Chapter 57

Aelia

"Oh, I don't know, Rue, it seems like a bit much…" And still, I could not tear my eyes away from the looking glass. I did not recognize the female before me. All thoughts of the prophecy, of gloom and doom, of the final battle flew right out of my mind.

The exquisite ballgown molded perfectly to every curve of my body as if painted on by the goddess. The fabric spun of a shimmering gold satin sparkled with countless tiny lights, creating an ethereal effect as if adorned in stardust or woven with the essence of light itself. The embroidered bodice of the dress was intricately detailed with a plunging neckline that fit my figure perfectly and accentuated an elegance I never knew I possessed.

"You look absolutely radiant, Aelia."

"One hundred percent agree," Symon interjected. "I would not change a thing."

I curled a long lock of wild blonde hair around my finger, the errant strand refusing to remain in the elaborate updo Rue had concocted. I studied every inch of the gown, unable to look away. Goddess, if I was trying not to call attention to myself this certainly was not the appropriate dress. I appeared bathed in a celestial glow, every exposed millimeter of my skin iridescent beneath the sunlight streaming in from above.

Finally tearing my gaze away from my reflection, I focused on my friends. Rue was stunning in a deep crimson gown highlighting her petite form with her pale blonde hair in elegant waves, while Sy looked handsome as always with a pristine double-breasted surcoat in pure white with matching trousers. Both had already helped themselves to honeyed wine, their eyes glistening with mirth.

"So what exactly will we do at this grand celebration?"

"Besides drink heavily, stuff ourselves with culinary delights, and dance our asses off?" Sy grabbed my hand and twirled me in a quick circle until my head spun.

"Yes, besides all that," I laughed.

Rue released her goblet and lifted a finger. "First, a grand ceremony will be held in which a chosen Fae, often one of the most promising students at the Conservatory, ignites the Eternal Flame using the last rays of dawn. The flame symbolizes the return of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness and is essential to the celebration of the Winter Solstice. The sacred bonfire is kept burning throughout the night, and its light is said to ward off evil spirits and bless those who bask in its glow."

"Wow…"

"And then everyone gets soused on the grand assortment of Fae spirits," Symon interjected.

"That's when the fun truly begins." Rue waggled her light brows just as two sharp knocks echoed across the chamber. "Speaking of fun, that must be Devin." She clapped her hands before flitting toward the entrance.

Rue yanked the door opened, and my heart flip-flopped at the sight of the male obscuring the doorway. "Oh, it's for you, Aelia." She bounced back to her side of the chamber as I stood frozen, unable to rip my eyes away from Reign's daunting form.

His hair was pulled back in a tie at his nape, with a few tousled wisps having come loose, framing a face marked by strong, angular features and that piercing, intense gaze. The long, black cloak that cascaded from his shoulders was fastened at the front with ornate silver brooches featuring intricate designs. Though he stood perfectly still, the luxurious, heavy fabric somehow flowed dramatically with each inhale, adding to his imposing presence. The high-collared tunic beneath made from rich, dark material molded to each muscular dip and valley of his torso, emphasizing his strapping build. His chest lifted on an inhale, and the elaborate embroidery of the dark threads of his tunic caught the light, shimmering beneath Raysa's watchful eye.

"Noxus, princess, you look more glorious than the goddess herself," he whispered on an exhale. His shadows curled around us, an icy veil of darkness shielding us from the obtrusive light streaming in overhead.

I teetered forward on the high heels Rue forced me to wear, my legs moving to Reign of their own accord. In that brief moment, all of his sins were forgotten. My hand jutted out, reaching for him as if in a trance. My fingers landed on the ornate brooch, brushing the cold metal. "It's… beautiful," I murmured.

He inched closer, his frosty breath skimming the shell of my rounded ear. "It's made of infernium vein."

My heart jolted, punching my ribcage. Infernium vein? As in the non-existent metal that forged the blade of my dagger?

"Come on, you two." Rue barreled through Reign's shadows, drawing me back to the present and to Devin now standing in the hallway waiting.

Symon wrapped his hand around mine and tugged me out the door. "It's time to celebrate!"

* * *

"In the midst of this great celebration, we must not forget why we come together to commemorate the Winter Solstice." The headmaster's voice boomed across the field behind the Hall of Glory, which had been transformed into a spectacle of glittering lights. A cascade of warm golden hues and flickering candlelight bathed the enchanted space. Twilight. It was a rare sight on this side of the Luminoc River. "It is said that the first Fae emerged during a Winter Solstice, the Night of the Longest Shadow, born from the union of the frost-covered earth and the fire of the celestial heavens. And so, we light the Eternal Flame to celebrate the return of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness."

Wild applause rang out across the lawn, every student and member of the Conservatory staff in attendance. And beside the headmaster, stood King Elian and his entourage of Royal Guardians. His unexplained presence only exacerbated the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

Sol, where are you?

In Mysthallia, land of the spellbinders. I find their livestock more pleasant than those in Aetheria. Do you need me?

No, just checking in.

