Page 54 of Edge of Wonder

They loved it. The moment was fit for a queen, and Alice enjoyed driving me mad.

Chapter 19

Alice

Sebastian was still fuming as we reached the last obstacle. But I was glad it was almost over. It was a miracle we’d made it this far, mostly thanks to Shire’s clues. Without them, I wasn’t sure we would have remained unscathed.

Now there was only one trap left, and I wanted that victory. The feeling was surprisingly exhilarating, even though the challenge had been all shades of terrifying. But Sebastian and I made a great team. Even if his motivations for entering the tournament were suspect.

The only wild card was our homicidal third wheel. He paced the width of the tunnel, scratching at the wounds on his skin. His clothes were soaked with sweat and blood. So far, he’d been content to ride our coattails, but something had changed. The air was charged with his venom, and suspicion lurked in his eyes. He kept darting glances between the two of us. The man was a tinderbox about to catch fire.

It didn’t help that Sebastian kept scrutinizing me as if I might still drop dead from bolt impalement. The scarred man probably thought we were planning something against him. Better to just ignore his agitation and make it through to the other side. Then we’d never have to see him again.

“So, what’s the clue for this one?” I asked, studying the rock ledges for any sign of the trap.

“It’s duck,” Sebastian said.

“Really? Are you sure? We already did that one.”

Sebastian lifted his shoulders. “That’s what was written on Shire’s arm. I’m positive. I even commented on it being there twice.”

“Then I guess that’s what it is. At least we already know how to get through. You’d think they’d make the last one harder, but maybe not.”

“Hey!” The scarred man charged toward us, fury contorting his features. “Talk louder. What are you two whispering about?”

Sebastian’s hand rested on his dagger. “We were discussing the last clue. Relax. We’ve gotten you this far, haven’t we?”

The man’s eye twitched. “Then tell me what it is. Don’t just whisper it between yourselves.”

“We have to duck,” I said, trying to diffuse the tension by giving him what he wanted.

He whirled toward me, jabbing his finger into the air. “You’re lying. That was the first obstacle.”

“I know, but it’s repeated.”

“Liar!” he spat. “Do you think I’m stupid? The two of you are trying to trick me. But it won’t work.” He lunged, snaking out his hand and wrapping it around my arm. I lost my balance as he hauled me in front of him. The stink of his sweat and body odor assaulted my nose. His breath was hot and rancid, forcing me to take shallow sips of air to keep from gagging. “This is for knocking my ball off course and nearly getting me killed. I told you, you’d pay for that.”

“It was part of the game,” I snapped.

Sebastian’s features hardened to stone. He held up his hands, inching toward us.

“Stop moving,” the man barked, dragging me backward a few steps.

“Let her go.” Sebastian slowed, allowing him to keep the distance he’d created.

“Not until you tell me the last clue,” he growled. I struggled against his hold, searching the ground for the tile trigger. He was already too close. If he took another step backward, he’d release the trap.

“She already told you. It’s duck. Let Alice go, and I’ll pass through first.”

The man shook his head as his paranoia ratcheted higher. His arm tightened around my throat, cutting off my air. My fingers scratched at his neck. Anywhere there was exposed skin. Panic spiraled in my chest from lack of oxygen.

“I saw the look you two shared. You’re planning something. There’s a twist, I know it.”

“There isn’t! I swear. Release Alice, and I’ll prove it to you.” Sebastian’s voice echoed through the tunnel. His teeth were bared, eyes fierce. His rage was a caged animal begging to be let loose.

Boos echoed from the stands, but the shouts seemed to embolden the man’s malice. He laughed, throwing back his head as the scorn mounted. My lungs ached, and spots danced in my vision. I bucked weakly against him.

“Do we have a deal?” Sebastian grated.

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