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"Breathe," Levon whispered, helping me rise as a loud bell rang out in the distance. The crowd fell silent, parting like a curtain as the balcony doors swung open, revealing a brilliant light and the silhouette of the king.

"My dear people! What a pleasure it has been to host such a special year with such special contestants," the king's voice boomed. "The betting has ended. Give your last wishes to our vigilant contenders." Cheers erupted, drowning out the tempest within me. Levon held me tighter, holding me close.

"And to our dear contestants, please return immediately to the front gates. Thank you!" With a wave, King Thealor disappeared through the doors, leaving a surge of excitement as people clamored to glimpse the contestants one last time.

My feet turned to stone, resisting every effort to move with the crowd's relentless pull. Clutching onto Levon, I locked into my memory his scent, the sensation of his soft touch, the strength of his heart.

He turned me into his chest and wrapped me in his arms, shielding us from the tumultuous sea of people, the cacophony of voices, and the looming tide of fear that shook us both. They could never erode the hope we clung to, the dreams we both cherished yet knew were doomed to fail.

"Remember your light, Eliah," he implored, his voice quivering with emotion. "Harness your anger and channel it.You control it," he cried out, his words stifled by his tears. "I'm so sorry," he breathed against my neck, his embrace trembling with emotions as raw as my own. "I didn't know."

Enveloped in a frenzied hush, we were washed forward by the crowd. Dark tendrils clawed at my mind, threatening to consume me once more as I stumbled forward until I reached the front gates with the others. Following the guards inside, we were greeted by the king's smile, a portent of the trials that awaited us.

Levon stepped back, positioning himself behind me as the other contestants filtered in, their mentors trailing behind them. Despite the gravity of the situation, they all wore smiles and exuded excitement, as if they weren't about to willingly step into the jaws of death.

"My spectacles, you performed admirably," the king expressed, his smile taking on a darker edge. "What a display you shall all provide."

Two footmen emerged with a clap of his hands, bearing trays of small glasses filled with a swirling blue liquid.

"As our final toast," the king declared, gesturing toward the drinks. The contestants reached for a glass one by one, swirling the liquid within as it shimmered in the light as the sponsors stood by watching.

Timidly, I took a glass, gritting my teeth as I forced myself to calm my breathing.

Inhale.

Exhale.

"To our land of Creos," the king proclaimed, raising his glass. The other contestants followed suit, echoing his sentiment. "May we usher in a new era of civility and compassion for all within our beloved kingdom."

"To our beloved kingdom!" Several contestants cheered in unison.

"To civility!"

"To compassion!"

I lifted my drink a little higher, forcing down the trembling in my fingers.

To a better world.

Lowering my arm, I brought the glass to my lips and downed the blue liquid in one swift gulp. Not allowing myself to enjoy its sparkling flavor or to let my anger spark as all the contestants clapped, handing their empty glasses back to the footmen, who quickly rushed away as if they, too, could not stand to be under the stare of the king who now smiled sinisterly.

I swallowed, feeling an overwhelming tug tether me to some unknown oblivion as something within me stirred, sputtering and reaching for me as if begging for release.

Struggling against the hollowness that began to swell in my ears, I fought to draw in a breath, but each inhale felt like a strenuous effort. A heavy weight settled over me as I staggered backward, my weakening body no longer able to keep me standing. Darkness pulsated through me as I felt Levon's presence grasp me while I spiraled down into a heavy abyss.

With a rasping cough, I managed to utter a plea, but my words were lost in the thickening haze of my fading consciousness. My vision was beginning to blur as the shadows closed in, surrendering to the inevitable, and collapsing in a mindless heap.

Oblivion beckoned with a soothing embrace.

31

Istirred to the sensation of a chill wind caressing my neck while gravel dug into my cheek and ear. Gasping, I inhaled sharply, the frigid air biting at my throat, causing a sudden cough to erupt.

Blinking my eyes open, I found myself greeted by a watery, gray light, the sun's warmth drowned out by a cascade of dark clouds. A shiver rippled through my body, jolting my sluggish mind awake.

Drugged. He drugged us.

The realization hit me like a physical blow.