Page 33 of Kiss of Embers
A smattering of applause filled the air. People leaned forward, trying to see down the steps.
Bolveg withdrew a white cloth and mopped his forehead. After he’d tucked it away, he addressed the crowd. “As I said last night, the first challenge will take place in the Catacombs of Uzgal. Contestants must navigate the corridors, which include puzzles placed at certain intervals. There are several paths out of the maze, so the puzzles you encounter will vary based on which path you take. The maze is designed to disorient. Solve the puzzles, don’t get distracted, and find the exit. That’s your task.”
Struan hummed, rocking on his heels a bit. “Well. That doesn’t sound so bad.”
“In addition,” Bolveg said, “contestants must confront their deepest fears while solving the puzzles. These fears will manifest in corporeal form.”
Struan stopped rocking. “Spoke too soon.”
Bolveg adjusted his glasses. “Please note that your fears can neither touch you nor harm you. No matter how real they appear, they cannot make physical contact.”
Dread settled in my stomach. What was my biggest fear? Instantly, images of moonstruck pack members flooded my brain. Maybe the catacombs wouldn’t be so bad. I’d spent a year confronting my worst nightmares. I could do this.
Bolveg continued. “As with all the challenges, your success depends on your speed. Contestants with the best times in this first challenge will begin tomorrow night’s challenge with a head start. Now, barring any questions, we’ll proceed with the Fountain of Truth.”
Silence stretched, and some of my anxiety faded. All werewolves were fast, but I was faster than any wolf I’d ever encountered. If this challenge hinged on speed, I had it in the bag.
After a moment, Inessa waved a hand toward the fountain. “All right, form a line, people. Single file. You’re going to approach, vow not to use any magic you don’t already possess,and drink.” As the contestants nearest to her began forming a queue, she folded her arms. “And just know that this fountain is like Santa Claus. It’ll be watching every challenge. If you break your vow, you’re going on its shit list.”
A haughty looking fae gave Inessa a sour look as he passed her. “Saint Nicholas. You sully the ancient dignity of this competition by referencing human myth.”
Inessa rolled her eyes. “It’s a colloquialism. Lighten up, Legolas.”
More people streamed toward the queue. Struan and Finn remained at my sides, and it became clear they had no intention of moving until I did. With a lingering frown in my direction, Brader turned and stalked toward the line.
Asshole.
Drute appeared in front of me, concern brimming in his eyes.
“Let’s talk,” I said, stepping forward and grabbing his arm. When Struan and Finn tried to fall into step beside me, I put up my free hand.“Alone.”
The dragons’ expressions darkened. Finn’s eyes flashed red as he focused on Drute. “We’ll be right here.”
Drute and I moved to the other side of the clearing. The worry in his eyes intensified as he cupped his clawed hands around my shoulders.
“Remember what Bolveg said. Don’t let anything distract you, including the dragons.”
I fought the urge to glance at Finn and Struan. Although, I didn’t need to. Their stares were a heavy weight against the side of my face. “I won’t.” I lowered my voice. “Hopefully I can lose them once I’m inside the catacombs.”
Drute looked across the clearing, his lips compressing in a thin line. “Let’s hope so.” He turned back to me, and he squeezed my shoulders. “The catacombs are going to throw illusions atyou. Just keep your head down and work the puzzles. You’re smart and fast. This is the perfect challenge for you.”
His praise warmed me. At the same time, something bittersweet bloomed in my heart. Drute had always been a father figure, but with Dad gone, he’d stepped it up over the past year. Drute had filled an important void—and he was going to leave another void when he went home.
On impulse, I threw my arms around his neck. He returned the gesture at once, enfolding me in a hug that pressed my cheek to his rigid chest. The scent of rain and granite swirled into my nostrils.
“You’ll do great, Alpha,” he murmured above me.
I pulled back, a lump in my throat. “I’ll see you after.”
He nodded. “I’ll wait here until you go down the steps.”
I crossed the clearing, and I avoided looking at Finn and Struan as I got in line for the fountain. A moment later, however, Struan’s deep voice sounded behind me.
“Don’t fash yourself about the catacombs, lass. Finn and I have your back.”
I’d watched enoughOutlanderto know he’d told me not to worry. Gritting my teeth, I kept my gaze straight ahead. I’d deal with Struan and Finn—and their so-called claim—later. Right now, I had to focus on getting through the catacombs unscathed.
The line moved slowly. The contestants’ vows drifted back, followed by the sound of splashing water. Tension swelled the air. Struan and Finn loomed behind me, but they said nothing else.