Elouise,
I have Arts Humains business to attend to. I will uphold our agreement. Take today to design a few recipes as well as their magie. Have Blai and Chantal help revise until I return tonight. We’ll make a decision then.
Remember, no trampling the Counseil with a herd of wild zebra or whatever it is you plan to do.
Nik
Her eyes warmed on his name. And was that a joke?
Tonight. She clung to the word; it meant Nikolas—Nik—didn’t regret it. If anything, he wanted to meet again.
“Ahem.” Blai’s brow ticked.
“Fine. Fine.” She closed the note and stuffed it in her apron. Then she opened the cursed black envelope.
She read aloud:
ROUND TWO: DESOLATION
“Sounds lovely,” Blai murmured. “Go on.”
After a stunning first round, the Counseil has decided it’s time to peel back the layers to see what youreallyhave to offer. In six days, you will prepare an unforgettable, classic savory dish… with a twist. Your final product must not resemble the original recipe. You must present it in a dish the world has never seen before.
“Interesting,” she murmured. “A dish that is only its components.”
She had to give it to the Counseil. It was inventive and exciting.
She read on.
And your dinner won’t be the only thing deconstructed.
Each of you will face a personal challenge in which you will come face-to-face with your worst demons. Which of you will survive after your truths are laid bare?
The two most undesirable chefs will be let go. Any attempt to cheat will result in your immediate dismissal.
Until then,
THE COUNSEIL DES SEPT
Blai was silent.
She was silent.
As with the first, a timer ticked away at the bottom. Six days, eight hours, twenty-nine minutes.
The time was meaningless. She couldn’t go through with it anyway.
Which of you will survive after your truths are laid bare?
… survive after your truths are laid bare…
… truths are laid bare…
… truths…
“Elouise.” Blai’s voice was laced with concern. “What is it?”
She couldn’t tell them. It would’ve been easier if she thought Nik had chosen Gaetan as a message, but he hadn’t. He wasn’t foolish enough to endanger their plan. Not like that. If she said anything, they’d all be in danger. She had to drop out. Leave before she could see the shock of her treachery on Nik’s face.
