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The king’s advantage is everything to the clans. They practically bribe my father with gifts, vows of trade, or services in advance to sweeten him up. He’s never given his lead to a losing pledge before, and it’s partially why the clans and pledges jump through such hoops to earn it or to sway his favor.
I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation but still feeling a sense of unease as I watch Sebastian fight. He’s dangerous, yes, but there’s something about him that draws me in, something that makes me want to trust him despite everything.
“We’re just in a big fucking pickle…” my father says, resuming his nail-biting as he watches the show. “A big pickle indeed.”
For better or worse, my fate quite literally is in Sebastian’s hands, and only time will reveal what he intends to do with it.
A serpent man and Sebastian clash. I’m not a warrior–I’ve never even held a sword–but I do my best to anticipate attacks. It’s easier said than done, though. More often than not, I’m hardly using my gift in time to keep Sebastian from being hurt.
The serpent man lashes out and I’m barely able to tilt him off kilter from this distance, but it’s enough to make sure his fangs only scrape Sebastian’s arm. It’s better than sinking into his throat, though, and that’s where they were heading.
The roar of the crowd and the clash of weapons fill the air. My father’s words still echo in my mind, and I can’t shake the feeling that this entire situation is a precarious house of cards, ready to collapse at any moment.
Sebastian skillfully dodges attack after attack, killing the serpent and a demon after that. Still, I find myself holding my breath as I watch.
My father rises from his seat, leaving me to my thoughts, and under the protection of Zelix, who’s standing guard near the thrones. I’d recognize him anywhere, even beneath his thick cloak. Slowly, he sneaks closer until he’s right next to my throne. I can sense the tension in his posture, the way he stands just a tad bit too tall, his spine rigid. Paying him no mind, I watch Sebastian discreetly using my magic to make his opponent misstep or stumble to give him the advantage.
After the fourth or fifth time of intervening, Zelix clears his throat. “Why are you helping him?” Apparently, I wasn’t being discreet enough. However, that might be because he notices absolutely everything, including things others wouldn’t pay mind to.
“I don’t have much of a choice. I can either help him win or become the troll’s toothpick. I think I’ll take my chances with the pirate.” My gaze remains fixed on the brutal fight.
“He’s your father’s enemy. Do you truly believe he’ll be much different? If your father catches you helping him, he’ll feed you to the beasts.”
“He better not catch me then,” I say with a sigh.
“You danced with him…” It’s a statement to himself more than to me. “What did he offer you?”
“A life. A chance to see the world outside these walls. It sounds a hell of a lot better than being monster food.”
“And you believe he’ll keep his word?” Zelix’s dark brown eyes meet mine from beneath his cloak’s hood. “Hook is a murderer. If he wins, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sends you back to your father in pieces, just for the pleasure of it.”
I wince at the image, my lungs tightening in my chest. Yet, I can’t deny the truth in Zelix’s words. I’m witnessing firsthand how ruthless Sebastian can be, but I have to hope this won’t be it for me.
I want more. I want to live, and Sebastian can give me that.
“Has he seen it?” Zelix asks, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. “Your mark? Does he know?”
I scoff. “Of course not. Why would you ask that?”
“Because the Dark One hates blood witches. He’s killed dozens just for existing. What would he do if he found out about you?”
My breath catches in my throat, and for a moment, a sense of foreboding coils inside me, seizing my heart like a vice. I force myself to remain calm, schooling my features. “I’ll just have to make sure he never finds out.”
“You’re playing with fire, princess,” Zelix warns, his voice low and serious.
“Do you blame me? If that troll wins, I’m as good as dead,” I say, my voice wavering despite my best efforts to keep it steady.
“Not true. There’s a chance the troll might trade for you if he was offered enough.”
“And you have that kind of gold?” I ask, and Zelix’s gaze drops to the ground by his feet. “I didn’t think so. No one else will make that deal.”
For a moment, silence hangs between us, heavy and suffocating. Zelix’s gaze bores into the side of my face, but ultimately, he says nothing more.
My eyes are glued to the troll advancing on Sebastian. It’s just the two of them left now. Each footfall shakes the ground, and its massive fists swing, narrowly missing Sebastian multiple times. My breath catches in my throat as the troll lands a hit, sending Sebastian flying through the air. As he crashes into the cliffside, shadows wrap around him, cushioning his fall. He faces the troll again, but he’s lost his sword in flight. The troll now holds it, making it look like an eating utensil in its large, meaty hand.
The troll closes in on him despite my magic slowing his movements to give Sebastian time to recover. He crawls across the sand, eyes locked on the ax near a fallen demon. The troll, still looming over him, seems to be preparing for another strike. I can’t let that happen, but this distance… My gift has a range and he’s just at the edge of it.
Right as the troll reaches Sebastian, it bends, jaws open like he plans to swallow him whole. Sebastian’s fingers stretch for the ax handle, just out of reach. He snags the demon’s arm, pulling it over his head as the troll chops down with the sword, severing the limb. Sweat beads on my brow, but I manage to keep him from swinging harder, sparing Sebastian’s head by a sliver of space.
