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I stay silent as we mount our wyverns, keeping to the back of the group. I position myself behind Reign, watching her carefully as we take off. The sky opens around us, vast and cold, but my mind stays fixed on her. I need to make sure she’s alright during the long flight ahead.

But not once does she look back. Not once.

So, I sit on Wrath, my heart weighed down by thoughts of the life waiting for me in Umbrahdor—a life where duty will always come first, and happiness will remain just out of reach.

We make it to the palace in Umbrahdor rather quickly, considering the length of the flight. We land and dismount. The two remaining contestants will be dealt with later today. It’s a little past midday so we have some time.

I lead Reign toward the throne room, but she still refuses to look at me. Her fight seems extinguished, and the sight of it tears me apart. This is what I wanted, isn’t it? To push her away—protect her by breaking whatever fragile bond was forming between us. So why does it feel like I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life?

Entering the throne room, I bow alongside Reign. “Father… you have your champion.”

Vanna narrows her eyes at Reign, her disbelief evident. “There is no wayyouslew that wyvern.”

“No… No, I did not, Princess Vanna,” Reign replies, her voice sharp with defiance. “He submitted to me. I flew him here.”

Vanna scoffs, her lips parting in disbelief. “You? He submitted to you? A weak little Drifter?” She grips the armrest of her throne so hard her knuckles turn white.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I suppose us weak Drifters are good enough for some people—or creatures.” The venom in her words stings, each syllable cutting deep. She aims it at me, and I feel the weight of her resentment.Ouch.

“Well, congratulations,” Vanna sneers. “I am excited to have you do my bidding. I own you now.” Each word drips with malice, thick enough to choke on. The tension between them is so heavy, I could almost reach out and touch it.

Reign shifts, fidgeting slightly. “What is it I’ll be doing now? What task awaits me for winning?”

“Patience,” Vanna purrs, a wicked gleam in her eye. “Once we know you’ll follow orders without question, we’ll tell you.”

My father’s gaze lingers on Reign, cold and assessing. His expression is unsettling, and I fight the urge to surround her with shadows, to shield her from the weight of his scrutiny.

“What was your name again?” my father asks, his tone flat but laced with something that sets me on edge.

“Reign, Your Majesty.”

“Your full name,” he presses, the question hanging like a challenge.

“Lavender Reign Santerra… but I go by Reign. No one has called me Lavender since my father died.” That confession catches me off guard. She never revealed her full name. What else lies beneath the surface? Her gaze stays fixed on the ground, her thumb and pointer finger rolling her bottom lip thoughtfully.

“Santerra… Santerra… I know that name. What type of magic did your father possess? Was he a blood wielder?”

“No, just lesser magic. He worked with plants.”

“Hm, I see. Not who I thought, then. Very well. Rest up—you’ve had a long journey. We’ll summon you when an opportunity arises for you to prove yourself. You are dismissed.”

She bows and walks out, her gaze never once lifting to meet mine. I bow to my father and Vanna, following Reign closely.

Reign is a few paces away from me when she turns the corner, I hear Kylo’s voice.

“You did it! I knew you would!” Kylo’s cheers.

As I make it around the corner, I see her hugging Kylo tightly, smiling—showing her dazzling white teeth, and suddenly, I’m struck with jealousy. She won’t even look at me. I deserve that—pushing her away without explanation. Regret floods my veins—another first for me. I know James is right, but gods, this feels terrible—unbearable.

Clearing my throat, I catch Kylo’s attention. He beams at me. “Luke! How was the trip?”

“Bearable, I guess,” I mutter. Reign huffs and uses the moment to slip away, retreating to her room and shutting the door behind her—on us… on me.

Kylo tilts his head slightly, his expression shifts from curiosity to puzzlement. “What happened?”

“Nothing. Everything is fine. Did you take care of everything I asked you to handle?” I keep my face neutral, but Kylo knows me. He knows something is up but also knows when not to push me.

“Everything is taken care of. Ari sent a message that your item was ready, so I picked that up personally and put it in your room. I must head out to the new recruits. Do you want to come meet them?”