The truth is, I’m not a killer. I pray to Hommis, the God of the Eastern World, when I have to kill an animal in the forest. As a huntsman, it’s a sign of weakness, but I can’t do it any other way.
Jorgen stares at me with his intense, blue eyes for a while, as if he’s assessing me. A slow smile graces his lips. I hate the fact his smile mesmerises me, especially when it accentuates a set of cute dimples on his cheeks.
What the hell is wrong with me?
The duke’s a killer, and I shouldn’t be experiencing these new emotions when he’s around. My cheeks are inflamed, and that’s my main problem. I can’t seem to control myself when a good-looking man speaks or looks at me. I’m shy and don’t like when people stare, as if they’re aware of my inner insecurities.
“I knocked, but you probably didn’t hear me. I think you were having too much fun,” he states, taking a step closer to me. Jorgen keeps his body in rigorous physical condition and his smell—clean, with a pine wood scent and a touch of honey—I could get lost in it for days. Holy crap! No.
Really, Astri? That man is a vicious killer and you’re telling yourself he's attractive? Nothing good will come out of it. He must have cast a magic spell on me or something. There’s no way I’m honestly attracted to this man, right? I’m losing what’s left of my mind…"
“Oh right, sorry. I’ve just never seen or slept in such a large bed,” I say, and those silly butterflies inside my stomach come back.
I don’t feel comfortable with the duke in my chamber. He’s pretending I’m not ugly, with a look in his eyes that says he wants to get to know me. This kind of admiration doesn’t suit him.
“Thayer mentioned he gave you this chamber. I went for a walk earlier and wanted to check to see if you have everything you need?” he asks, placing his hands behind him and walking around the room.
I frown, and Lenin keeps flying over his head. Jetli’s a bit more apprehensive, hiding behind me. I really need to teach those two to keep their mouths shut and not to talk about my terrible living situation. Jetli doesn’t talk, but her facial expressions can be very convincing at times.
“I have more than enough, thank you very much,” I say, thinking about my knife on the table. If I could just grab it and stab him, but then what? My aunt and uncle were pretty clear I’m not welcome back into their home and I have no savings to escape from Rivenna. I’m stuck for the time being. No one really knows how strong the duke’s magic is. The superior mages have more magic in them than any other shifter breeds. Killing him isn’t going to be straightforward. “Besides, I don’t want to be treated any different than other contestants. Have you checked on them too, my lord?”
The scar on my face begins to burn or maybe I’m being too sensitive. He must be putting on an act, playing with my emotions, because he can sense the creature inside me isn’t from around here. Jetli gives me a look that asks, “What the hell is wrong with you? He’s a duke. At least try to be more respectful.”
He stops walking around my chamber and pauses by the bed. His eyes wander off to the Pixies, then at my stuff on the floor.
Emilia’s right. The duke should already be married, but it’s none of my business.
“No, I haven’t checked on them yet, but you’re one of the youngest contestants and I don’t think you realise there are extremely dangerous tasks ahead that all of you will be facing. I don’t want to sound misogynistic, and please forgive me for even insinuating it, but most of those shifters are far stronger than you,” he says as he eyes the rest of my face.
The way he’s looking at me makes me feel self-conscious. How can I be so hot and cold? One minute, I can’t get enough of his scent, the next I’m plotting his death, and now I’m worried he’s staring too long at my scar? At this moment, I just want to be a normal shifter female—confident and beautiful… That’s until Lenin breaks me out of my trance. Thank the heavens above for my Pixies.
“Astri is twenty-one, my lordi lord, but she’s a hunter and she can fight better than all those losers who’re taking part in your contest,” Lenin throws out there.
“Thank you, Lenin, but I can speak for myself,” I snap at him, suddenly annoyed the duke knows my age. He’s so confident and his power licks my skin like a lollipop, spreading down every nook and cranny, not missing an inch. He’s not playing fair. I wonder why he had to take the lives of my parents. They were good people and they never caused anyone any harm.
