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With a jolt, Kara realized the irony. It was exactly the same reason why Vahn had kept his secret from her. Shame coiled in her stomach.

“Anyway, I’m glad you know. For what it’s worth, you’d make a super peace negotiator.”

Vysh gave a small shrug.

“At least the truth’s out now. Layahn can’t make trouble for you anymore.”

Kara didn’t share her confidence. In fact, she was pretty damned sure she’d just made a dangerous enemy, one who was going to do her best to eliminate her from the contest one way or another.

Seventeen

There were thirteen assistants in all, each carrying a large parcel bearing a number. Daa’sten clapped his hands for attention, puzzled that the Potentials hadn’t fallen on him with their usual alacrity.

“Ladies, everything you need for the next few days is here. Clothes to regulate your body temperature and protect your vitals as you compete, outfits for the gala dinners and high-profile events you’ll be expected to attend, and of course, the pièce de resistance. Your dress for tonight’s ceremony.” He watched as the females jostled round his helpers, finding the parcel which corresponded with their room number. “Go try everything on, though obviously they’ll fit perfectly. Remember, no peeking at each other’s outfit until tonight.”

Kara found parcel number thirteen. It seemed bulkier than everyone else’s. She caught Daa’sten’s eye and he nodded towards the bedrooms.

“Come on. Let me show you what I’ve brought,” he said.

In her room, she carefully opened the package. A pile of clothes tumbled out and on top was a pair of knee-length boots.

She lifted one for a closer look.

It was made of a supple, buttery material that she would have sworn was suede if she knew for sure they had suede on Vraxos. The sole looked chunky but not inflexible, with a low heel and a deep tread for added traction.

“Don’t just gawk at them,” said Daa’sten. “Try them on.”

She pulled them over her feet, tucking her ridiculously long trouser legs inside. Taking up a combat stance, she executed a couple of kickboxing moves and was pleased with the way they felt.

“They’re amazing. They fit like a glove.”

“They also have a couple of hidden extras I thought you might like.” Daa’sten sounded quietly smug. “Took me all my ingenuity to design but I think you’ll be pleased, my dear.”

“What extras?”

“Check the back of each heel. Do you feel the little projection there? Like a small button?”

Kara found them, one on each boot.

“What are they?”

“Press the left one.”

Kara did so. Immediately she was lifted off her feet as she rose half a meter into the air. She pinwheeled her arms, trying to keep her balance whilst standing on precisely nothing.

“What thefuck?”

“Anti-grav boots. Astonishing, aren’t they? It took me a while to fit the technology to something remotely chic.”

“Yes, I know what they are. But why the hell do I have them?”

“To make up for your height disadvantage, of course. It puts you on about the same level as the other Potentials so you can’t fail a challenge just because you’re too short.”

“But I can’t move. I can’t do anything but hang here like a bloody puppet.”

“You’ll get the hang of them. Kick the button off and come down.”

Kara pushed the toe of her right boot into her left heel. She dropped back to the floor with rather more grace than she’d left it.