Page 60 of The Awakening of Essensia

“Something about blood and undoing things. I don’t really remember.”

Fang frowned. “That’s a bit dark.”

“Maybe it was a slow day,” Ressa said, shooting him a look. “She was probably bored. She doesn’t get many customers these days.”

“How come?” Vaelira asked.

“There’s been rumours of disappearances,” Ressa said. “People are on edge. Hearing some crazed woman rave about how many grandkids you’ll have or how many husbands fortunes you’ll inherit isn't a priority.”

“Yeah,” Fang agreed. “And there’s the whole magical side of it.”

Vaelira stiffened.

“Some people think she’s pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable,” he continued. “Mages used to be hunted, you know? Pretending to wield that kind of power doesn’t sit right with most folk. Or so my Pa says.”

Vaelira sat back, nodding slowly. “Sure. I get that.”

What would they say if they knew she had those powers? Would they condemn her? Throw her to the guards and watch her execution from the crowd? Or would they understand and keep her secret? She didn’t know them well enough to tell and sharing that weight wasn’t worth being killed.

She spent the next hour nodding along to the conversation, but the echo of that voice still rang deep in her mind, trapped where no one else could hear.

14

Worthy

The next morning, Vaelira was grateful she had stopped at one ale. Her head was clear, and the sky was a pale, cloudless blue. The strange encounter still lingered at the edge of her thoughts, but Ressa and Fang’s lack of concern was some comfort. Besides, she had more pressing concerns. The Queen was watching her, and it was time to prove herself.

Walking into the training room, Vaelira was immediately aware that something was wrong. The recruits were lined against one wall, combat master Kolborn standing before them. Every head turned as she approached.

She caught Fang’s eye, and he dragged a finger across his throat, tongue lolling out as he let his head drop to one side. She knew he meant it as a joke, but the memory it conjured sent a shiver down her spine.

“Just the person we’ve all been waiting for,” Kolborn said.

“Sir?”

“We’re having a demonstration,” he explained. “Since you’re the first outsider we’ve had in many years, I thought you might show everyone what you’re worth.”

She’s given you a month to prove your worth.

Dread ached in her chest. This was no longer training. It was a test. One she was meant to fail. At least she now knew who was informing on her. Vaelira stepped forward, lifting her chin. “Of course.”

Kolborn’s grin widened. “I challenge you, Vaelira Tarn.”

She’d expected it, but her stomach still dropped. There was no scenario where she came out of this unscathed.

If she failed would Queen Mairese send guards to escort her back to Anhaven? Or would she be thrown from the city and expected to make the journey alone? The thought of running into that blue-eyed Wastelander alone was not a pleasant one.

Kolborn took a step forward. “No weapons.”

She unstrapped her sword. Ressa darted forward and held out a hand. Her eyes bore into Vaelira’s, as if saying, you’ve got this.

Vaelira hesitated for a heartbeat then nodded once, handing over the blade. She left the empty dagger sheath and her pouch in place, crossed the mat, and faced Kolborn. The other recruits stepped closer, circling them.

One girl whispered to another, and they both laughed. Vaelira caught two words. Prince’s whore.

Elijah had only been to the barracks once, but apparently the others hadn’t forgotten. Heat flushed her face, but she pushed it down. She stood no chance if she went in angry. Her only hope was to end it quickly.

“Someone else will have to call it,” Kolborn said, scanning the group.