The duke doesn’t say anything, he just moves past my uncle and heads over to the living room.
“Come on, Astri. We can’t miss this,” Lenin whispers to me, so I walk inside too, and pass my aunt who seems completely paralysed.
“I won’t allow it! That girl should be in prison. She broke into my home and tried to steal it. I don’t care what kind of position you have in Rivenna, you can’t just expect me to hand such an antique to you without payment. My wife and I had to cover a very expensive hospital bill for this thief and no one compensated us after years of care. She’s still owes us lots of—”
“Then, I’ll buy the cup from you, Mr. Dorchester and out of respect for my father, I won’t ask my guard to tear the house apart in order to find it,” Jorgen says, raising his voice.
My uncle widens his eyes and tries to say something, but his lips keep trembling. The vein in his neck throbs dangerously fast. The silence becomes unbearable. Richard and Beatrice hated they were forced to take care of a child who looked nothing like them—a child marked with a hideous scar.
“You can’t demand anything from me. I’m a human and you have no—”
“Richard be silent for a moment,” my aunt cuts him off, walking into the room. She has a look of determination on her face, and that’s never good news. “We need one thousand rekish notes for the cup and we never want to see this girl ever again.”
“I never considered this my home and I never asked you to care for me. All those lies about ‘the kindness of your heart’? Neither of you have a heart,” I say with anger and bubbling rage nearing the surface.
“You’re the Duke of Rivenna and she’s marked, scarred by her own so-called magic. A shifter in your position shouldn’t be associated with someone like her,” my aunt adds, and my jaw drops. I shouldn’t be surprised, yet here I am.
I can’t believe she dares insult me in front of Jorgen. I have to hold Lenin, who’s trying to get away, probably to treat my aunt with some of his curses. Now I finally understand what Beatrice truly thinks of me. In her mind, I should be locked up in a dark room, so no one would ever have to look at me.
“It’s none of your business who I associate myself with. You were her guardian, Mrs. Dorchester, but from what I understand, you treated her more like your maid than a member of your family. I need you to bring me the cup now, Mr. Dorchester, and we have a deal. I want to get out of here as soon as possible. And Astri will never be back here. I’m aware of places where dogs are treated better than she ever was.”
Chapter 18
Helping hand.
I watch how one of Jorgen’s people hands my uncle an extraordinary amount of money. Richard looks like he’s just about to pop with excitement, as he stares at the notes with pure greed in his eyes. This is the second time he’s made money for an item that doesn’t even belong to him. I try to hide the bitter anger swirling inside me like a tornado. Once this whole thing is over, I’ll come back and ask her about my parents. She’s been hiding important details for years, and I don’t care if I made a promise to stay away.
The duke knows it’s a real dragon’s cup as soon as he touches it. I keep asking myself why the hell I put up with her this entire time. She used to suck out any happiness and enjoyment in my life like a leech. I don’t ever remember having a smile on my face when I lived in her home.
As soon as we leave the house, Lenin sticks his tongue out. He knows my aunt can’t see him, and for the first time I really want to follow his example, except maybe use a middle finger instead.
I remind myself Jorgen didn’t do this for me. He heard about the cup from Lenin and he decided to get me out of prison.
It doesn’t take long and we’re on the street the duke instructs his coachman to take us straight back to the castle. I sit quietly, trying to wrap my head around everything that happened earlier with Pollock and my so-called relatives.
When we arrive back at the courtyard, I instantly want to get back to my chamber. I’ve done enough and now it’s up to the healers to work their magic in order to get his father back on his feet.
“Wait, Astri, the cup is yours. I think you should come with me and see for yourself if this is going to work,” Jorgen says, grabbing my elbow.
His touch sends a jolt of electricity down to my core when his iridescent, blue eyes stare back at me. The same thought–I’ve been wrong about him this entire time–crosses my mind again.
I give him a weak smile and decide to follow him into the castle.
