In the Wake of the Wicked (Veridian Empire #1)

13. Rose

13

Rose

I splashed cold water on my face then gripped the edge of the granite countertop in my personal washroom, watching the water drip, drip, drip from my skin and onto the porcelain bowl. Gazing at my reflection in the gold-lined mirror, it was hard not to notice the shadows under my green eyes, the pale sheen to my skin.

My attention snagged on the locket hanging around my neck, the one my aunt and uncle had given me when I turned thirteen. The gilded oval face had a single rose delicately etched into it, and it opened to reveal two small charcoal portraits of my parents, Hamilton and Ayla Wolff. I fingered the locket, wedging my nail between the divide and cracking it open to stare at their miniscule likeness.

I briefly wondered how they would feel about this turn of events, with me taking Ragnar’s place as the Feywood challenger to uncover secrets of the emperor. Would they be proud that I was working toward something I believed in? For something larger than myself? Would they be worried for my safety, insistent like Morgana that this wasn’t my burden to bear?

I closed the necklace with a quiet snap and kissed the back of it, the metal cold against my lips, before tucking it into my shirt. Quickly running my fingers through my hair, I braided it down my back and secured it with a leather strap.

A knock sounded at the door to my bedchamber. I paused, peering around at the door. I figured it was Aunt Morgana and Beau coming to say goodnight. After the briefing, I’d been shown to my private chambers on the third floor—accompanied by a stern talking-to from Horace on attacking fellow challengers in the palace. I’d immediately sent word to learn where my family would be staying. They were in a separate wing, closer to the infirmary, and had wanted to see me one last time before the first trial began in the morning.

I crossed the room and pulled the door open, expecting to see the familiar dark hair of my aunt and lanky form of my cousin.

Neither one stood in the doorway.

Instead, Nox leaned against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest, silver rings shining in the firelight. “Well, you sure made an impression today.”

“Why am I not surprised you’re here?” I asked with a sigh.

He grinned, his dark blue eyes flaring with mischief. “Are you going to let me inside?”

“Wasn’t planning on it, no.”

Shrugging, he said, “Probably wise. Don’t let anyone in without first knowing who it is and what they want. That breaks the wards.”

I pursed my lips, mirroring his stance and crossing my arms. “What do you mean?”

“All of our chambers are warded against intruders, but if you give someone permission to enter, the wards are disabled against them for the rest of your stay.”

Raising an eyebrow, I hummed in response. Horace had mentioned the rooms being warded, but not whether other areas of the palace were, as well.

Nox continued to stare at me, and I shook my head. “I’m still not letting you in, Nox. Not after finding out you’ll be able to enter whenever you please. I don’t need to wake up one morning with a knife pressed to my throat.”

He lifted a hand to his chest in feigned offense. “After all we’ve been through, this is how I’m treated?”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the snort that escaped me. “What do you want?”

“Just to make sure you’re still alive. Callum is pissed, as you can imagine. He’s practically calling for your head on a platter.”

“Who?”

“The Iluze prick you tried to kill.”

Oh, him . I scoffed. “I didn’t try to kill him. He had plenty of time before that happened.”

“Ah, so this is a common enough occurrence for you, viper?” Nox asked, a smirk crossing his tan features. “You almost took out the competition before this tournament even began. That was, if I recall, breaking one of the only rules we were given.”

“First of all, that’s a bit dramatic,” I said. “Second of all, he deserved it.”

“Be that as it may, you’re putting a target on your back. You need to be careful.”

I knew he was right—I’d been too reactive. Too volatile. I often let my anger get the best of me, the simmering rage that sat so close to the surface easily goaded when pushed just a bit over the edge. And that Illusionist—Callum, Nox called him—had practically shoved me off the cliff with his mind tricks and hateful words.

There was something about Illusionists that got to me.

“I can handle being a target,” I said, my pride peeking its head out and sniffing the air.

“I don’t doubt it. But tell me, Rose, did you come to the capital alone?” I froze, the blood draining from my face. He must have noticed my reaction, for he added, “Can you handle them being one?”

I hadn’t even thought of Ragnar, Morgana, or Beau when I’d retaliated against Callum, of how each of my actions could lead directly back to them. Even though putting innocent civilians in harm's way had been expressly forbidden, I wouldn’t put it past someone to disobey if I made them mad enough.

Fates, I was an idiot . If anything happened to my family because of me …

I had to pull myself together. I couldn’t let my emotions control me, those hot surges of anger that consumed and made me lash out irrationally. I had a mission to accomplish and people to keep safe.

“You’re right,” I conceded quietly. “I won’t let it happen again.” I made a mental note to find Beau and Morgana before the night was over and ensure they kept plenty of protection charms on them.

Nox nodded. “Oh, by the way, I met the last challenger after you stormed out of the great hall. Callista ,” he said, dragging out the word. “The Lightbender from Emberfell. She’s a crowd favorite, I can already tell. Knows how to put on a good show. She had the entire court entranced with her fancy light magic, like some performing monkey.” He chuckled darkly. “I could have shown them a few tricks myself, but I doubt they would have applauded me.”

“What do you shift into, anyway?” I blurted, unable to stifle my curiosity.

“That’s a rather personal question, darling.”

I rolled my eyes. “Well, you’ve seen my magic at work.”

“So this is an ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours’ type of request?” he asked, wagging his eyebrows. I put a finger to my temple. Keeping up with this man was exhausting.

Laughing at the annoyance on my face, he said, “If I ever have to shift, you’ll know. I plan to lay as low as possible until absolutely necessary.” He pushed off from the door frame. “I’m glad we had this talk. Good luck with the first trial tomorrow, viper,” he said, then turned on his heels and disappeared down the empty corridor.