AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When he runs a finger gently through my hair, I feel the strands come loose. Ellister’s eyes are full of stress when he looks at the chunk in his hand. He lets it fall to the ground, then he helps me to my feet and presses my wooden stick to my palm.
After brushing himself off, Envy lays out his plan to his men, telling them they’ll all reconvene here after the tournament is over. Then he orders everyone except for Ellister and me to the arena.
I glance in the direction he’s referring to.
In the distance, there’s a marvelous castle. It looks small since it’s so far away, but I know it must be tall because clouds are hovering around the highest spires. The marble exterior is shining in the sunlight, and there are stained-glass windows with beautiful colors. Surrounding the palace, there are gardens and a sprawling green lawn that seems to go on for miles.
Closer to us, I see tons of people flocking to an area on the grass. There’s a slight mound, but there’s no arena in sight.
Confused, I tilt my head because their silhouettes appear to be dropping into the ground. “Where is everyone going?”
“It’s a sunken amphitheater,” Ellister says, putting his arm around my waist to support me.
“Interesting.” In my mind, I’d been picturing a stone Colosseum. Something grand. But I have to admit, there’s something ominous about a fight to the death in the underground.
“And with a swarming arrival like that,” Ellister adds, “the tournament hasn’t started yet. We made it to the correct time.”
He sounds a bit shocked that he aimed the vortex without mistake, but I didn’t doubt him for one second. My trust in Ellister is so solid. I’ve never had a connection like this, and it’s not just because of our bond or our souls.
This man has been relentless in his pursuit to save me, and I can only hope someday I get the opportunity to return his efforts in kind.
With curiosity, I watch the long line of people disappearing into the arena.
Surprisingly, the fashion during this time period is relatively similar to the future we came from. Many of the men are shirtless or wearing tank tops, and most have on light-colored pants. The women are elegantly dressed in the long gowns with fabric so thin I can see right through it. They carry parasols to shade themselves from the merging suns.
Ellister suddenly sways a bit, and I move with him since he’s the main thing keeping me up. As he blinks, I can tell he’s having trouble standing.
“Are you okay?” I ask him. “You look so tired.”
He nods. “Don’t worry about me, darling. The jump took it out of me. Nothing a little time can’t fix.”
Braham comes over with our luggage, and Ellister takes the suitcase and sleeping bag from him.
“You better hurry,” Yorenzo advises Envy as he starts the trek to the arena with all the other men. “The princess is probably making her deal with Mihkyle as we speak. Ackealenvyos is next.” His gaze swings to Ellister and me, and there’s a softness in his grandfatherly eyes. “If I don’t see you two again, it was a pleasure to meet you. It’s truly extraordinary what you’ve done for us. I won’t forget it.”
Ellister doesn’t say ‘you’re welcome’ but he does nod in acknowledgment.
If only Envy was so thankful.
“Come on,” the impatient man snaps, motioning to Ellister and me as he gets a portal out of his pocket.
“Where’s my flask?” Ellister sneers, giving him an expectant lift of his eyebrows.
“You think I’m going to let you leave before I’ve been sure of my success?” Envy shakes his head. “You’ll get it back after we’ve interrupted the bargain,andonce I’m relocated to the new universe you promised me.”
“I felt my end of the bargain lift from my soul,” Ellister states, thumping his chest. “I’m guessing that means my presence is no longer required.”
“I’m not going to bet my future on aguess.”
My mate growls, low and menacing, but I just squeeze his hand.
Arguing will only waste precious minutes. We need to get to this Ackealenvyos guy before the princess does.
Envy drops the portal to the ground, and through the window, there’s stone and shadows. He walks through it. We follow.
Once we’re on the other side, we find ourselves in a tunnel. The perfectly chiseled stones arch over us, and there’s light at a far opening. Cheers and the commotion of a lot of people talking at once echo from the arena.
We’re underneath it.