“Astri, tell me, why are you here? Why do you want to be my assistant?” he asks, ignoring my earlier comment. I don’t know why he’s asking me all these questions.
“I never turn down a challenge,” I say, with a snarky grin cocked on my face.
“And your dragon, I sense it’s powerful—a mage’s dragon. Am I correct?” he asks, with a damn sexy grin, showcasing his stupid dimples.
Why am I playing this flirtatious, snarky game with him again? Oh, because I’m crazy. Next…
“I’m just an ordinary shifter, definitely not a mage.”
He seems to be thinking about my answer for a bit, and fear settles in my stomach, replacing my snarky attitude. Jorgen will figure out soon enough I’m a Wyvern, but I’ll deal with it when the time comes. For now, I’m planning to enjoy my time in the castle.
“Well, in that case I’m pleased to have you in the castle and I’m looking forward to watching you compete against the others. All my advisors were pretty shocked to find out a woman passed the first task. I’ll leave you to it now, Astri,” he adds, and he smiles again. I watch him as he’s walking away and the damn tingles spread throughout my body like wildfire when he shuts the door.
I let go of a deep breath and flop on the bed, as tension eases off my body. I didn’t really play this right.
“Oh Astri, Astri. I think the lordi lord likes having us in the castle. He showed up here to check on you. That’s a good start,” Lenin says, grinning.
My scar doesn’t sting anymore and I feel flustered. I lift myself up and stare at my Pixies.
“Do you guys think he knows who I am?” I ask, wondering why he doesn’t pay attention to the fact my face is deformed. Everyone else does.
“I don’t know, but Jetli doesn’t think the duke is the mage who gave you the scar. You’re wrong. He’s friendly and nothing like you described,” Lenin says with a serious expression on his face. I want to agree with him, but a fresh wave of anger reminds me Jorgen might just be toying with me. He might be a great actor and it’s not Jetli and Lenin’s fault.
Welsh Pixies don’t understand the concept of having a family. They’re left alone several days after their mother gives birth to them. This is the way Pixies are raised amongst their own kind.
“He’s the one who scarred me, and he’s the one who killed my parents. I’m not wrong,” I say, harsher than I want. “I can’t be wrong about him.”
“Okay, sister, whatever you say, but I think he’s worried about your safety, and he surely doesn’t remember you.”
Jetli nods enthusiastically, agreeing with Lenin. I want to end this conversation for now. The three of us had a long day and I want to forget about the duke and the contest at least for tonight.
“Let’s go to sleep. I’m tired.” I say, thinking about my new ability. After all, I’m in the castle and getting around undetected could be useful. Sebastian’s confident he’s going to win, but he has no idea I have a few cards up my sleeve too.
“Jetli’s hoping we’ll stay here for a while. And I do too. I definitely don’t want to go back to Mr. and Mrs. Grumps,” Lenin admits and I snicker without saying anything, shortly after disappearing in the bathroom. When I’m alone, I glance at my reflection in the mirror, knowing Lenin and Jetli aren’t going anywhere. They’re like my second family, so I have to look after them. The duke may enjoy me being in his castle, but I have to stop thinking about him in any other way than being my parents’ killer.
I wake up late the next morning and run all the way to the main hall, panicking I might e
mbarrass myself in front of everyone there. I’ve never in my life overslept. On any other day, I’m an early bird, up before sunrise, but not this morning. I’m running late for my first official meal.
I wish I had more time to get ready, and now I have to show up sweaty and flustered.
Guards and other members of Jorgen’s entourage are staring at me when I run through the long corridors.
“I thought you were going to wake me up this morning,” I say to Lenin, when I take another wrong turn and end up in dead end.
“The dining room is at the end of this corridor,” says a young maid who stops around the corner, carrying a basket full of laundry. I nod to her, partly relieved someone finally decided to tell me where I should be going.
“It wasn’t my fault the bed was so comfortable. Jetli slept in too. Why aren’t you shouting at her?” Lenin asks, and his sister smacks him on the head.
“It’s all right, stop fighting guys. We’re nearly there,” I mutter.
