But then, in the chaos, I see Doran struggling to keep his footing as well, the wave pushing him back perilously close to the cyclonic water that looks ready to swallow him whole.
“Doran!” I shout, and without thinking, I raise my hand, creating a thick cylinder of ice surrounding his feet, stopping his slide. He looks up at me, surprise and gratitude in his eyes, and I know we’re in this together, even if only for now.
“Go!” I shout, trying to regain control of my own descent as I slowly build a bridge over the ice track to avoid the whirlpools altogether. “I’ll catch up!”
Doran nods and pushes forward, stepping out of my foothold, his movements more controlled now. But Selene isn’t done. I see her ahead, and to my horror, she raises her hand and shatters the ice bridge I had carefully built, the pieces crashing into the rapids below. She’s playing dirty, and she doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.
I have no choice but to slow down, frantically rebuilding the bridge as I go. My fingers are numb from the cold, my heart pounding in my chest, but I refuse to give up. I can’t let Selene win like this.
But the delay costs me, and by the time I’m back on track, Selene is well ahead. I grit my teeth, pushing myself harder, the strain beginning to take its toll. The next obstacle looms ahead—a narrow ice tunnel that twists and turns, barely wide enough for one person. It’s a test of precision and speed, and I know that one wrong move could spell disaster.
I pause for a fraction of a second at the tunnel’s entrance,assessing the situation. I can hear the ice cracking underfoot, the cold air stinging my lungs. If I hesitate, I’ll lose, but if I rush, I’ll crash into the walls. I decide to use a technique Rylan taught me, visualising the path in my mind and letting my magic guide me. I create a thin mist of water ahead of me, letting it freeze instantly into a smooth track that I can glide along. I focus on breathing evenly, keeping my mind sharp as I navigate the tight turns.
Selene is already halfway through the tunnel, her powerful strides making quick work of the narrow path. I follow, my movements more cautious, but still fast enough to keep pace. Doran is just behind me, his focus unwavering as he navigates the tight turns.
Suddenly, a chunk of ice falls from the ceiling, narrowly missing me. I look up in time to see Selene’s hand flicker with magic—she’s trying to collapse the tunnel behind her to slow us down. The realisation sends a spike of fear through me, but I push it aside. I can’t afford to be scared now.
As I round the next corner, I see the exit just ahead, but the tunnel is collapsing faster now, the walls crumbling around me. My breath catches in my throat as I realise I’m not going to make it out in time.
Then, out of nowhere, I feel a rush of heat and power. I look up and see Rylan standing at the edge of the course, his face a mask of worry as he watches the tunnel collapse around me. But I know he can’t help me—this is my challenge, and I have to save myself.
“Hold your breath, Doran!” I shout over my shoulder. With a surge of determination, I force my magic to the surface, creating a burst of water that propels me forward, just as the tunnel crumbles behind me with Doran close behind. We burst out into the open air, gasping for breath, but alive. Rylan’s eyes meet mine for a split second, and I see the relief inhis gaze, but I don’t have time to dwell on it. The race isn’t over.
Ahead, Selene is making her final push toward the finish line, her power driving her forward with unstoppable force. But she’s slowing down, her earlier aggression taking its toll. Doran and I are right behind her, and I can see the determination in his eyes. He’s not going to let this chance to win slip away, and neither am I.
The final stretch is a steep drop, the tiniest slip, and we’ll slide right off the obstacles into who knows what is below us. It’s not just a test of speed and nerve, and I know that every second counts. I push myself harder, my magic flowing through me as I focus on the finish line, on the victory that’s within reach.
But Selene isn’t done. With one last burst of power, she sends a barrage of sharp icicles towards us. It’s her final play, a desperate attempt to knock us out of the race.
I dodge the weapons, throwing me off balance, my feet slipping out from under me. I struggle to stay upright, my vision blurring as I fight to keep from being swept away. But then I see Doran ahead of me, struggling just as much, and I know I can’t let this be the end for either of us. If I made it but Doran was hurt, it wouldn’t be worth it. I wouldn't be able to live with myself.
With a cry of effort, I push my magic to its limits, creating a shield of ice around Doran and me, deflecting the worst of the flying icicles. It’s a move that costs me precious time, but it keeps us both safe and in the race.
The finish line is just ahead, and I know that this is it—the final stretch. Selene is still in the lead, but she’s faltering, her strength waning. Doran and I push forward, using every ounce of strength and skill we have to close the gap.
We’re neck and neck as we approach the final drop,the ground rushing up to meet us, and it takes everything I have not to squeeze my eyes shut. It’s a blur of motion, of ice and water and sheer willpower, and for a moment, it’s impossible to tell who’s in the lead.
And then, in the final heartbeat before the finish line, it happens.
Selene makes one last push, surging forward with a roar, but she’s overextended herself, her power slipping out of control. Doran, sensing the opportunity, makes his move, using a burst of speed to pull ahead, but I’m right there with the two of them, my focus razor-sharp, my magic flowing with perfect precision.
We all cross the finish line together, the crowd erupting in cheers and gasps, and for a moment, it’s impossible to tell who’s won. Doran and I meet in a tight hug, trying to catch our breaths. He whispers a thank you into my ear, and I give him another hug in response.
The Frozen Rapids disappear from view, leaving behind the lush green grass of the training grounds while the judges confer, their faces serious, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, every second stretching out into an eternity.
Finally, the king steps forward, his voice commanding silence. “The winner of the final challenge, by the narrowest of margins, is… Selene.”
The announcement hits me like a blow, the realisation that I’ve come second sinking in. The crowd erupts in applause, and Selene stumbles as she raises her hands in victory, her exhaustion catching up to her, and I know that I’ve given everything I had. I didn’t win, but I fought with everything I had, and I know that I’ve earned my place in this competition.
Doran, too, looks sad but when his gaze meets mine it’s with a nod of respect. He might not be coming with me to thenext stage in the Keeper trials, but I know I’ve made a loyal friend for life.
As we stand there, the cheers of the crowd washing over us, I catch Rylan’s eye. He doesn't do anything but wink. But it’s the look in his eye that says everything—he’s proud of me. And suddenly, that’s all that matters.
THIRTY-FIVE
Eirabella
“You are goingto be the absolute star of the ball,” Brienne sighs as she tucks the final pin into the intricate hairstyle she’s spent an hour perfecting. Considering the ball is to honour Selene and me for advancing in the Keeper trials, I had agreed to letting Brienne primp and preen me to within an inch of my life.
