“You will sit with me,” Orïon snarls at Gregor.
Gregor flinches, nodding quickly. Even from this distance, I hear their exchange clearly. It is amazing how my senses have sharpened.
“Orïon,” I call.
He stiffens and snaps to attention. “Yes?”
I approach them, noting Gregor’s forced smile as he greets me. “I would ask you to be nicer to our guest,” I say, holding Orïon’s gaze.
He grunts in response, and the sound grates on my nerves.
My tone is cold when I say, “Ididn’thear your answer.”
His jaw tightens as he forces the word out, each syllable dripping with reluctance. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
I’ve dealt with men like him before—soldiers who had a hard time taking orders from a woman. The difference is, Orïon’s resistance isn’t about my femininity. It’s about waiting. Or more specifically, being stuck in Ávera when he clearly wants to be anywhere else. But Theron already taught him that lesson, so I won’t push.
Elder Aïna, Mina, Naïa, and Essin arrive as I take my seat, the same spot I sat during the welcoming feast the vólkins held for me when I arrived. I know Theron is with his patrol, but he promised he’d return when three stars appear in the sky. So far, only two have shown.
Tonight we’ll question Gregor. I need to know everything, every detail he remembers about what happened. If Gregor feels welcomed and safe, he’s far more likely to share valuable information, more than what he’s already told us.
“How’s our little guest?” Elder Aïna asks, settling beside me.
“Scared of Orïon,” I reply. “But he looks better than before. The girls took care of him.”
Elder Aïna hums thoughtfully as I speak.
“He’s in shock, but honestly, he seems to be handling everything better than I expected, better than I would in his position, considering how new all this is for him.”
“Perhaps it isn’t as new to him as you think.”
Her words make me tighten my grip on the goblet in my hand. That possibility hadn’t even crossed my mind. “Do you think...”
“You know what I think, Your Majesty.”
Of course. How had I not seen it? Gregor was terrified, anyone would be after nearly being killed. But now that I think about it, he’s been adapting to all this far too easily. I should ask Mina how he behaved during his healing.
Interesting, Gregor. Very interesting.
As the third star appears in the sky, my heart pounds loudly in my chest. I do not see Theron, but for some reason, my body reacts. What is this? Why am I getting wet?
Goddesses, why now?
I take a deep breath to steady myself and rise to my feet.
The vólkins are already seated. Gregor sits near Orïon, while the children gather together at a separate table. As I stand, silence falls over the crowd, and all eyes turn to me.
Elder Aïna places a reassuring paw on my knee.
“Tonight,” I begin, “we mark the first and last day of the trials. Our warriors have done well. Most teams found all three artifacts, demonstrating teamwork, strategic thinking, and strength. The forest was unkind, challenging them every step of the way. Yet, they prevailed, proving they are who they claim to be.”
I raise my goblet without thinking, a habit from my human life. Though vólkins don’t drink from goblets, no one seems to mind the gesture.
“The trials will not continue. As we all know, these are alarming times. From today forward, Ávera will be heavily guarded. I ask each and every one of you to remain on guard. If anything unusual occurs, report it immediately.” I pause, swiping my gaze over everyone. Gregor included. “Tonight, we feast in honor of our warriors. In two days, we will celebrate the bonding. For now, enjoy the feast and offer prayers for our strong males patrolling to keep us safe.” I lift the goblet higher. “Let the feast begin.”
“Very noble, Your Majesty.” Theron’s voice cuts through the air as he takes a seat beside me. I’d almost forgotten how deep his voice is.
“Thank you,” I reply, setting the goblet on the table.