“My father is in his chambers. I gathered everyone when Lenin showed up and explained what happened. The healers are waiting with the potion,” Jorgen tells me when we climb through the long, swirling stairs. Lenin and Jetli are following behind.
I nod and as soon as we get to the west wing, I wonder if my presence is really necessary. Several moments later, Jorgen opens the heavy door and I find myself in a long room filled with male and female mage shifters. Duke Hans is lying in a large, poster bed. He doesn’t look good; his skin is overly pale, almost translucent. I’ve only seen him once, a few months after I lost my parents, and back then he was the picture of health. It was during some kind of initiation ceremony at the main square.
“What is this, Jorgen? What’s that girl doing in here? She isn’t family,” says a shifter with dark hair and olive skin. I stay closer to the door, feeling a little apprehensive being in here.
“I don’t have time to explain, Rudolf. Astri’s parents were the original owners of the dragon’s cup. We managed to retrieve it,” Jorgen says, ignoring the dark-haired shifter. “Is the potion ready?”
Their energy rolls over my spine and I look away, knowing they’re noticing my scar.
Derek, the healer who treated me a few days ago after Sebastian battered me in his true form, takes the cup from Jorgen. Seconds later, he pours the thick, red liquid inside the cup. Unexpected bright light blinds everyone in the room. I feel its energy as it becomes alive within the room, affecting everyone around, linking it’s molecules with our bodies.
“For Hommis, it’s true—it’s a dragon’s cup,” Diana whispers, when we can all see again, and the light’s gone. Lenin and Jetli are flying around me, mesmerised, when the doctor takes the cup to Hans’s bed, and someone else slowly lifts the duke’s head.
A nervous sensation starts moving through my core like a small army of ants. I want to believe this is going to work, that Hans’s life is going to be spared. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it’s too late; his energy is barely there. Sometimes magic cannot change the fate of someone who’s at the brink of death. Maybe Jorgen needs to accept there’s nothing he can do for his father, that this is the end of his life cycle.
Tension-filled silence stretches out between everyone in the room. Duke Hans’s energy remains weak. I don’t want to say it out loud, but it seems the dragon inside him has given up. Jorgen takes his hand and drops his head. I refuse to think he’s a monster.
Maybe I have truly made a mistake. So far, he’s only showed me his good side. He can’t be the man who took my parents away from me—the man who scarred me for life.
Minutes drag on and everyone’s waiting, praying for Hommis to change his ruling.
“This is obviously not working. It’s time Jor—”
“Stop talking, Rudolf. We all need to believe in the power of the cup,” Diana says, and then she’s beside Jorgen.
Rudolf and the other female shifter exchange a silent look with each other. Obviously the whole family looks on edge and I feel awkward being in here. A second later, I gasp, noticing colour returning to Hans’s face and new rippling powers start moving around the room. Everyone seems moved as they stare at the shifter who was meant to be dead already, revitalising in front of their eyes.
Derek rushes to his side and starts checking his pulse. I can almost feel his power sticking to mine, pulsing between every member of his family. It’s beautiful.
“His pulse seems stronger and vitals are up,” the doctor says
, smiling. There’s a huge sigh of relief amongst the family. Jorgen takes his father’s hand and whispers something in his ear. A tear escapes from his eyes. I’m shocked seeing him embraced in such emotions and relieved at the same time. After all, his father’s going to be all right.
Finally when no one’s paying attention to me I slip through the door and head back to my chamber. The family needs some time alone now. I don’t want to interfere any longer.
“Astri, you’re a hero. It’s because of you Hans is going to live. You helped him, and you should be proud of yourself,” Lenin tells me and I feel overwhelmed with my own emotions. Maybe I shouldn’t have done it. This would’ve been it, if Hans died I’d have gotten my revenge, but even I can’t be that cruel. Hans is a good man—he deserves to live.
I head over to my chamber, rubbing my deformed skin on my cheek. A few guards stare at me, the castle seems busier than normal. I guess it’s early morning and I’ve been up since around one a.m.
