Page 152 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

She’s the winner of the second contest. An earth wielder.

Hollie, I think.

“Because our fire doesn’t harm us.” Leto leans forward to glare at the woman at my side. “Don’t pretend you aren’t jealous, Hali. We all know you yearn for more power.”

The woman, Hali, snorts.

“Me? Jealous of you pyro freaks? Please. I prefer the blessing of a brain, as well as brawn. If Briza had bothered to develop a healthy fear of flames she doesn’t wield, she wouldn’t be on the way to the infirmary right now.”

I flinch and brace myself for Leto’s retort, fully expecting his charming act to fall away.

Instead, a laugh bursts from his throat.

Leto slaps his knee and shakes his head. “Ah, Hali. Ever the dark beauty.”

Hali scowls at the morose compliment before turning to me. “I’m Hali.”

I dip my chin. “I’m Elara.”

“You’re from the continent.”

I hold her gaze. A hint of recognition tickles the back of my mind. She looks familiar.

“I am,” I reply.

“And you possess magic.”

The power in my chest bristles at the proprietorial term. With an imagined caress, I reassure the magic that I do not view it that way.

I answer, “I do.”

She blows out a breath between pursed lips. “That must’ve sucked.”

I choke out a strained laugh. “You have no idea.”

She watches me, head tilted. Again, I’m hit with a sense of familiarity I cannot place.

“Did you know anyone else with magic in Astloria?” Hali asks.

“Mother above,” Leto scoffs. “Does it not occur to you that Elara may not wish to speak of her time on that cursed continent?”

“If that’s the case, she can tell me so herself,” she snaps back without taking her eyes off me.

She raises a perfectly arched brow. “So… Did you know any other magic wielders?”

Hali is straightforward. Blunt.

I think I like her.

“Only one.” I look back to the maze.

Anders has reached the injured contestant. His hand rests on her ankle as the servants carry her away on the stretcher. Even from this distance, the bright-red burns marring her flesh begin to dull to a warmer crimson as his healing magic takes effect.

“What power does he wield?” Leto asks.

I pull my gaze from Anders.

“What makes you assume it’s a he?” Hali challenges.