, and pass through the exit doors. Remember that,in the end, despite whatever recommendations we on the shared council make or what Fate herself reveals, it will be Prince Vad who chooses his queen.”
My mouth dried, and I clenched my teeth. The thought of him being with someone else made me sick.
“The trial will start after you are transported inside your chamber and the gong sounds. When your name is called, please step into the center of the shadow beast sigil on the floor. Siray, you are first.”
The tall Ignis Fae strode into the sigil, intentionally shoving her shoulder against Kaylen as she passed. Kaylen glared at her and muttered something, but Siray just tossed her sleek black hair and stepped into the sigil. Shadows swept over her, and she vanished.
“Velessa,” Vyraetos continued.
Squeezing Velessa’s good arm, Thalira whispered something to her, and Yuki and Quen joined, giving Velessa a hug.
Velessa’s wide lilac eyes met mine, and I mouthed at her,Stay in the circle. Her arm didn’t seem to have improved much since the second trial.
“Stay safe,” she mouthed back as she stepped inside, and the shadows swallowed her whole.
Even more pressure weighed on me, and I hoped Many-Greats was right and my friends would be fine.
One by one, Vyraetos called out a name. Yuki steeled herself and walked in with her back straight as a poker. Myantha scrubbed a hand over her face as she entered, then she glanced at her friends and then at me. She mouthed something to me that I couldn’t make out, but her final glance was up at the balcony.
I followed her gaze to find Thalen with his brow furrowed.
Kaylen didn’t spare me a glance and stepped inside as primly as if she were entering a limousine sent to chauffeur her to her dreams. Ceana sulked over, not looking at anyone.
