The Rite of Fates by Atlas Avery

Author:Atlas Avery [Avery, Atlas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

The Fates

Alexander blinked awake, the dim light creeping into the room. He felt the warmth of Ivy beside him, their limbs tangled, her steady breath a calming rhythm against the backdrop of uncertainty. For a moment, the trials felt far away, replaced by the simple peace of their closeness.

He dressed quietly, his usual swift movements softer as he tried not to disturb her. Part of him wanted to stay, to delay the inevitable, but the next challenge loomed, and he knew they had to be ready. A small grin tugged at his lips as he considered staying longer, but he knew Ivy might not share his thoughts on starting the trial so unprepared.

Once dressed, he paused, watching Ivy’s peaceful form. Instead of waking her, he sat beside her, his fingers finding hers, the simple touch grounding him. The anxiety of the tournament still lingered, but with Ivy’s hand in his, it felt manageable, a fragile peace in the midst of chaos.

As he sat there, the vulnerability he felt caught him off guard. He wasn’t used to this—being real, being open. But with Ivy, he allowed himself to just be. No charm, no mask—just present.

His thumb brushed over her knuckles, and he whispered softly, "Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together."

The sudden chill in the room shattered the calm, pulling Alexander from his moment of peace. The temperature plummeted unnaturally, and his senses sharpened, alert. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on Ivy’s hand, his playful demeanor giving way to a quiet urgency.

"Wake up, Ivy," he whispered. He reached for her clothes and tossed them her way. Ivy blinked, groggily stirring from the abrupt chill.

"I don't mind if you're naked for the next challenge, but you might," Alexander teased, the hint of a smirk on his lips. Even though his tone was light, there was a seriousness in his eyes that betrayed his concern.

Ivy’s eyes widened, and the fog of sleep quickly cleared as she scrambled to dress, her cheeks flushing. Alexander pressed a quick kiss to her cheek, his eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "I should’ve started with that," he said with a wink, clearly trying to ease the tension.

She dressed hurriedly, her heart racing as the walls groaned and shifted around them. The familiar ripple of the Fates' magic sent a shiver down her spine, and in a blink, they were transported to the same room where the other heirs were already gathered, the sense of urgency lingering between them.

The room was dimly lit, a heavy atmosphere settling over them as the Fates' voices echoed through the space, their words sharp and menacing.

"Heirs," their voices rasped. The very atmosphere seemed to tighten with their words, suffocating hope. "You were warned—nothing is ever as it seems. The Trial of Betrayal draws near."

An oppressive silence hung in the room like a blade ready to drop. Caius casted a sharp glance at the other heirs, suspicion carving itself deep into his features. Beside him, Cali’s breath hitched, her pulse hammering in the stillness.

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