Page 57 of Edge of Wonder

“Yeah, but people can change. Their needs change.”

“Sure they do. But he’s felt trapped his whole life because of me. Asking him to stay without him deciding for himself feels like I’m just setting another snare.”

Shire was quiet for a moment, then sighed. “Well, regardless of what happens, that still doesn't solve your other problem.”

“You mean whether I survive the last two challenges?”

“No. Your other…other problem. You're a wallflower, Alice, when I know you really want to be a wildflower. Becoming queen in this realm isn’t only about solving deadly puzzles, it’s also about gaining confidence and building relationships. So, as your ghostly adviser—and dare I say, friend—it is my duty to shove you off the wall. See that group over there by the tents?”

A few of the guards, Peter included, tossed arrows into a pot from across a set distance. When one of them missed, they had to take a drink.

“Go over there and ask to play.”

“I don't know, Shire…”

“Go or I'll hide all your belongings in the forest and make you hunt for them till morning.”

I scowled and climbed to my feet, dusting leaves from my backside. “All right, fine. I'll do it. But you're lucky you're already dead.”

“I know, right? It's the only way to live,” she chuckled, her voice fading as it floated toward the game in progress.

Bouncing on my toes, I tried to hype myself up for Shire's task. I had already cheated death and wowed hundreds of onlookers. I could go over and ask to play a simple party game. My damp palms smoothed down my skirt as I joined the group, tossing arrows. I stood on the outskirts of their circle, arms crossed over my middle, waiting until they noticed.

“Hmm…should I hide your cloak or your underthings first,” Shire mused in my ear. “Tell me, can you climb trees?”

“I said I'd do it,” I growled under my breath.

With the threat of my unmentionables dripping from the tree branches, looming over my head, I stepped closer and cleared my throat.

“Um… excuse me.”

Six sets of eyes turned my way. The only sound was an arrow dropping short of the pot.Say something, my mind screamed.

“Hi…” I did a half wave with my hand, internally cringing at the stiff gesture. “Can I play?”

A painful moment passed, then six smiles formed, and the circle parted, allowing me entrance.

“Someone get Alice a drink!” One of them shouted, and almost instantly, a giant mug of ale sloshed into my hand. Someone clapped me on the back and shuffled me over to one of the teams. An arrow was pressed between my fingers, and I was instructed to take my first shot.

I stared at the pot, judging its distance. Everyone waited, silence falling over the group. I tossed the arrow. It hit the rim of the pot and dropped to the ground.

A cheer went up from the other team, and they chanted, “Drink, drink, drink.”

I eyed the foaming mug, then tossed it back to a round of approval. Ale drained down my throat until I'd chugged it all, then I wiped away the foam with my sleeve. A laugh bubbled in my chest as they refilled my mug, jeering the other side.

“You'll get ‘em next time, Alice.”

And I did. I landed three arrows and then missed two. Our team was losing, but nobody cared. The longer we played, the harder it was to make the shot, and my head swam with a delicious giddiness.

My cheeks ached from laughing as I lined up my last shot. As I looked through the line of sight, I noticed Sebastian leaning against a tree, watching me. A smile toyed with his lips. Our eyes met, and he arched an eyebrow as if daring me to sink the arrow.

I tried to focus, but the weight of his stare made it impossible. The group went quiet as I zinged the arrow toward the pot. It dipped inside, red feathers sticking out the top. Cheers and groans rang out on each side and mugs cracked together, ale flowing onto the forest floor.

In the excitement, one of the guards bumped into me, forcing me to crash into Peter. His overflowing mug tipped and spilled down the front of my dress. It covered my arms and hands, dripping to my feet. Peter’s features blanched.

“Alice, I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”

“It’s okay.” I laughed it off, wiping at my drenched clothes, and the ale soaking my skin.

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