The Deal Day
Ava's POV
Winter in Lystra felt strange. It wasn’t like the harsh, cold winters I was used to in Manhattan. Here, it was more like spring, with snow falling gently, but without the freezing air and wet chill.
When I woke up this morning, Raphael wasn’t beside me. Thinking about last night made my face heat up and my toes curl. I hurried through my bath, knowing I couldn’t be late or keep Gwen waiting. We had a lot to do today, and the Arcane competition was starting tonight.
Drakon had warned me that the competition wouldn’t be easy. One opponent he said I should watch out for was Anastasia, the Minister’s daughter. She was an incredible magician and a skilled sword master, even though she was just eighteen, the same age as me. Well, technically, I’m older with a previous lifetime’s worth of memories, if that even counts.
I laughed quietly to myself at the thought. I finished my bath and put on the uniform we were all expected to wear; a loose top with slits on the sleeves and a vest on top, both woven with intricate patterns. Everyone’s clothes had different symbols. Mine had the Lycan wolf symbol, just like the other wolves participating. The witches had their own symbols too. I couldn’t wait to see Gwen’s.
I tied my silver hair into a ponytail, not wanting it to be grabbed at during a fight. They wouldn’t tell us what the competition challenges were beforehand, so we couldn’t prepare. They wanted to keep us on edge.
I took one last look at myself in the mirror. “You can do this,” I whispered, trying to hype myself up. I had to win, even if it meant giving everything I had.
“Good to see you’re ready,” a voice said behind me. I turned to see Drakon sitting on the couch.
He had left the room yesterday when Raphael was eavesdropping on our conversation. At first, I panicked, worrying about how to explain everything to Raphael, but Drakon had reassured me that only I could see or hear him.
I was surprised by that. Raphael was supposed to be all-knowing and incredibly powerful. I’d even heard from the other trainees that he was over a decade old and couldn’t be killed. But Drakon said the Moon Goddess had made it so Raphael couldn’t see him. I wondered what the Moon Goddess had planned for me, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was my revenge.
“Yes, I’m ready,” I replied with a smile. Drakon had grown on me, much more than Gemma ever did. I still don't like her. She always look at me with disdain.
“I know you are,” Drakon said seriously. “But remember, the challenges will be tough. Also, don’t underestimate any of your opponents.”
“I won’t,” I said confidently. “I plan to win.”
“I believe you, but be especially careful of Anastasia. Don’t take any food or drinks from anyone.”
His tone was so fierce, it made me worry. Today was going to be harder than I thought. But I couldn’t lose. I wouldn’t.
“I understand, Drakon. I’ll be fine.” I smiled again, trying to reassure him.
“May the Goddess be with you,” he said as he hugged me.
We held the embrace for a few moments before I pulled away and walked toward the door. I waved at him one last time before leaving. I had hoped he would come with me to the competition, but he couldn’t leave the palace. He was bound to this damn place.
Gwen was already waiting for me in the hallway. When she saw me, she broke into a wide smile, showing off her dimples. She ran over and hugged me tightly.
“I’m so excited!” she whispered, trying to make sure the guards didn't hear however, the guards could still hear us. They’re wolves, after all. I nearly laughed but held it in.
“Me too, pumpkin,” I said, gently pinching her soft fluffy cheeks.
“Did you bring the list?” she asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
“Of course,” I put my hands behind me. Afterwards, I pulled out the list from my pocket.
“You look great in that uniform,” she said, checking out my symbols. “The weaving is amazing.”
“You look beautiful too, Gwen. Red is definitely your color.”
I wasn’t lying. Gwen looked stunning. I moved closer to inspect the witch's symbol stitched onto her vest. It was a woman in a black hat, wearing a red robe and sitting on a broomstick.
“Stop flattering me,” she muttered, her head down. “I probably look like a pig in this uniform.”
I wanted to shake the negativity out of her. It was Jocelyn and her little bitches’ fault for making her feel this way. Gwen was a beautiful person. If she couldn’t see it, I’d keep reminding her until she did.
“Gwen, you look nothing like a pig. If pigs were as gorgeous as you, they wouldn’t be my favorite food.”
She laughed, just as I wanted her to. Her laugh was warm, and it made me wish I’d had a friend like her in my past life. Maybe things would have been easier. I can’t escape my past. The hatred I carry for those who wronged me still burns inside.
My hands tightened into fists without realizing it.
“Ava, you’re hurting me,” Gwen said. I looked down and realized I’d grabbed her hand by mistake, squeezing it too hard.
“I’m so sorry, Gwen!” I said quickly, lifting her hand to inspect it. Gwen wasn’t a fighter, and her hand was already bruised.
“It’s okay, don’t worry about it,” she said, trying to shrug it off.
I gave her a calm, reassuring smile. Gwen never asks too many questions. I know one day she might, and I’ll have questions too. But until then, I’ll keep hiding all my pain.
“So, where are we going first?” I asked, glancing down at the list in my hand.
Nohte Market, the streets of Ashte, and the Wishing Well. Those were the top three places on our list.
“I want to take you to Nohte Market,” she said, smiling as she grabbed my hand. “I think you’re really going to like….”
Then, a voice cut through the moment.
“Pigs will always be pigs!"
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