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I take stock of the room. They’re just mortals with enchanted stones. “We can take them.”
No one seems convinced, and it cuts me to the core. I notice again that Geraldine’s taken great care to maintain her pristine appearance. Her curly hair is plastered down with something slick. Her uniform is without wrinkles. She smells like rose petals.
My skin itches to hear more about the exhibition training and tournament. I’m fairly certain none of my companions have combat skills. I assume since I need weapons, that’s what we have to do. Some other exhibitors are well-muscled, fit, and wear the same predatory look as my father and brother.
They’re wolves amongst a flock of sheep, and they know it.
Peablossom said there were repeat exhibitors. Perhaps even those who have fought in the war. That makes them brutal competition.
A sudden buzz swarms across the room. People jolt and pull out their resonance stones. Peablossom’s disembodied lyrical voice echoes as the first lot of names is called out. Along with personal resonance stones, her voice transmits from a large, carved owl in the rafters.
“I’d better get cleaned up.” I suddenly feel motivated to win this thing.
When I stand, Geraldine’s name is called at the same time. She jerks upright and accidentally knocks the bowl. White goop spills over her dark uniform. The bowl rolls loudly on the floor and eventually comes to a stop.
“Oh no,” she gasps as it drips down her front. “I’m soiled.”
“No use crying over spilled goop,” I offer, trying to lighten the mood, but no one laughs. I use the corner of my cape to wipe her mess. Everyone is as silent as death’s whisper.
Snickers echo from another table. Concerned, I look to Max for guidance.
His eyes fill with sorrow as he gestures around the room. “Some have been training and earning charms for years. I once saw a Chaser who could summon lightning in his hands. A Nothing’s only hope of surviving is to be sponsored by a Radiant.”
I sit down, remove the boots from my folded uniform pile, and hand her the clean shirt. “Take mine.”
“What?” Geraldine’s eyes fill with tears. “I can’t. You need it.”
“I’ll go to the pageant in what I’m wearing.”
“But you’ll be punished.”
“I don’t care if they take my eyebrows.” I shrug. “Can’t make me look any worse.”
“No.” She shakes her head, spilling a few tears.
“Please.” I shove it at her. “I know how to take care of myself. Trust me.”
“You’d better hurry, love. Your name was already called.” Peggy begins to unbutton my uniform shirt with her gnarled fingers and fumbles but then manages to open it all the way. Geraldine gives me one last agonized look, then strips right there—despite the gasps of shock. Getting half-naked in the commons probably isn’t on the list of accepted behaviors. She must be desperate. Max comes around the table, licks his palm, and flattens her flyaway strands of hair as she tucks in her new shirt tails.
“Do I look okay?” she asks breathlessly.
“Perfect,” I smile confidently, hoping it rubs off.
“Not quite,” she shoots back. “But it’s a start. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
“You already did by being kind.”
She hugs me and whispers, “You’re a special person, Willow. Thank you.”
Then she rushes out the doors leading to the woods. The imprint of her words remains long after she’s walked out. I don’t feel special, but maybe there’s hope for me.
I inspect the dirty shirt she left. It’s honestly not that bad if I wash it in the bathroom. It might even dry before my name is called. There are close to two hundred people here. I have time.
I collect my rucksack but don’t leave because my resonance stone vibrates, and Peablossom’s loud, sing-song voice clearly announces my name.
Oh, shit.
Max and Peggy give me a petrified look. Bob’s shoulders sag.