My thoughts are in havoc and I’m tired, thinking about having a few hours of sleep.
“Astri, watch out!” Lenin says, when I don’t see Sebastian walking towards me. He grabs my shoulders and spins me around, moving his elbow around my neck. His sudden forced grip punches the air out of my lungs.
“You ain’t supposed to be here, scarred girl. You’re meant to rot in prison. The duke should be announcing me as the true winner,” he hisses in my ear. Fury rises inside me faster than ever before.
My fire spell and my dragon are done being treated as if I don’t exist. He just confirmed he was the one who made the phone call to my uncle.
“Unlucky mate, Jorgen saved me from rotting in a human prison. Your plan backfired,” I whisper, smiling and backing away as much as I can while in his grip, as Lenin tries to jab him with his magic, swearing and farting in his face.
Sebastian waves his hand trying to smack Lenin, but he flies away and unfortunately he manages to hit Jetli. She hits the floor, and something inside me snaps. I’m done being his punching bag. I shove my foot further and then curl it around his ankle. Then pull it as hard as I can—his head slams over the brick, finally releasing me. Everything happens so fast and with magic rising inside my system, I’m not planning to play nice at all. The fireball in my hand burns his skin, and he screams, using his own energy to stop the flames from spreading.
I lean down and move my fiery fingers in front of his eyes.
“Don’t ever threaten me again or next time you won’t be so lucky. Consider this a warning,” I say, barely in a whisper, watching how he keeps checking if his hair isn’t burning too. He’s pathetic and I don’t know why I let him get to me earlier.
“You won’t win the competition, scarred girl. The duke would never have someone like you by his side,” he snarls, and I kick him again, this time harder, and he moans, glaring at me with pure hatred in his eyes. “This is for stealing my crystal.”
I cease my fire, pick up Jetli whom Lenin is trying to help with his own magic and walk away. Sooner rather than later, I might regret this, but I’m done being the victim. Sebastian’s been threatened by me from the beginning. It was just a matter of time before I stood up for myself.
When I get inside my chamber, Jetli isn’t looking too good.
“Is she going to be all right?” I ask Lenin, when he tries to help her with his own magic.
“She should be, but no matter what happens, you have to beat that arsehole,” Lenin says, looking furious. Things are complicated, but the game is on. I can still win, and show everyone Wyverns are just as good a dragon shifters as any other breeds in the Eastern World.
I get a few hours of sleep, then show up in the dining room for a late lunch. It sounds like the news about Hans’s recovery is spreading fast. Maids noticed the duke’s whole family gathered last night in his private chambers and they’re talking about Hans’s condition behind the storage door.
Jorgen is sitting with his family in the main dining room. He gives me a small smile when I enter and my heart jumps around in my chest. Sebastian glares at me. There’s a nasty burn on his arm and it automatically puts me in a good mood. He won’t try anything with me again. Not if he knows what’s good for him. I don’t mess around when it comes to my Pixies.
“Good luck with training today,” Elijah says, joining me by the table. I’m surprised, because I normally eat alone. Other contestants stay away.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“Sitting down, why? Are you waiting for someone?” he asks, with a genuine smile.
“No, but you normally sit with the others. What changed today?”
He shrugs his shoulders. “Nothing, I just want to hang out with you today.”
I start putting various bits of food on my plate, trying to ignore him. Elijah has never done anything to disrespect me, but he hasn’t been supportive either. I just wonder if this is one of Sebastian’s games.
“Anyway, I heard the final task is going to be difficult.”
“I never know what to expect. Sebastian is still ahead,” I point out, moving my food around the plate. For some reason I just lost my appetite.
Jorgen’s staring at me. I don’t need to look up to see it. My dreams and visions have never let me down, but after last night I have no idea what to think anymore. It seems like Jorgen cares about me. Now it bothers me I’m not one hundred percent sure about him. I hate being so wishy-washy. It’s grating on my nerves.
