Page 214 of The Fallen Fae King

The dragons in the arena, however, have fallen into a stunned silence.

I turn to study them with amusement.

I guess that this evening didn’t go how they expected.

What a shame.

I hope that Maximinus didn’t bet too much on the outcome.

Aurelius is still standing, unmoving. His gaze is as frosty as it was before.

Daire appears tense, however, his wings flapping agitatedly.

I would have loved to have had Daire fighting at my side. He would have been magnificent now that I know just how deadly he is.

I have dreamed of Aurelius fighting with me, rather than against me, since I was a fledgling.

When I meet Freya’s gaze, she looks like she is holding back tears. She is gripping the back of Aurelius’ cloak like she is trying hard not to shake him.

“It was an honor to fight for my Emperors and Empress’ wedding celebration,” I say, loudly. “Take it as my gift to you.”

Aurelius flinches.

Maximinus appears amused. “How generous. But what made you think that the games are over?”

My stomach drops.

Maximinus gestures at Taran.

“Hope.” Taran strolls to a lever, which sticks out of the wall in front of the drums. To my surprise, Wraith rushes after him, attempting to grab for him, as if to stop him, but he pushes her back. He meets my gaze, giving a twisted smile. “I told you that it will break everyone, even you.”

Then he pulls the lever.

I tense.

For a moment, however, nothing happens.

Then a grinding sound rumbles above me.

Horrified, I glance up at the domed roof of the arena.

Suddenly, a pinprick of light starts to shine down like a giant version of the game that Taran uses to torment me in my cell.

But that’s impossible.

It’s nighttime.

Isn’t it?

Yet trapped underground, I only have Taran’s word on that.

Has he confused my senses enough to play this final trick?

“Stop,” I holler.

Because I know what he means to do, and it does break me.

I can’t…I just can’t lose like this…