Enjoy tonight, Aelia. You've earned it. And should you need me, I'm only a quick flight away.

Just the sound of Sol's voice quieted the nervous clatter. You're right, and I will.

"…Miss Aelia Ravenwood, please come forward."

My gaze snapped toward the headmaster as the mental connection was interrupted.

"Aelia, go!" Rue shoved me toward the dais.

"What?" I croaked.

"You were chosen to light the Eternal Flame." My roommate parted the crowd, shooing everyone out of my way.

Reign was by my side before I took the first step, his shadows whirling in a maddening fury. "No grand show of your rais, do you understand?"

I nodded quickly as Reign fell back and the throng dispersed, and I found myself in front of an immense pyre. King Elian's scrutinizing gaze raked over me, an overpowering energy skimming my skin. Could he sense the dagger hidden beneath my skirts?

"Congratulations, Miss Ravenwood," Draven drawled. "This is an incredible honor."

Sketching a bow, I dipped my head before the royal and the headmaster. "It is truly." I barely restrained the thank you before it burst free. Being indebted to Draven, or worse the King of Ethereal Light, was surely tantamount to a death sentence.

Spinning away from the two commanding males, I faced the enormous pyre and the entire student body beyond. The air prickled with anticipation. Somehow, within the hundreds gathered, I found him. My gaze instantly latched onto that dark, mercurial one, as if drawn to him like the sun.

Darkness clouded Reign's aura, a whirlwind of emotions streaking through the nebulous orb surrounding him. Still, he slowly dipped his head, and a reassuring smile crossed his lips. Pressing my hands together, I summoned a hint of rais, only enough to light a meager flame. My palms glowed and power extended to my fingertips. On a soft exhale, I released the flames, setting the pyramid of wood ablaze.

A roar of applause shattered the tense silence and the strained set of my shoulders relaxed. Whoops and laughter exploded across the lawn, boisterous music resounding from every corner.

I rushed off the platform, eager to disappear into the crowd. The moment I descended the steps, I was surrounded by Flare team. Heaton pulled me into a hug then handed me a goblet teeming with honeyed wine. "Congratulations, Aelia! You have truly impressed me." He pressed a chaste kiss to my cheek before releasing me. Rue and Symon embraced me next, each shouting their congratulations.

"Now we drink, then we dance!" Symon shouted.

"No, dance first!" Rue cried out. "I've already had plenty." She took my hands and spun me in a circle as the field transformed into a dancefloor.

Laughter and happy chatter echoed through the air, and a tangle of giddiness and relief filled my chest. I had survived. I'd made it this far, and I certainly was not giving up now. Reign was right. He did not choose losers, and I would succeed at the final battle, just as I had in everything else so far.

As if my thoughts had conjured my broody professor, Reign emerged from the dense horde, students fleeing at the terrifyingly beautiful sight of him and his ominous shadows. I, on the other hand, could not seem to look away or get my feet to move an inch.

Those dark minions circled me, wrapping me in their icy cold, and a chill raced up my spine. Reign's eyes latched onto mine, the starlight kissed in eternal night, and all the air abandoned my lungs. It took me a long moment to formulate words, let alone an entire sentence when he looked at me like that. "Are you going to tell me more about the prophecy now?" I finally forced out.

He shook his head, lips thinning. "No, Aelia Ravenwood, not tonight. Tonight, I am calling in my favor in return for the vow."

That tether around my heart constricted until my pulse slowed. I gaped, desperate to force my traitorous organ to keep pumping.

"Agree, Aelia, or the unbreakable binds of the vow will kill you."

"What are you asking of me?" I rasped out.

"To forget about all of it for one night. To forgive me for everything that I have done and everything I may do in the future. To give us this one evening together without any constraints from the past."

My chest ached, the tightening mystical binds growing more taut. I heaved in a breath, but the pain only intensified. "Reign, how can you ask that of me?" Gods, I should have been furious. He could have asked anything, but why this?

"Because it is the only thing I want and know I can never have otherwise." The pain in his eyes mirrored my own, a scorching, blinding ache that knew no bounds. How could I forget it all?

But a vow with the Fae was binding. I had no other choice. I had to agree or forfeit my life.

And goddess, I wanted to agree. I wished for nothing more than to spend a night with Reign unhindered by our circumstances or the chaos around us.

"Okay," I murmured.

A heart-stopping smile melted across his lips as he offered his hand. "I, Reign Darkthorn release you, Aelia Ravenwood from this vow in exchange for one unforgettable evening. Now that your end of the bargain has been completed, I will take your secret with me to the grave."

The pain in my chest vanished, the steel knots around my heart unraveling. All the brewing anger I felt a moment ago disappeared. I drew in a breath and leaned into his touch. "I must say that was the last thing I expected for you to ask, professor."

A mischievous smirk curled the perfect bow of his lips. "I am pleased that after all this time together, I haven't grown predictable."

I snorted on a laugh. "Never."

His fingers tightened around my own, and he tugged me closer. Rings of impenetrable shadow closed around us, shielding us from watchful eyes, and when he lifted me in his arms, I knew exactly what would come next.