“It doesn’t matter if he’s on top right now. The winner will be decided in the final task,” he says, popping a huge piece of bread into his mouth. Elijah doesn’t stare at my scar; it’s almost like he doesn’t see it.
I laugh and other contestants look at me. Lenin and Jetli are too busy polishing off my granola to see we have company.
“Yes, you’re right,” I say and we shake hands. The warmth that radiates from him is making me slightly uneasy. I’ve been telling Emilia I’m not interested in the opposite sex, but the idea of having someone there for me brightens my mood. Elijah’s handsome, with short brown hair and a beautiful smile, but for Hommis this isn’t the best time to think about him in that sort of way. I glance over to Sebastian and see him staring at both of us. Maybe this is set up and the man just wants to play with me after the little incident in the corridor. Hmm…
“So what’s your plan after the contest? Have you thought about it?” he continues.
“Hey, pretty boy, what do you want from our Astri? If you’re trying to trick—”
“Lenin, can you just give it a rest for a bit? Elijah is just being nice and it’s rude to interrupt when someone is talking,” I say. It took him long enough to notice him by my side.
Elijah laughs and even his voice is filled with joy. I would like to go on a date one day. I’ve never even kissed a boy, so I’m completely inexperienced.
I glance back at Jorgen and a new idea pops into my head. There’s a way for me to verify if the duke is the same evil shifter from my nightmare. Emilia has some Verum potion in her storage, but it’s only part of the spell. I have to find a unicorn too in order to complete the light spell ritual and gain Jorgen’s memories about the past. I’m not going to behave as a hunter, and I only need to touch the stunning creature to release the light spell. I don’t know why I haven’t thought about this before. The other day I overheard someone talking about seeing one in the forest. If I put some of it on my lips and get close enough, then I would experience some of his memories in a vision.
“It’s all right, Astri. I think the little man is slightly jealous I’m hitting on you,” Elijah whispers and his words throw me for a loop a little. I glance back at the table where Jorgen’s sitting and I notice he’s still watching me. Warmth caresses my cheeks when Elijah’s words finally settle in.
“Hitting on me? Is that what it is?” I ask, trying to act like I’m not nervous or anything.
“You were late for breakfast and missed Thayer announcing to everyone we have a little time out bef
ore the final task,” the shifter tells me, and takes a huge bite of my toast. “I was wondering if you want to hang out for a bit.”
“Maybe I’ll find you later on, if that’s okay. I have to speak to my boss about something first,” I tell him, thinking about the connection I made with the duke. It’s because of me his father is alive and now–I’ll have a real chance to get close to him.
“All right, see you around, Astri,” Elijah says when I get up from the table, feeling uneasy about everyone staring at me. I’ve come so far, and now it’s almost the end; I still have no idea if the duke is the same person from my nightmare, but I’m about to find out.
“We’re going for a hunt tonight,” I say when Lenin and his sister follow me.
“Hunt? What for? You’re not working for Emilia right now and you should be getting ready for the final task,” Lenin tells me, trying to pull my hair.
“We’re going to hunt for a unicorn, because its magic can tell me if Jorgen is the killer. I just need to be sure, before I exact any form of revenge against him. It’s the right thing to do.”
Chapter 19
Verum–the truth sets us apart.
Lenin doesn’t think hunting for a unicorn when I should be training for the final task is a very good idea, but I have to know if I’ve been wrong all this time. I’m confused about my own emotions and the way I feel about Jorgen. Hans is going to live and I can finally go on a real date. All of that seems surreal, but I need to stay focused on the important things.
I rub my hand over my scar, knowing the idea of even trying to get close to Jorgen is scary. He’s much older than me and I have no idea how to behave around men in general. I’m supposed to hate him, but now I don’t know what I’m feeling anymore. To be honest, it’s pissing me off. Clearly he has no idea I’m the Wyvern shifter he tried to kill—if he tried to kill me. The uncertainty is driving me insane. With what remaining sanity I have left, I’m finding a damn unicorn to end this madness once and for all. To date or not to date—that is the question, right? No. Hell no.