Page 14 of This Shattered Star

Thank the stars.

“Where are Brannon and Kodhan?”

“Assessing the state of the other competitors. The most intoxicated ones will be easier to handle if need be.”Handle.A much softer word forkill.

Maverick’s words rang out over our heads. “I have decided to make one more change.”

“Here we go,” Theia whispered. Her arm tightened around mine, just a fraction.

The thickening tension in the air filled my lungs like cotton, stifling to the point where it became painful.

“Such turmoil upon your faces. But I can assure you that will change. Surprises are meant to incite joy, after all.” Maverick was the only one smiling. But the answering silence did not deter him. “It’s quite simple. The Starlight Trials are to commence immediately.”

Immediately.Not in three hours.

From outside, horns pealed a long, warning tenor, their vibrations unfurling along the floor beneath our feet. Flashing lights and multicolored ribbons rained down from the sky, the latter pelting every window like rain.

People charged at the doors. Screamed when they realized that they were locked. If Maverick was giving further instructions, no one was listening.

Theia and I pressed closer to the wall, narrowly avoiding being trampled by passersby trying to leave through the second set of doors to our left. But as their shouts grew in volume, my blood slowed.

I found myself tightening my own grip on Theia, despite who she was. What she was to me.

The tremble in my knees returned tenfold. Threatening to take me down with it.

A competitor collapsed before us in a heap of skirts and jewels. Those around her shouted in alarm but made no move to help her.

Another soft thud. This time from the other side of the room.

“Shit,” I gasped.

“Come and find me as soon as you wake up.” Theia’s order was laced with unyielding steel. “Understood?” It held no room for compromise.

I nodded. It wasn’t as if I had any other choice.

She pulled me closer to her, almost feverishly. “Promise me, Eloise.”

“What does a promise change? The rules of the trials are set in stone. We can’t compete without at least one ally. I must find you regardless.”

I tried pulling away, but her hold on me was firm. Her eyes were wide, expectant.

“Fine. I promise.” The words left a sour taste in my mouth.

Promises were nothing but an invisible bind that haunted its bearer until it was satisfied. Oftentimes ready to kill if it wasn’t.

She spoke again, but it was as if I’d been shoved deep underwater. Her voice sounded muffled, too far away. Dark blotches swam across my vision.

My legs refused to move. Then refused to remain upright. The ground rose to greet me faster than I could comprehend.

Prickling numbness wrapped me in its embrace.

Saving me from the impact of my collapse.

CHAPTER FOUR

Frigid air bit at my skin like a starved beast presented with its final meal.

I jolted upright, breathing small clouds into the air as I fought to steady my heart’s thunderous beating. Hundreds of tiny goosebumps lined my arms, while angry red welts splattered across the exposed parts of me that weren’t covered by my dress.