He produced a well-worn woolen jersey that might have been blue once, but was now a nondescript grey. He tossed it to her before sitting down at the edge of the plateau, staring contemplatively down the mountain.
Allyra turned the jersey in her hands before quickly slipping it over her head. Pride had deserted her halfway up the mountain and she was far too cold to even consider turning down the jersey. It was far too big for her and the sleeves fell beyond her hands, but it was soft against her skin and the chill in her bones retreated just a little. She rested her head back on her knees and allowed the gentle smell of sandalwood and pine to wash over her as she welcomed the oblivion of sleep.
“Eat.”
Allyra jerked awake and instinctively shrank away from Alex and his proffered orango.
She turned away from him and closed her eyes. “I’m not hungry.”
“I wasn’t asking.” There was a hard edge to his voice, suddenly reminding her that despite the kindness he’d shown her, he was dangerous and unpredictable.
Her eyes shot back open and stared at him, anger warming her. “I’m not hungry.” She repeated, deliberately. “You said I didn’t need to eat here, or were you lying?”
“I wasn’t.” He replied shortly.
“So do us both a favor and leave me alone and let me sleep.”
His arm shot out like lightning and grasped her wrist. His fingers sank into her flesh and the pain forced her head up and her eyes to meet his. They were dark, more violet now than blue. Within their depths she could see anger, burning its way to the surface.
“I promised to get you back to the Gate. Safely.” Alex said softly, his voice smooth but dangerous, sending goosebumps rising in her skin. She wondered if he could read the hate and anger in her eyes.
“I intend to keep my promise to you and right now you look like you’re on the precipice of losing your mind.”
His eyes softened a fraction. “I’ve been here a lot longer than you. Trust me when I say you need to eat. I don’t want to deliver a raving lunatic to the Gate.”
Allyra stared at the orango he was still holding out. She wondered what he would do if she threw it as his head.
His eyes flickered almost as if he could read her mind. “Don’t do anything stupid. Eat.” He repeated and an amused smile tugged the corners of his lips. “Or I could make you.”
Accepting defeat, Allyra snatched the orango from his hand and stuffed the first slice into her mouth, chewing loudly and ungraciously.
Alex smiled, and released her wrist, finally turning and walking away from her.
“You wouldn’t have forced it down my throat.” She mumbled around a mouthful of orango.
He stopped and turned back to her, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Don’t underestimate what I’m willing to do.”
They stared at each other.
She dropped her eyes first.
Chapter 9 – Jamie
Jamie walked out of the Great Hall slowly; his mind was working itself into knots trying to decide exactly how he felt about what had happed within Council. Rob almost tackled him as he stepped through the massive wooden doors.
“Are you ok? Is Allyra ok?” Rob asked urgently.
Jamie turned to the two Cleaners that were still accompanying his brother, “Can I have a moment with my brother please?” Apparently hard of hearing, they made no move to leave Jamie and Rob.
“It’s fine.” A firm voice said behind him – it was Jason, Marcus’ capable and sophisticated assistant. He waved the two Cleaners away and turned to the brothers. “You have ten minutes – after which I will accompany Jamie to join the other Trial participants and the Cleaners will accompany Rob off the grounds.”
“What does he mean – you are joining the Trial participants?” Rob hissed.
“Listen – don’t interrupt, we don’t have a lot of time.” Jamie said urgently, his voice low as he checked to see that the Cleaners and Jason were all out of earshot.
“I’m fine, Allyra’s fine – but only so far as they’ve spared her life for now, but she has to compete in the Elemental Trials. She has to show that she’s in control of her Gift by either winning or coming second in the Trials. If she doesn’t – they’ll lock her up in the dungeons. I have to try and help her, so I asked to compete as well.”
Rob raised his eyebrows. “You’re kidding right? You sound as if you’re reciting a fairy tale.”
Jamie just stared back.
Rob relented. “Fine. But the Trials – aren’t they…”
“Yes, happening in a month and according to the stories – quite dangerous.”
“So is Allyra awake already? How? Surely there’s no Elemental to open the Gate?”
“No – they’ll open the Gate here under the next full moon, and for some reason, Marcus, the High Master of the Elemental College expects Allyra to find her way back. I think he wants something from her – I just don’t know what. But I’m pretty sure he wants her locked up, but only once he understands just what she is.”
“How did you let this happen? We can’t let Allyra compete in the Trials! If she finds her way back, she’ll have no time to prepare – she won’t even understand! We need to get her out of here – we can help her…”
“Don’t!” Jamie hissed, “I don’t want to know how – I don’t know if they are going to question me further. There wasn’t any ‘letting it happen’ Rob, this is the Council, I’m just grateful they didn’t decide to kill her outright.”
“But…”
“No! Listen! I need you to go, calmly. Gather whatever help you can – they’ll let family and friends back in the watch the Trials. If I can’t help Allyra win, I’m counting on you and Emma to get us out of here.”
“There’s something
