Chapter 74 The Announcement pt1
Night has fallen, and the glow of the lava beneath the mended cobblestone floor lights up the night with an eerie orange glow.
Thorne’s standing in the center of the open space with his back to us as I nervously scan the courtyard. Historically, coming here has been dangerous more often than not. Oberon and Zaries have taken posts on either side of me, hands subconsciously grasping for weapons that aren't at their hips. Sylvain isn’t far away, and I register her eyes are red-rimmed. This is taking its toll on everyone.
Without turning, Thorne raises his head toward the dark, stormy sky and lets out a whistle. It’s a single note, sharp and clear, and a bellow echoes from the roiling skies above. Like a spear through flesh, Thorne’s great black alicorn pierces the cloud cover and dives straight toward us. Everyone but Thorne takes a defensive stance, magic pooling in our hands. We’ve been attacked too much, too often, and too recently by crazed alicorns.
The beast spreads his wings mere feet from the ground, catching itself in mid-air. Casually, and with an air of cocky satisfaction, the alicorn sets its hooves on the cobblestones and prances up to Thorne, making delighted little noises as he rubs his muzzle against the man’s open hand.
Thorne finally turns to face us, his expression severe yet calm. "Tomorrow," he announces, his voice carrying over the tense silence, "the final step to becoming a slayer will take place."
A murmur ripples through the gathered trainees, fear and excitement mingling with the sulfur in the air. Thorne raises a hand to silence them. "This test will decide who among you is worthy to be a dragon slayer, who will protect Amaranthine."
The weight of his words settles heavily over us. I glance at Oberon and Zaries, seeing the same resolve mirrored in their eyes.
Thorne continues, his voice unwavering. "This will be unlike anything you've faced before. It will test your strength, your magic, and your will. Only those who prove themselves beyond doubt will earn the title of dragon slayer."
The alicorn beside Thorne snorts, stomping a hoof, its eyes reflecting the molten glow from the lava below. Thorne's gaze sweeps across the courtyard, locking onto each of us in turn. Finally, it settles on me. "Prepare yourselves. Rest tonight, for tomorrow, you will face your destiny."
He turns away, leading the alicorn toward the shadows at the edge of the courtyard. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel the gravity of the impending test settling over us like a heavy cloak. The courtyard falls into an uneasy quiet, the only sounds are the distant rumble of the volcano and the occasional crackle of the lava beneath.
As soon as Thorne disappears into the shadows, Zaries and Oberon turn to me simultaneously. "Anara, I’ll protect—" Zaries starts, his voice firm and determined.
"I doubt it,” Oberon counters, stepping closer, his expression equally resolute. “This is probably part of your twisted desire to make her pay for something that was never her burden to bear. Make her trust you, then come good on your promise to kill her.”
Their eyes lock, the animosity between them crackling like a live wire. "You think you can protect her better than I can?" Zaries growls, his fists clenching at his sides.
"Without a doubt in my mind," Oberon shoots back, his stance widening as if preparing for a fight. “I’ve done nothing but treat Anara right from the beginning.”
Fury flares in Zaries’ dark eyes, virulent and potent. Oberon seems to relish the reaction, leaning forward in silent challenge.
Wanting to finish what they started in the pit.
I leap between them, placing a hand on each of their chests to keep them apart. "Enough! This isn’t about you two or your animosity.” I push hard enough that they take a step back. “The test tomorrow is all that matters now."
They both look at me, their expressions softening slightly, but the tension remains. Zaries steps back, his jaw tight. "And I will pass," he snarls, glaring at Oberon. “Which is exactly what will happen because I’ve done nothing but tell Anara the truth from the beginning.”
Oberon snorts before he turns away. "Conceited ass."
They both leave, walking in opposite directions, the charged atmosphere following them. I watch them go, my heart heavy with the knowledge that the Trial looms ahead, but so does the choice between my childhood friend and the man who stirs my heart in ways I never expected. For now, all I can do is focus on the final hurdle toward becoming a dragon slayer, but the reality of what’s to come gnaws at the back of my mind.
“I hope they use that intensity to pass the Trial.”
Turning, I find Sylvain standing beside me, also watching Zaries and Oberon stalk away. I try to smile, only to find I can’t. She nods, understanding, and I register how pale she is.
“Come on, we should rest,” I say quietly, taking her hand.
She squeezes my hand and we angle toward Blight’s barracks. Tears are ever present on her face, her lower lip trembling, but she doesn’t speak. We navigate the courtyard in silence, as does everyone else.
Tomorrow is now weighted with the promise of fate.
Blight’s barracks are like a rainforest indoors. Green foliage and poisonous flowers cover the walls, the floors, and the roof. There’s a miasma of toxic mist layering the floor, giving it an ominous marsh-like feel. In the back of my mind, I know I want to explore this place and get a feeling for the poisonous slayers, but the rest of my mind is wholly focused on Sylvain. What she needs right now is more important than anything else.
“I want to see her,” she says quietly.
I squeeze her hand back, willing to go wherever she wants.