My heart pounds in my chest when I walk through the tall, wooden door and what might be the biggest room in the castle. All eyes turn to me from the table situated by the east wall. All the other contestants are eating breakfast and Thayer’s there as well. Heat rushes to my cheeks when I walk towards them. I wish I could just disappear, because this is truly humiliating.
“It looks like sleeping beauty has finally decided to join us, boys. I hope she won’t be late for the second task.” Sebastian laughs, mocking me when I sit down. Everyone’s watching me and I feel my ears burning.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” I mumble.
“Try to be on time tomorrow, Astri. I was just discussing details of the next task with everyone,” Thayer says.
“Don’t get used to being here. The duke won’t have a woman in his ranks. I know the history of Rivenna. There's never been a woman guard,” Sebastian says loudly, narrowing his eyes at me.
Thayer gives him a stern look, but doesn’t say anything.
I really need to ignore him, because he’s trying hard to provoke me, to see if he can get a reaction out of me. This is his game and I wouldn’t be surprised if he feels threatened by me. I manage to grab Lenin just before he tries to fly over and terrorise Sebastian. Although it would be hilarious to watch, it’s completely inappropriate right now.
“No, Astri, let me pinch him or turn his nose into a piglet’s tail,” Lenin hisses, trying to get away from my grip. Jetli is more reserved, glaring at Sebastian as if she’s ready to kill him with her tiny eyes.
“I don’t think I’ve had a chance to decide whether or not I want a man as my assistant, Captain Reynolds,” says a deep voice—and Sebastian’s face pales as he drops his fork, seeing the duke materialise by our table. No one noticed him approaching. I quickly start piling eggs onto my plate, still not sure why the duke's defending me. I don’t want him to do me any favours just because I’m a woman, but damn, it’s funny watching Sebastian grovel and squirm. If not for the eggs, I’d probably be laughing my arse off at the irony. The guy’s a misogynistic arsehole who enjoys threatening women. I can’t wait to show him what I’m made of and it’s not ribbons and roses.
“My lord, I’m glad you decided to join us. How’s your father?” Thayer asks, most likely trying to ease the tense atmosphere around the table. I don’t dare look up, my cheeks are still ruby red.
“Stable for now,” Jorgen replies, with a hint of frustration in his voice. His father, Hans, has been ill for a very long time. No one has seen him officially for months. “The second task will begin in an hour. I expect all of you to be on time, outside the palace.”
I shove a few bites of eggs into my mouth, shocked the duke wants us to compete already. I thought we’d have more time to train before the next task, but it seems Jorgen has other plans.
“So what do you think the next task is going to be about?” asks Elijah, nudging me with his elbow. Lenin and Jetli are picking food from my plate and I’m glad they’re distracted. I can take care of Sebastian myself when the right opportunity arises.
“Not sure, but I’m looking forward to kicking Sebastian’s arse,” I mutter with my mouth full. Elijah is a good-looking shifter, but I don’t know if he's taking me seriously or not.
“I hope the duke will give us an opportunity to shift. My dragon hasn’t been unleashed for a long time,” he says and I nearly choke on my eggs. Wyvern dragons aren’t generally known in Rivenna, and my parents weren’t originally from this part of the Eastern World. Well, my secret will be out soon if that’s the case.
Small city life in Rivenna appealed to them and they made this place our home. I can only hope my dragon won’t trigger old memories stored deep in my subconscious. Jorgen has no idea who I am, and throughout the years, he must have believed I died when he came for me. Maybe I’m playing with fire, but I knew I’d have to shift at some point.
“Yeah, me too,” I admit and take a drink of orange juice. After a few minutes, most of the contestants finish breakfast and leave to get ready for the next task.
“Astri, what are you going to do when the duke expects you to shift? Wyvern aren’t common in this part of the Eastern World,” Lenin says, sitting on my arm.
“It’s part of the game. I have no choice but to shift. Besides, if Jorgen is smart he won’t dare try anything while everyone’s eyes are on me,” I assure my Pixie friend. Jetli’s worried about me. I can see it in her eyes, but I’ve made my decision and I won’t back out now.
