He didn’t know that when Isla was twelve, Terra had left her hanging onto the branch of a tree, fifty feet above the ground, for five hours.
Fall, and you’ll break your legs,she’d said.They’ll heal, but you won’t be allowed to go on the tour of the newland if you’re injured.
She had been looking forward to her first tour of her lands for years.
The first hour wasn’t so bad. She had been training for a while at that point. Her arms were strong.
By the third hour, she was screaming.
By the fourth, her voice gave out.
By the fifth, one of her shoulders had popped out of its socket.
She never let go.
But she wasn’t allowed to go on the tour. A punishment for the screaming.
You take the pain like medicine,Terra had said in response to her tears.You swallow it down with a smile.
Then she popped Isla’s shoulder back into place without medication. Another lesson.
The king would not be the one to wear her down.
Still—it was to her benefit for him to think he would. She slowed her movements slightly, bent her wrist just a degree. Angled her sword the way someone trying to shift its weight might.
He advanced faster in response, sensing her weakening.
She took a step back. Another, this time with a slight stumble.
He made his final, bold move.
And Isla unleashed the strength she had stored.
The king was caught off guard by the force of her blow. His blade shook with the impact. She advanced, seizing her chance, aiming everywhere. He was now forced to retreat, deflecting her hits, his brows coming together in focus.
She was going to win.
Her blade became a serpent, the one on her crown come to life, striking for the kill, fangs and all. Again, again, again, she pounced, nearly reaching his heart. Almost grazing his neck.
She leaped forward, ready for the final blow—
And hesitated.
Celeste was a silver reminder in the wings, right behind the king. She wasn’t supposed to win the trial. This wasn’t part of the plan.
Don’t you want to be free?a voice in her head said. That was more important than her pride. Than winning. Than anything.
At the last moment, Isla aimed lower, to a place Oro would easily be able to deflect. When he did, she loosened her grip on her hilt.
So, when his sword struck, her own went flying across the stadium.
Cheers erupted, not only Sunlings, but every Lightlark realm getting to their feet. Honoring their king.
But he only watched Isla, eyes narrowing.
Heknew.
Somehow, he knew she had let him win.
