But we needed it, and badly. That monster would’ve killed us both if I hadn’t used the necklace to save our asses. The monster would’ve killedEthan… and dark magic or not, I’d do whatever it took to rescue him from a painful death. There was nothing on this earth, good or evil, I wouldn’t do to save that man.
Yet I promised Ethan I wouldn’t wear it in the last round. We’d play fair in order to win. I thought that was a good compromise.
Besides. I didn’t need dark magic to kick Gabby’s ass. I could do that all on my own.
As we were getting ready to leave, I faced Ethan. “I’m sorry,” I said. I grabbed his arm lightly and gave it a squeeze. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I should’ve consulted you about using the necklace.”
Ethan’s expression was hard to read. “What’s past is past,” he said. “We need to focus on what’s ahead.”
He raised his hands and stroked a few fingers across my cheek. “I forgive you. And whatever happens next… know that I’m still proud of you.”
The small movement was enough to make my knees go weak. Ethan was such a god. He had this freaking power over me I couldn’t explain. Before he’d chosen me as his partner for the Contest, we’d merely been friends, but ever since that kiss… it was like the connection that drew me to him was getting stronger and stronger. The Phantom remained in the back of my mind, but at the forefront was Ethan— and everything that he could do to me.
And I wasn’t talking sexually. The man had a connection to my soul that I couldn’t describe. He could break me so easily with just his words. Or a displeased look.
I never wanted to let him down again.
A cold winter wind blew by as we left the tent, and I shivered. It was nightfall by this point, the stars shining above like twinkling lights over the city. I was still tired, but the energy potion had given me enough strength to make it through this thing— along with pure spite. I wanted nothing more than to wipe the sneer off of Gabby’s face, and make her pay for killing Krystyna.
Lord Lucien and Lady Magdalina were waiting outside of the Field main gates. Gabby and Elijah were at the gates on the other side of the arena. We’d enter at the same time, bow to each other, and then the match would begin.
Lucien appeared as stoic as ever. “The Seven Gods are here. They are making their presence known at the crowning of the next king. You can feel them in the air.”
I couldn’t feel anything, but Ethan nodded in agreement beside me. Lucien’s eyes locked with mine and said, “Keep your wits about you, Emma. Ethan, come with me. We must strategize.”
Lucien beckoned Ethan to follow him with a jerk of his head. Lady Magdalina placed a hand on my arm. She gently led me away from Ethan so we could talk alone. “Lord Zlodia and Lady Korva have prepared their son for this moment all their lives. You need to be on your guard, Emmaline,” she whispered. “This is no ordinary match.”
“What do you mean?” I asked. My heartbeat quickened in my chest.
“Elijah and his mate do not wish to leave any question as to who deserves the crown. They will seek to take your lives. Keep in mind that there are no rules,” Lady Magdalina told me harshly. “Gabriella is a student of mine. She’s ruthless on the ice, and even more so out here. She won’t hesitate to kill you. Save her life, if you can. But whatever it takes, don’t let her win.”
My mouth was dry. “What if I can’t do this alone?”
“Call upon Milonna for help,” Magdalina said. “Gabriella has sworn herself to the Dark Lord, but you have chosen to follow the queen of the gods. She will appear to you today if you call on her name.”
I didn’t know if that was true. Right now, I couldn’t sense anything magical or spiritual about this. All I felt… as much as I hated it… was fear.
And it wasn’t that I was afraid of Elijah or Gabby, or even of dying. I was terrified of watching Ethan lose his dream. I thought death would be preferable to that.
“Promise me, Emmaline.” Magdalina’s fingers whitened on my arms. “Promise me you won’t walk out of that arena without a win.”
Mom had told me Lady Magdalina would ask me to do impossible things. I felt like this was only the start. “I promise.”
She grimaced. “Good. Let’s get you ready.”
A half an hour later Ethan and I stood side by side, waiting for the gates to open. We’d sharpened both our swords, and were now merely waiting for the moment when we’d be allowed to enter.
Ethan looked nervous. His face was blanched, and he bounced next to me nervously. I wondered if he was cold or if he was just trying to burn off some anxiety.
“Emma,” he started, and I looked toward him. “We’ll do this together.”
I reached out and threaded my fingers through his. “Always.”
Ethan gave a forced smile. The doors opened, and I let go of his hand. As we entered, Gabby and Elijah proceeded toward us. We met in the middle of the arena. Elijah, as always, looked far too confident. He gave an obnoxious sneer, flashing his teeth as he laid a hand on the sword at his side.
Gabby was mere inches from me. She let out a snarky laugh under her breath before she whispered, “Sure you don’t want to back out?”
“You’re the one who should be scared,” I growled back.
