Now that all the new Tributes had passed their first Heat, preparations were being hastened to send them to the Shield. They were to depart the next day, leaving little time for lingering emotions or unfinished conversations.
Bellatrice had already heard of Elarion's late-night visit to Noelis—Inaya had told her everything. She had expected it, of course. Every Tribute would eventually be summoned for such duties. Yet expectation did nothing to soften the sting. She was furious that it had occurred outside a carefully arranged setting, as she had devised for the other two Tributes. Bellatrice had known Noelis had been suffering through the Heat for days but had delayed things. Elarion had been angry with her for her interference.
This is not the time for jealousy or petty emotions. You know that as heir, there are moments where I must place our kingdom's survival above all else, he had told her. His voice had been controlled, but the anger beneath it had not been well concealed. Bellatrice knew she had behaved foolishly, but she took comfort in knowing that it was done now—and that Noelis, along with the rest, would soon be sent far away.
But what neither she nor Elarion realised was that in a fortnight, he would be joining them by the Shield, bringing him closer to the very person Bellatrice sought to keep away from him .
*****
The journey to the valleys was brutal. The roads that wound through the deep folds of of Ardenne were narrow, wet, and treacherous. They were forced to abandon their carriages at the foot of the valleys, continuing the ascent either on foot or horseback.
The Tributes were given the horses. Their newly awakened Manna had strengthened their bodies in subtle but undeniable ways. At times Noelis and Alarie dismounted and climbed the steeper paths on foot, their breathing steady, their steps sure. Fabien, Emon, and even the hardened soldiers exchanged impressed glances.
Alarie's ease made perfect sense—she had grown up among a tribe that raised their children in forests and mountains, teaching them to survive off the land. Noelis, however, had surprised even herself. Her upbringing had been cushioned and sheltered and it had been a while since she set foot on a mountain. It was all thanks to the early training from her cousin Lys who had secretly trained her when they lived together in Valemorde Castle.
He had dragged her out at dawn to learn the basics—running, climbing, defensive movement. When she asked why, he only shrugged, saying that if no one else cared enough to prepare her for the realities of the world, then he as "big brother" would. What he didn't tell her—but she later understood—was that he feared she might one day be forced into a violent marriage or dangerous political situation. He wanted her to have at least some tools to survive.
The forests and mountains had once been her refuge and her training ground. Returning to the wild now felt strangely grounding, as if her muscles remembered what her mind had forgotten.
After three long days, they reached a camp nestled in the outermost valley of Ardenne. It was small—barely twenty people, including two Tributes. Past that point, the mountains became hostile and the air too thin for comfort. It was decided that the new Tributes would share a tent with the existing ones for safety.
Fabien and Emon immediately went to the General who held command, seeking the latest report on the Shield's condition.
In the large canvas tent that served as the Tributes' quarters, introductions were made. The two existing Tributes were Prisilla and Krissie Romaine—cousins from a respectable though unremarkable family in a town between Ardenne and Valemorde. They welcomed the newcomers warmly and began to show them around the modest camp.
There were only a handful of servants—hard-working folk who cooked, cleaned, and tended to the daily needs of the soldiers and Tributes.
"As for keeping ourselves clean, the best part of this camp is this way," Prisilla said, guiding them between a thick stand of trees on the camp's left side.
"It's completely safe," she added. "The previous band of Tributes placed wards all around this area. The men bathe in the river on the other side, so this place is reserved entirely for us."
When the trees opened, an ethereal emerald-green pool came into view, steam curling lazily from its surface. The water was thick and milky, laced with minerals.
"The temperature takes getting used to," Krissie said, stepping beside her cousin. "But believe me, it's heavenly. The secret to how we still have glowing skins despite living it rough out here."
"Inaya would have loved this," a snide remark from Faelynn. Inaya was the one Tribute who had remained behind in Ardenne. No reason had been given, but they all suspected that Bellatrice had intervened to protect her fellow princess from the harsh journey and dangers that may lurk here.
Alarie cut straight to the heart of their concerns. "What of the Shield?"
Prisilla and Krissie exchanged a grim look.
"It's weakening," Prisilla said quietly. "The Shield is translucent—you won't see it unless you're a Tribute or of royal ruling blood. But we've watched cracks form these past nine months. Our predecessor Tributes have been patching them but it's temporary at best and with just the two of us, maintaining it has been tough."
"And that's exactly why you're here," Krissie said looking to the four new Tributes. "Other than this hot spring area, do not wander alone. Always ask a soldier to accompany you. We've been here for six months and... there have been two incidents of Dark Creatures slipping through the cracks."
Rowena's voice trembled as she asked, "Have you... seen them?"
"Prisilla has," Krissie said, nodding toward her cousin.
Prisilla hesitated, then spoke. "They're... odd. Grotesque, but not in a way that felt malicious. It's as if creatures from the natural world have been spliced and pieced together—take the head of one animal and place it on the body of another. The ones I encountered had the head of an alligator and the body of a fish. Another time, I glimpsed a tiger's head atop the body of a lamb."
She shuddered at the memory. "I was terrified, but...strangely when they looked into my eyes, there was no danger or aggression there."
Krissie crossed her arms tightly. "Maybe they have dark magic and enchanting powers to make us think they're harmless."
"What happened to them?" Noelis asked.
"They were captured and placed in a makeshift cage while the Commander decided what to do," Prisilla said. "But without the proper materials to strengthen the wards—and with our Manna needed for the Shield, they chose to kill them."
There was a long, uncomfortable silence.
"Well, our Commander is being replaced by that rather handsome man you arrived with. I heard he's an Ardenne prince," Krissie said, a spark of mischief in her eyes. Rowena felt her chest tighten.
"I guess Fabien is a prince but he doesn't like to be called that. At least not by us," Noelis replied.
Not wanting to veer off topic, Faelynn asked "On that... what exactly does our Manna do? What can we even contribute?"
Krissie's expression softened. "Ah. You only just passed your Heat. You'll need a crash course in the ways of the Manna." She smiled faintly. "And we'll start your training immediately."