Page 82 of A Fate in Flames

“Are you absolutely sure this isn’t dangerous?”I asked, trying not to flinch as she tugged a sash snug around my waist.

Mira pulled a pin from between her teeth and tsked.“Of course not.It’s just a game.”

A game.Right.A game where I was the prey.

“You’ve done this before?”I asked, studying her as she lifted a kohl stick to my face.

Mira chuckled, tilting my chin up so she could line my eyes.

“Once,” she said, her voice dipping into something almost dreamy.“And it was…thrilling.”

“Thrilling how?”I pressed.What exactly was I getting myself into?

“You’ll see,” she sang.

Was that supposed to be reassuring?

Once she finished, she stepped back, eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“Come.”She grabbed my wrist and guided me to the mirror with dramatic flourish.

I took one look at my reflection and groaned.

The garment was deceptively simple yet undeniably daring.The material, a deep black that shimmered faintly under the torchlight, wrapped around my body in a halter-style slash, leaving my shoulders and most of my back exposed.The skirt, at least, allowed for movement, flowing with each sway of my hips.Loose enough to make things difficult.

“Mira, this is not practical.”I smoothed my hands down my front.“How am I supposed torunin this?”

“You worry too much, Elira,” Mira ran her fingers through my hair, letting the waves cascade freely down my back.“The best part of the Hunt is gettingcaught.”

I gaped.“Youwantto be caught?”

She winked.“Depends on who’s chasing.”

I shook out my hands, trying to steady my nerves as I tied the leather sandals around each foot.

Run.Don’t get caught.Or… get caught?

My pulse skittered, dangerously close to anticipation.

Before I could dwell on it further, the door swung open.

Jasila entered first, her sharp gaze sweeping over me.Her lips twitched, likely amused by my discomfort.It must have brought her a sense of joy to see me squirm.

I wanted to throw something at her, preferably something heavy and pointed.

Behind her, Theo and Tavrik radiated an energy I wish I had.

Jasila flicked a glance over her shoulder, lingering for a fraction of a second too long on Tavrik.

He noticed, lifting a hand to cover his mouth, so obviously suppressing a grin.

Theo of course, found the entire thing amusing.He kept looking from Tavrik to Jasila, his head swivelling back and forth.

Jasila clapped her hands, the sharp crack echoing off the walls.

We all flinched.

“No time for standing around,” she declared.“Let the Hunt begin.”