The tip of his sword eventually, half-heartedly, slid up her stomach, to her heart. Then away. But the king’s gaze was relentless, studying her far too closely.
Isla shrank under it, folding herself over, bowing, recognizing defeat.
She retreated to the wings as Oro was crowned the winner of the demonstration.
Her eyes didn’t meet his again. But she could feel his gaze on her, not lifeless any longer—but merciless as flames.
CHAPTER EIGHT
CELESTE
The first time Isla met Celeste, she’d felt relief. She had learned about the other rulers of realm her entire life. Four of them were terrifyingly old and skilled, alive when the curses were spun. The original heirs of the fallen rulers who had sacrificed themselves for the prophecy. Isla was no match against them, no matter how long and hard she trained. They were the stars of her nightmares, each of them killing her in her dreams a thousand times before the Centennial invitation had even arrived.
The Starling was a mystery. Young like Isla. Disadvantaged because she would have no Terra or Poppy, no one ancient and wise to guide her, thanks to their curse.
Still, Starlings were powerful.
She is your enemy,Terra would tell her. An informant had long ago announced to her guardians that the latest in the long string of Starling rulers was a girl.One of you will lose.
Terra convinced her that as the youngest two, they would be preyed upon to fulfill part of the prophecy. Only one of the two would live.
It must be you.
So, when Isla accidentally portaled her way directly into the Starling ruler’s newland castle with her starstick, and the girl just looked at her and smiled, a weight was taken from her chest.
“I think the starstick knew I needed you,” Isla would tell Celeste years later during one of their many secret sleepovers.
“And thatIneededyou,”Celeste replied, squeezing her hand tightly.
Not enemies—
Friends.
Sisters.That word did a much better job at encapsulating their bond, a relationship Isla could have never prepared for after a life alone. She loved Celeste more than anyone. Even her guardians.
It was only natural to tell the Starling her secret, three years after they met.
It was because of her love for her friend that she had been honest.
“I understand if you don’t want to work together anymore,” Isla had said. “Truly, Celeste. I would understand.”
Celeste had held her tightly as they both cried. Knowing Isla’s powerlessness complicated everything. Knowing there was a big possibility that the other rulers would find out during the Centennial, and Isla would die once the rest of the prophecy was fulfilled.
“No,” the Starling whispered into Isla’s shoulder after a long while. “We work together. Always.” Taking her face into her hands, she looked right into Isla’s eyes and made a promise. “I will protect you. We will walk away from the Centennial and into the rest of our very long lives together.”
That was why Isla listened—or tried to. Celeste had put herself and her entire realm in danger, forming an alliance with her.
And Isla might have already ruined it.
“I’m sorry,” she said, looking at the floor of Celeste’s room. It was past midnight, so no one would hear their whispers. They had barely seen each other, knowing being caught visiting each other’s rooms would mean the end of their secret plan.
But tonight, Isla had taken the risk.
Celeste shook her head. Sighed. She was braiding her silver hair just to do something with her hands. Her friend often busied herself when she was anxious. Before the Centennial, Celeste had made a blanket with her stress, knitting for hours on end, until Isla had finally hidden the needles. “We can’t mend what is done,” she said simply.
Silence spread, and it always made Isla uncomfortable. She filled it with excuses. “I mean, was I just supposed to lose against Grim? I couldn’t. That’s what hewanted.” Though his grin at being defeated hinted otherwise ...
She had no idea what he wanted.
