Page 33 of This Shattered Star

“You wouldn’t stealallthe fun, would you darling?” Theia rested a hand on Brannon’s arm, but her attention was solely fixed on the four competitors ahead. A lethal sort of hunger glinted in her eyes.

“I wouldn’t dare.”

I flattened any expression from my face. This wasn’t just any game. Our lives were at stake. The balance had to tip in our favor, always. And if this was how we would achieve it, then so be it.

The remaining competitors began to gather at our backs because of how long it was taking the ones in front of us to cross. And they did not look patient.

Kodhan leaned forward, speaking quietly so none of the others could overhear. “You three need to cross first. I can melt the ice and keep those vines at bay, but I need to be able to see all of it. I’ll stay here and cross when you’ve all reached the other side.”

“That’s too dangerous, brother. Even for you,” Brannon warned, eyes darting over Kodhan’s shoulder, to the growing number of bodies that could easily outnumber him if they wished.

Worry lines bracketed Theia’s mouth. “You’ll exert yourself by using so much magic at once.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve handled much worse than a few vines and some ice,” Kodhan insisted, waving a dismissive hand at the people behind us. “And far worse thanthat.”

I wondered what, exactly, he’d handled that made him so sure he could take on everything at once. But asking would only betray my curiosity. “If he says he’ll be fine, we should take his word.”

Kodhan’s lips tipped upwards. “You’reagreeingwith me.”

“I want to get through this stars-forsaken trial. If you take on more than you can handle, that will be your fault. If your friends die because you were too far up your own ass, then that will be your fault, too.” I roughly shoved a finger into his chest, forcing him back a step.

Any semblance of a smile faded from his face. Instead, that muscle ticked in his jaw again. “None of you are doing to die.”

“Then it’s settled. Let’s get moving.” I pulled my hand back. But the rest of me lingered, as if tethered to the heat he steadily emitted.

Brannon nodded reluctantly and faced the first swinging axe. “Keep me warm,” he said without looking back.

“I’ll properly flay your boots this time,” Kodhan tossed back half-heartedly, but his eyes were still trained on me.

I looked away first, though only because Brannon’s answering laugh was so full, so genuine, that it pierced through the endless layers of stone encased around my heart like an arrow. I couldn’t stand the idea of him watching me bleed.

Ignoring Kodhan’s inquisitive gaze entirely, I fixed my attention solely on the spot between Brannon’s shoulder blades. Snatched the wound he’d created by its neck and strangled any warmth from it until only empty, desperate cold remained. Then used it to repair the cracks.

In my periphery, Kodhan gave Theia’s hand a reassuring squeeze before filling his lungs with a mighty breath. On his exhale, the entire path went up in flames. Exactly like the tower.

“Go,” he barked.

Brannon didn’t need to be told twice. He moved, nimbly making it past two axes before stopping between the third and fourth.

He showed no signs of pain despite the inferno at his feet. And despite Kodhan’s threat, his boots remained intact. As did his pants.

“Be careful,” Theia warned Kodhan, who only hummed in response, before stepping into the flames. She avoided the first axe with fluid ease. And while she waited for Brannon to advance further, her fingers toyed with the flames. Like she was certain they wouldn’t hurt her.

I couldn’t say the same.

My mind screamed at me to back away. This wasfireI was stepping into. Certain death, or at the very least, a promise of very nasty burns. But my body remembered. Remembered the way those flames had planted feather-light kisses across my skin. Had beckoned to me for another taste of what it was like to skirt the edges of death and remain unscathed.

The force of the axes felt even worse up close. I avoided the first one and stood still before the second, strands of my hair lifting on their cold wind of momentum.

I needed my focus to remain unwavering. But the soft tingle of the flames seemed to sing my name, with whisper-soft caresses trailing along my shins and outer-thighs. I should’ve been concerned. Should’ve been disgusted. Power like that—the ability to manipulate such a dangerous element in a way that made it seem so inviting,wascause for worry.

Yet I couldn’t bring myself to feel anything other than awe. That, and a bitter twinge of jealousy that rimmed the tips of my ears pink.

I made it past three more pendulums before pain flared along my right thigh. Hissing, I glared down at my leg. The material of my pants remained intact, but, stars, itburned.

“It’s a little hot over here, brother!” Brannon called from his spot ahead. “I didn’t think you were serious about the boots!”

Burning me was one thing. But Kodhan wouldn’t voluntarily hurt Brannon.Something was wrong.