Page 66 of Deception

I chew my lip, wondering if Mateo will be there, and hold onto a shred of hope. He was at the last trial despite him avoiding me lately, so I shake off the nerves creeping in, not wanting my worry to cloud my mind.

“They’re waiting at the school.”

I move towards the door but pause as his hand lowers on to my shoulder. “I received some news this morning about the trial.”

I turn back to him, my chest tightening at his worried tone. “Normally, the second trial would be in the same arena as the first, and the instructors would test whatever powers the students have.”

I nod at his explanation, that was what Kyros informed me would be happening. My brows furrow, knowing the council must have made some sort of change.

“The council has decided, since the incident at your first trial.” He grumbles the last few words, his gaze turning dark at the council’s claim that they were innocent in it all. “The trial will now be completed in the training room, where the council alone will observe.”

A protest is poised on my tongue, but he continues.

“Of course, that won’t be happening. I’ll be there along with your mates—” he forces that word out between gritted teeth “—but it won’t be professors evaluating you. They’ll be using the Crystal of Kleo to sense your most prevalent powers and show you scenarios to overcome by using your powers.”

I quirk a brow.

“The Crystal of Kleo has long been used by gods to develop their powers. It senses the user’s power and creates a sort of virtual reality for them to test and use their powers.” He sighs in frustration. I never would have guessed my technology inept father would know about virtual reality.

“Yes, yes, I know what virtual reality is,” he scoffs. “I swear sometimes you must think I live under a rock.”

“Well, how should I know where you spend the other half of your secret life?” I volley, cocking a brow in challenge.

His indignant look flees at my words, and his shoulders slump. His eyes soften in an apologetic look.

“Olivia.”

“I know, we don’t have time for all that,” I finish for him, my annoyance ratcheting at his unwillingness to disclose the myriad of secrets he still holds close to his chest.

I stride to the exit, not waiting for him, and pull the heavy wooden door open. I draw my powers around me, dissipating mid-step as soon as I broach the barrier.

“Olivia,” my father says sternly a moment later, dissipating right behind me into Kyros’ office. I glance around the space now transformed back from the restaurant then glare at him, unsure how exactly he assumed I was going to reform here. “I wasn’t finished.”

I sigh in frustration and eye him expectantly, impatiently tapping my foot just as he had to me mere moments before.

He gives me an unimpressed look, cocking a brow before continuing, “The crystal will only be able to pick up the powers you’ve used before, so under no circumstances are you to reveal any other powers.”

“I thought you said it was like virtual reality, how will the council be able to see the projections?” I blink away the smug look, registering the seriousness of his warning.

“They’ll play out around the room for everyone to see, not just you. So please be careful how much you disclose to them. We don’t want to give them any further ammunition to use against you.” I can feel the sincerity of his words. Despite the lies and the secrets, I remind myself that my father has my best interests in mind and has only been looking out for me.

I nod in agreement but refuse to voice the growing concern building within me. I may not consciously use any other power, but what if something manifests on instinct? Just as the fire had during the Ascension.

Satisfied, we both turn for the door, and he holds it open for me, gesturing me through. I suppress the heat that creeps to my cheeks at the sight of the library beyond the office door. Memories of last night filter into my mind.

Books, books are cool. Come on Liv, keep walking and think about anything other than last night, in the office turned bistro, or the massage table where Kyros—

Books … I love books.

“Are you alright?” My father asks, eyeing me curiously as he holds the door open to the hallway.

“Fine,” I squeak out, scurrying past him before he can examine my face too closely. I really, really hope the whole truth-telling ability thing is made up right now, otherwise, he would definitely see right through that rushed reply.

* * *

I shakeout my limbs and bounce on my toes, freeing the nervous energy rushing through me. I’m in the hallway alone, waiting for my turn in the training room. The council decided to use the main gym, yet the trials would need to be completed one at a time due to the limited reach of the crystal.

My father—and supposedly my gods, wait inside, observing the other trials to ensure there are no differences between each one.

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