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Baine’s gaze narrowed. “You heard him say this?”
“Yes, Baine. Anyone who goes there will die! This competition was never about finding the perfect bride. He’s been sending mages to the war for years.”
“Then make sure he chooses you.”
“What?” I wiggled my way out of Baine’s grip, shocked at his callous response. “No, that’s not the answer! And I’m the last girl he would choose!”
I turned my back to Baine.
How can he say that? These girls and possibly me could die.
“You’re wrong,” he said behind me. “He senses what I sense. You are something more than a human girl with a bit of fire magic. Even without knowing what the crone did, Lord Demious is no fool. If you show him, you’ll be saved.”
The sun beamed high in the sky. If I didn’t return soon, someone might notice, and suddenly I was tired. Slipping the dress back on, and not caring one bit about my audience, I stared at the woods, remembering what my father made me swear all those years ago.
“No one must know the truth.”
“But why, Poppa? Calvin and I are strong. We can protect ourselves.”
He picked me up and placed me on his lap. “One day the world will need you and your brother. You are unique. The Magi Council will take you, separate you both from each other and us and do whatever they wish. You must never show anyone what you can do. What you and your brother can really do.”
“Okay.”
“Promise me, Rosalie.”
“I promise, Poppa. No one will find out.”
The pain of my parents passing hit me in the chest, making the warm sun feel constricting instead of comforting. They died to keep our power a secret. Instead of using their magic to save themselves from the wildfire, they died inside it.
I couldn’t betray them now. I wouldn’t. No matter what. Their death would not be in vain. I’d find a way to save myself and these girls without my secret. My parents gave me more than magic. They bestowed on me a mind with the power to think myself out of a bad situation.
“Take me back,” I said. “I need to lie down.”
Baine placed a hand on my shoulder, stepping close behind me. “My offer still stands. I could sway him to another female and get you out of here before the others are sent away.”
“He won’t let that happen. He signed a contract with the Magi Council. Whoever isn’t chosen will go to war. He’s already bargained our lives away. Now, please, take me back.”
Baine swept me into his arms, and this time I wondered if it was the last.
