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She glances over her shoulder, then leans in. “You tread on treacherous ground. Make haste to read, study, and live by it for your own safeguarding. Be especially aware of article four, section three, where the Folk cannot engage in the brutish pastimes our subterranean kinsfolk enjoy. That is what mortals and dragons are for.”
“So I was right,” I murmur. “This exhibition is a trick. Service and potential death is expected for all who survive.”
“Consider us on an equal par for favors yesterday rendered.” She swipes her skirt, tinkling her charms. “Most who have graced this realm long enough to witness several Gentle Interludes are aware Nothings rarely endure until the end. In fact, it appears to be somewhat of an initiation rite for Shadows to dispatch them before the tournament. But that’s mere whispers in the wind and certainly not idle gossip you acquired from me. Now, are you certain of your destination?”
My life is in danger. Not just mine, but Geraldine, Max, Peggy, and Bob. I glance down at the crushed timetable and force my hands to remain steady, but I can’t focus. I keep seeing Bob holding my arm as we march in a straight line. How is he supposed to survive? How will any of them survive?
Peablossom points to the timetable and says, “That quaint depiction of a flame denotes the combat class is held in the House of Embers Tower. If you hurry, you’ll arrive before they close the doors. Tardy souls are strictly forbidden to enter. Offyou go, and remember,” she points to her dimples and sings, “we are smiling, yes?”
It’s an effort to return her smile, but she helped me. As far as the Good Folk go, she’s not so bad. Satisfied, she hums in approval and sashays away.
Alfie waitsoutside the lava-veined tower, arms folded, looking as virile as ever in his uniform. His biceps stretch the gray fabric of his shirt. Another new, twinkling red charm hangs from his chain. I break into a jog but stop short of hugging him.
“Did you get my note?” he whispers.
“Yes,” I breathe. “I burned it too.”
“So, we’re good for tonight?”
Tonight? Does he really want to meet somewhere? Before I can ask for clarification, he gapes at my cape and pulls it further apart. “Why aren’t you in uniform? And... what are you wearing? Wait. Is that your Radiant’s clothes?”
I swat him away. Why does everyone think they have the right to peer beneath my cape? “My uniform was dirty, so I stole his.”
“You can’t wear their clothes instead.” Panic tightens his voice. “They’ll roast you alive when they find out.”
I scoff. “What can they do without getting violent?”
Alfie’s disparaging look reminds me of Peablossom’s list of punishments, particularly the one about a statue.
“They can do plenty,” he replies curtly. “Look, Willow, back home, you were President Nero’s favorite pet. With Rory looking out for you, you got away with murder... literally. But here, you’re on your own. Your Radiants haven’t cared enoughto fix your face. Doesn’t that tell you something about their motivations?”
My arms wrap around my middle. When did he get so bossy? “You don’t trust them?”
“I trust no one.” His gaze softens. He touches my hair. “Except you. Just... don’t sit in the first row. Don’t volunteer for sparring until you learn about your competitor’s weaknesses.”
“I know how to fight, Alfie,” I counter with a droll tone.
“Yeah, but you’re charmless.” He scrubs his face. “You’re as mortal as me, so do me a favor and, for once, heed my warning. I’ve got something in the works to help you.”
My brows knit together. “You sound likethem.”
“I’ve been here a long time.” Ghosts flicker in his eyes as they search mine. “I’m so glad you’re here. Have I mentioned that?”
“Yes.” Warmth blooms in my chest. I step into him, and he doesn’t push me away. “But you can say it again.”
His head dips until I feel his heat. Wait. Is he going to kiss me? My heart jackhammers and I freeze, unsure what to do. He knew the real me before this curse warped my face. That should make me want to close the gap between our lips. Shouldn’t it?
He quickly untangles us and glances over my shoulder.
When I turn, I catch Geraldine and Max hurrying away as though they were about to say hello, but changed their minds.
“Geraldine!” I shout. “I’ll be right back, Alfie.”
“Willow, you shouldn’t be associating with?—”
I don’t hear the rest. I’m already halfway to Geraldine. She gives me a shy smile and backtracks from the entrance. Max tells her he’ll save a seat.
“Ooh, me too, please.” I stick up my hand.
