Page 29 of A Clash of Stars

“This ceremony is designed to ignite your powers so you can perform to the best of your abilities in the Variance. Now that we have offered to the original six, we will begin our journey.”

Before the ending syllable of the word ‘journey’ came out of his mouth, we were all pulled back and covered with a cloth that shielded our faces. I couldn’t see anything, and the blindness initially panicked me. I knew panic would only disable me further, so I focused on my other senses to guide me. They placed us in the back of a wagon, and I only assumed so because of the reeking smell of horse manureand the creaking of wood underneath my weight. Then we rode on. What felt like an eternity later, we arrived at an undisclosed location.

My senses were tingling, but a small portion of me felt comfortable, which I couldn’t figure out why. We were unloaded and placed in what felt like high grass. I imagined what it looked like, soft green stalks of grass waving in the wind, or was it a golden meadow? Within moments, our head coverings were removed, and we were left standing with each other staring at Master Edward with eyes squinted, adjusting to the blazing sun.

“Today, you will be in search of the Claiborne Relic. If you haven’t figured it out, we are in Claiborne, a few miles from the fallen kingdom. Everything’s overgrown, and wild animals lurk throughout the forest. You will have twenty-four hours to seek and achieve this task. If no one completes capturing the relic, I and a special court will decide who the winner should be. Although, if someone does complete the task, you will automatically be victorious and take your place as the rightful heir to the throne of Sefida, for the Land of Carondelet, immediately.”

That’s all the instructions you’re going to give us. Seriously?

“You can use your powers and the supply bags at your feet.”

Plop.

There is my gorgeous supply bag, and please let there be snacks.

“Best of luck to all of you.”

There was an almost emphasis on the word ‘you’ when he glanced at me. Was that another secret message for me? I was so over this entire conquest already. Stick a fork in me because I’m done.

“Your time begins…now.”

Everyone around me started running in different directions, and all I could think was, “Where are you all running to?” We had no clue where we were, so I stood there awkwardly. Our lovely leader’s eyebrows were furrowed with such anger towards me that I could sense the heat of it flaring in my direction.

“Clara, are you going to participate?” he snapped at me.

I thought carefully before I responded.

“Yes, I am. Currently, I am deciding on which way to run. Any suggestions?” I smirked.

“The only suggestion I have for you is to get out of my sight and complete the Variance. Go, Clara. Now.” He snipped at me.

Fine.

I selected a direction, and instead of running, I just walked.

What was the point of rushing when I had no idea where to go? The adrenaline would only cloud my judgment, and I needed all the focus I could get.

As I entered the forest, I noticed the sound of birds, crinkle of leaves, and a smell. What was that smell? It was a musky smell. I couldn’t pinpoint it, but I kept walking. I thought about the note that was left on my roses that day.

‘When the star aligns with the moon, that’s where I’ll be. The stone in the ground staring at thee. One star and a key to unlock my mystery.’

Where do the stars align… It couldn’t mean in the sky unless I magically sprouted wings. I knew I had to get closer to the castle of Claiborne to have any chance. I had no idea where I was going, but I let my body and instincts take me.

After what felt like hours, I finally saw it. The castle. Had I been here before? It seemed so familiar. As I approached, I heard a crunch of branches behind me. I immediately whipped out my sword, and like any good warrior, I said, “Who is it?”

Chapter 6

Ifelt silly asking this question when I knew no one would respond. Although, I was very wrong when I smelled the sweet scent of citrus and warmth around me.

I turned to two hands coming to grasp my face and give me the biggest kiss I have ever gotten. He smiled, and so did I.

“I have never seen you in armor before. I think I quite like it,” he swooned at me.

I giggled and embraced him.

“Well, the pants are a little tight. I don’t think I could get used to that.”

Immediately after completing that sentence, Madok peeked around me to get a good look at my ass. He smirked and whispered, “I think I could get used to you wearing those.”

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