Chapter 13: Deadly Games

SIENNA

The sun had barely risen when we set out. The morning breeze carried the scent of damp earth and wood, a constant reminder that we were still under the dominion of the Earth Court. My horse moved forward steadily, but the tension in my hands and the stiffness in my shoulders betrayed my unease. Beside me, Astrid rode as effortlessly as she breathed, her gaze fixed on the horizon, as if she could see the destiny that awaited us.

Every so often, I saw Bastian turn his head, his eyes searching for Astrid with silent concern, making sure she was all right. His lips pressed together slightly, his back tensed every time he lost sight of her for even a moment. I couldn't help but smile bitterly. For once, it wasn’t just me protecting her. There was someone else marching in the same direction, and although I didn't want to admit it, that certainty brought me relief.

The journey would take two days, crossing dirt roads and hidden paths through dense vegetation. Bastian led the way, his posture upright on his imposing pomodoro, radiating the authority of someone who had never known fear. Behind him, Aldrion rode with the ease of a seasoned warrior, his figure strong and monumental. I observed him from the corner of my eye, a part of me noticing details I had never allowed myself to before. He was attractive—there was no denying that—but what unsettled me most was the way his words from that night still danced in my head. Was he really interested in me, or did he only see what everyone else saw? I shook my head. Survive first. Live later.

The rest of the group advanced in silence. Soldiers, two courtiers, all lost in their own thoughts. There were no trivial conversations, no lighthearted laughter—only the sound of hooves striking damp earth and the whisper of the wind filtering through the trees. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, but one of anticipation, like the edge of a knife before sinking into flesh.

The nights were quiet, though the tension never truly left us. We slept in makeshift tents and took turns keeping watch. Despite the ever-present danger, the journey had an air of unreality, as if we were riding toward a fate that did not belong to us.

When we finally arrived, the sight before us took my breath away.

It was a spectacle worthy of the most extravagant tales. Colossal tents stood in perfectly aligned rows, banners waving in the wind, displaying the emblems of each court. Unlike the human festivals I remembered, where the ground was covered in dust and people gathered in disorder, here everything was pristine, majestic. Every detail, from the arrangement of the tents to the attire of the attendees, spoke of an order and splendor that humans could only dream of achieving.

Astrid and I exchanged glances, the same awe reflected in our faces.

The different courts were easy to identify. I saw people with silver hair and gray eyes, their skin pale as the moon; others with eyes black as obsidian, their robes billowing with an air of mystery. Warriors clad in armor made of ever-shifting water, and figures wrapped in flames that did not seem to burn them. It was extraordinary. Overwhelming.

Bastian led us to one of the tents, its banner bearing the colors of the Earth Court, with an intricate design of intertwined roots and leaves.

—"This is our tent,"—he said, dismounting effortlessly.—"You will stay here while I handle the registration."

I turned to him, crossing my arms.

—"And what should we do in the meantime? Admire the view?"

—"Don’t wander off,"—he replied calmly, though his eyes warned me not to take it lightly.—"At sunset, each court will present its warriors. Until then, try not to get into trouble."

Astrid and I exchanged a look. Bastian telling us not to get into trouble was practically a challenge.

—"What do you say, As? Let’s take a little stroll,"—I whispered, feeling the adrenaline bubbling in my veins.

—"I love this new adventurous attitude, Sisi! Yippee, let’s go!"—she joked, but then looked at me seriously.—"Put on your cloak, we stand out too much."

We covered our faces and hair with our cloaks, intertwined our hands as we had when we were children, and ventured into a world that seemed taken straight from a dream.

The air was thick with exotic aromas, unfamiliar sounds, and vibrant colors. Everything was a spectacle, a dance of the impossible. Creatures we had never seen before wandered among the attendees. Astrid pointed excitedly at something.

—"Sisi, look at that! It’s an ostrich… but it has three heads!"

We laughed in amazement, stopping at each stall where vendors offered us strange objects, though we rejected most with nervous smiles. Everything was new, magnificent, and in some way, dangerous.

Then, in a brief moment of distraction, Astrid let go of my hand and ran toward some kind of massive beast. I huffed, trying to keep up with her, but I didn’t see where I was going and crashed headfirst into something solid.

Not something. Someone.

It was like crashing into a wall. My first instinct was to insult the bastard in my way, but I remembered I had to stay calm. Through clenched teeth, I muttered:

—"Sorry."

When I tried to keep walking, a strong hand grabbed my arm.

—"Watch where you're going, little sprite."

The voice was rough, deep. And in an instant, I knew I already hated him.

I lifted my head with a defiant glare.

—"Look, big guy, it’s not my fault you take up more space than necessary."

He let out a low, sarcastic laugh before pulling me slightly toward him.

—"Excuse me, commoner."

—"No. You should apologize."

My voice was as sharp as my dagger.

He frowned and, without warning, lifted my cloak, revealing my face.

Shit.

We locked eyes. Red as fire, black hair, muscular, and damn attractive. But no. I couldn’t allow myself that thought.