Half an hour later, I walk out of the castle dining room and head over to the courtyard, stopping in my room to change, aware my hands are shaking. By this time, all other contestants are there, waiting for the duke, and there are even a few reporters; one snaps my picture as I walk toward my group.
“Let’s begin the second task,” says an all-too-familiar voice that makes my skin prickle with excitement—a voice who’ll soon learn my true identity. “It’s time for me to get to know your dragons. It’s time for a battle above the castle grounds.”
Chapter 10
First blood.
Jorgen’s expecting us to shift into our dragons and I’m not ready to be exposed in front of everyone just yet.
At the same time, I can’t refuse to participate; it’ll look suspicious on my part. I’ve been waiting for this moment since the events in the forest, but shifting into a Wyvern in front of everyone here might cause a bit of havoc. Everyone knows my creature’s rare and no Wyvern’s been seen in Rivenna for many years.
“The first dragon to draw another’s blood will score the most points,” Jorgen announces and Thayer hands him a black hat. “Ladies first, Astri, draw the name of your opponent.”
Everyone turns to look at me and I smile weakly, approaching the duke. The tension around the courtyard drills holes into my stomach.
I’ve been avoiding unleashing my dragon because I never wanted attention drawn my way, but now everyone’s eyes are on me. Mages and shifters never approved when Wyvern called themselves true dragons. My hand’s shaking slightly when I pick up the wrapped piece of paper. My head’s clogged with images from eleven years ago and my own blow-back spell. I keep seeing the duke’s vicious smile, telling me I’m the last of my clan—he should’ve killed me the first time. My knees turn to jelly and my heart starts jackhammering in my chest.
I unwrap the paper and a bunch of stones cascade down my stomach, making me nauseous. Of course, I picked the one shifter who holds a grudge against me. This couldn’t have gone any other way.
“Sebastian,” I say, swallowing hard.
“Whoo hooo! It looks like we finally get the chance to play,” he says, grinning like he just won the lottery. Dick.
Jorgen doesn’t look too pleased, but he can’t change his own rules. I just have to beat Sebastian at his own game and prove to everyone I’m as good as any of the other shifters. Everyone else waits for their turn as I back away, trying to ease off the tension in my body. My inner dragon’s filled with excitement. A Wyvern uses its
instinct to fight and survive. Although my senses are sharper, my eyesight is poor.
“Don’t worry, little girl, I’ll go easy on you,” Sebastian says, winking at me.
He lifts his knife to run his tongue over the blade, challenging me with his eyes. I want to punch him in his stupid face.
Moments later, his whole body goes rigid, and his eyes roll into the back of his head. I see how pure energy is rippling through him, expanding into a burst of light. He’s trying to shift, slowly losing all human features and growing at least ten times his normal size.
Everyone around him backs away several hundred meters, knowing it’s always dangerous being in close proximity to a mage or a shifter. His transformation is spectacular and within seconds a fully grown, mountain dragon, unravels its wings, roaring with vehemence. Dragon shifters in Rivenna have the same characteristics: black, slick skin and red horns that run alongside their curvy spines. The ground shakes for miles around when the beast tries to rise in the air, flexing his enormous muscles and releasing a fire that turns the nearest tree into ash. It has a long jaw, pointed, sharp fangs and a red reptile–like tongue. Sebastian’s creature is four legged and his tail’s longer than any typical dragon I’ve seen, with yellow spikes at the end.
I shut my eyes and lift my hands on each side. I need to shift too, allowing every cell in my body to release magical energy, then slowly doubling, tripling in size. Power pounds through me, and soon I lose track of time, letting my creature take control of my inner self. Magical energy starts bouncing inside me. My body changes shape, my bones and skin stretch. My muscles are contracting, growing with enormous speed. The ground trembles beneath my feet and my beast bellows out an inhuman roar, finally standing on two legs. This is the main difference between typical shifters and Wyvern creatures.