The Stars Would Curse Us by Stephanie Combs & Valerie Rivers

Author:Stephanie Combs & Valerie Rivers [Combs, Stephanie & Rivers, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing
Published: 2024-01-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Never Walk Alone

Aella

Waiting for Viera’s return, I sat at the edge of my bed, eyes trained on the door. I had to tell her about what had happened while she’d been gone. Not only that, I had to tell her everything. I wouldn’t keep any more secrets from her.

As the hours went by, my stomach churned with growing apprehension. I would not be able to rest until I knew she was okay. Another hour passed and still no Viera.

I paced the room on achy feet despite the healer’s suggestion to stay off them. The longer Viera was gone, the more uneasy I felt.

We weren’t allowed to leave our rooms unchaperoned, but I didn’t care. I had to find her. Peeking out into the large empty hall, I was happy to find no one stationed outside our suite. I crept out, staying near the walls as I scurried along. When I approached the main hall, I noted heavy curtains that might provide a decent hiding place if needed. Revelers still roamed the palatium late at night, and I did not want to be caught alone by one of them.

As an Iris male rounded the corner, I ducked into an alcove. Not fast enough. Holding my breath, I stood still, plastering myself against the wall as if I could disappear into it if I tried hard enough.

The male chuckled at my failed attempt as he began to corner me, his cunning voice giving him away. The same male I’d danced with earlier that evening. Though he was not quite as tall as Kaleidos, he made up for it in muscle.

“Well, what do we have here?” He smirked. “A contestant? Hiding in the corner? What could she be doing out here all by herself?” He took me in, head to toe, fingering the fabric of my robe at my collarbone.

I trembled under his touch, which seemed to amuse him. That, combined with the way he spoke about me as though I were a small animal, infuriated me.

“I’m looking for my friend,” I said to the male through clenched teeth. “She was summoned by the king before the dance this evening and has not yet returned.”

“Of course, the tithe. In that case, I’m sure she’s in very good hands.” He winked at me.

I tried my hardest not to show my repulsion, but my eyes betrayed me, and I started to panic as the male closed in on me.

“The tithe?” I asked.

“The king selects a tenth of the contestants from the draft to use for whatever purpose he chooses. He can excuse them or keep them in the Matri-Ludus as he pleases.”

“I need to find her,” I choked out, a sense of urgency tightening my throat.

He took me in, scanning me again, a calculating tell in his eyes. “All right, fine. I’ll take you to her,” he said.

“Really?” I gasped in relief.

“Follow me.” He sauntered off.

I hesitated for a moment, chewing my lip, debating whether or not I could trust him. Following the male was risky, and I probably should have run straight back to my room.

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