Page 141 of Dancing with Vipers and Shadows

We share similar looks of hopefulness before Asher squeezes my hand.

“Ready to go?” Asher whispers to me.

I swallow down my fear, giving him my best strong front.

“Ready.”

With deep breaths, we make our way to the red beam of light that’s faded significantly in comparison to when we first saw its shining brilliance.

We’re next in line. Professor North and Professor Blackbird are nowhere in sight. I don’t like that they’re missing in action, especially when I’m not sure how this final trial is about to go down.

I don’t want to admit that their presence left me feeling capable of doing spells I normally wouldn’t attempt, but that’s the truth. I felt a need to prove my worth to both of them, and through my survival, thanks to Asher and the rest of our little team, I’ve accomplished that and more.

Especially with their interference.

“Asher?” I whisper his name, stealing his attention for a moment. “That final spell from earlier. With the golden cage from the arrow. What did it do?”

What mark did it leave behind?

“Gave Alaric a taste of what the fallen upon the battlefields will experience,” Asher reveals and has my hand in his once more as he looks forward. “Only… I’m not sure it’s temporary.”

“You were going to make it temporary?” I ask for clarification.

“I was, but that cage seals Alaric’s fate, for every cage needs a key for the captive to gain freedom.” He pauses so he can give me his full attention. “Just like every arrow needs a bow to help strike down their prey.”

“Azrael set him up for continuous suffering,” I conclude, but I don’t carry an ounce of pity for the man who not only broke my sister’s heart but ruined her future, thanks to his selfish greed for power and fame.

“Rightfully so,” Asher admits, but I feel his eyes on me, even as I look away to see Professor D’Angelo’s disappointment at my obvious presence.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted me dead.

“Ophelia.” My eyes return to those blue-green spheres. “What are you hiding from me?”

He could always read me so easily.

“You know, I never ever tell you this enough,” I begin, realizing it was one of my biggest regrets when I found out he was attending N.M.U. without any notice. “I love you, Asher.”

I don’t care if those lined up behind us can hear my confession. I especially don’t care about Professor D’Angelo glaring at the two of us. I just have to say this now. Not because I feel like we’re inches from death but because he deserves to know that despite the distance, the trials, and whatever is ahead, he’d always be my first.

That’s the reason why I can open my heart to more.

“I love you, too, Ophelia,” he replies lovingly.

We give our best smiles as Professor D’Angelo loudly clears his throat.

“Any day now?” he prompts.

I’d normally have a good comeback for his uninvited comments, but nothing comes to mind.

“Yes, yes,” Asher huffs as he takes the lead with my hand tightly in his. “Goodluck, Professor D’Angelo.”

“Good luck?” He doesn’t understand Asher’s comment.

Neither do I.

“You’ll need it,” Asher replies, not slowing down his stride. “If we survive what’s ahead, I’ll make sure your life becomes a living hell.”

The Professor is left speechless while I notice how the beam of red is already struggling to keep its foundation.

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