It was a good test – combining both skill and power. Nonetheless, Jamie was confident enough of his ability that it didn’t cause him too much anxiety.
Once Marcus had delivered his explanation, the Infernos picked numbers. There were ten of them and Jamie picked the number eight and left with the other Infernos to a side room while Rosalie, who picked the number ten, remained to face her test first.
Going first seemed to play right to Rosalie’s strengths. She was enjoying being the center of attention. A wide smile, only a shade short of smug, was plastered over her face.
In the side room, Jamie settled down to wait his turn. He felt calmer now. Knowing that Allyra was safe for now had made all the difference. His whole body felt looser and his breathing was easier – he’d been more nervous than he realized. However, going by the tense atmosphere and the anxious pacing which had restarted the minute the Cleaner closed the door to the side room, none of the Infernos were being spared the nerves. Anxiety was a contagious disease, but Jamie didn’t allow their nerves to affect him – he’d always been an excellent test taker and waiting was only part of the game. He leant back in his seat and studied his opponents with hooded eyes.
There were signs of nerves all around him. Cole – who always looked so slick and well put together, was flushed and sweating profusely. Andy – the classic man’s man, never showing any emotion was sitting silently, anxiously tapping his feet.
Some signs were more obvious. Tessa, a dark, silent girl he hadn’t noticed much was pacing back and forth, looking as if she might hurl. Jamie got up quietly and moved to a seat further back – he didn’t want to be in the splash zone…
Jason, sitting at the back of the room, in contrast appeared utterly unfazed. His fiercely intelligent face was composed and he looked loose and relaxed. Jason smirked arrogantly as Jamie sat down, a clear challenge in his eyes.
Jamie took his seat and ignored him – he simply wasn’t interested in Jason’s games right now.
Jamie closed his eyes.
Time to relax before the curtains opened.
His turn would come soon enough.
Chapter 24 – Allyra
Allyra didn’t know how she felt about the test the Infernos were facing. It was complicated and intricate. If she were being logical, she’d know that it would be best if Jamie failed, then he’d be safe and it would be one less thing for her to worry about. But despite her best efforts, her traitorous heart wanted him to pass and remain by her side.
Allyra looked over at the pink haired girl sitting next to her – her eyes were downcast and hands were still shaking. The test had been a sore trial for the girl – it was obvious that she was deft and skillful with her Gift, but the raw test of strength had pushed her to her very limit. The girl had barely survived and afterwards she’d collapsed in the seat next to Allyra, shaky and feverish.
Allyra leaned toward her, “Are you ok?” She whispered.
The girl looked up slowly, and the corners of her lips twitched up as she nodded tiredly. “I’m ok. It’s Gemma by the way.”
“Allyra.”
“I know,” Gemma replied with a firmer smile. “Jamie spoke about you all the time. You’re really lucky.”
Allyra looked at her, creasing her brow. “Lucky?” It wasn’t quite how she’d describe it…
Gemma nodded. “Because he loves you so much.”
It was as if someone ripped her heart out and ran it over with a truck. It was as simple as that – Jamie did love her. He was here, risking everything for her. And what had she been doing? Kissing a man she barely knew. Guilt ate at her like acid corroding through metal.
Gemma was still watching her closely, and Allyra schooled her expression back into a careless smile.
She nodded, “Yes, I really am lucky.”
The first of the Infernos was starting her preparations and Allyra was glad of the distraction.
The Inferno girl was small and blond, with an air of confidence that could only come from complete awareness of her own beauty. She was making a big show of her preparations, obviously enjoying the crowd’s undivided attention. She clenched and unclenched her fingers like a cat’s claws, flicked imaginary hair off her face. And finally, looking up at Marcus and the other Council members, a coy smile on her perfect, blood red lips, she indicated her readiness.
“That’s Rosalie.” Gemma whispered and Allyra gave her a quick smile of thanks. Any information was welcome.
Rosalie’s showiness didn’t end with her preparations. Her entire test was exaggerated and flashy, but she was also careful and skilled. She took up four and three quarters of her allocated five minutes, but completed the test without too much trouble. She joined them in the gallery with a smug smile on her face.
The next Inferno was another girl, slim and dark in contrast to Rosalie. Her voice was high and tight, quivering as she announced her name to the crowd. Her nerves were written in the tightness of her jaw, the tremor in her fingers.
Allyra didn’t think she’d make it. And it didn’t take long for her to be proven correct. The girl quickly lost control, flames flaring up and burning through not just the thread connected to the black ball but also two of the silver balls. As the three balls fell and bounced on the steel table below them, Marcus held up his hand, his face bored and uninterested in failure. The girl
