Essence of the Angels (The Starlight Chronicles #2)

Chapter Four

Valarie's POV

Evening arrived much too soon, and I found myself pacing my chambers in a fit of nerves. Sadie had come by earlier with a dress she deemed fitting for the dinner—it was a deep, navy blue, with long tailored sleeves, a corset bodice and long skirts. It was simple, yet elegant all the same.

I heard a knock at the door before it swung open and Devian entered. He wore a crisp white shirt with a brown vest, and tailored pants. He looked over at me and the hint of a smile formed. Approval shone in his eyes.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked. I swallowed hard. I would never be ready, but I was anxious to get this over with.

"Yes," I said. He gestured for me to follow him as we exited the room, heading back down the corridor leading to the double doors and the winding staircase. Strange orb like lights glimmered on the walls, lighting our way as we descended the stairs to the foyer area. This time, Devian led me the opposite way—towards a grand dining room which was visible through open doors. There were already people seated there—each one wearing a unique crown— talking among themselves.

I tensed, and my pace slowed. More enemies. More danger.

Devian noted my hesitation and slowed his walk, glancing over at me.

"Don't be afraid," he said, offering me his arm. "I won't let any harm come to you."

I somehow found the courage to continue walking, though I didn't take Devian's arm. We entered the most extravagant dining hall I'd ever seen—high ceilings made of peculiar stone, similar to raw opal, with a was long table and enough chairs to seat at least thirty people. Reina, who was perched at the end, swirled a goblet of wine. She noticed us and her eyes widened.

"And so she arrives,' she mused, rising slowly. The eyes of the other attendees focused upon me, each one observing me with open curiosity. I folded my arms over my chest without thinking—a sign of defiance. Someone to the far right chuckled, his dark hair falling over his eyes as he turned away and drank deeply from his own goblet. Across from him, a girl with bright orange hair smirked, tapping her fingers in slow motions across the table as she took in my appearance.

"I'm delighted you were able to make it," Reina said, waving me over with the gentle sway of her hand and gesturing to a chair beside her. My stomach coiled at the thought of sitting right next to her, but Devian gave me a slight nudge before also walking that way. I tried to subtly roll out the stiff tension in my shoulders, but everything with my body and mind were clamming up.

Breathe, I told myself. Reina's eyes glistened—they were the only normal eyes here. Everyone else's looked just like Devian's, save for the different multitudes of color in them. But Reina's were deep green—exactly like mine. Another parallel that had so cleverly tricked the royals into thinking I was her as a baby.

"Sit," she said softly, and her tone sent shivers up my spine. I didn't know what to think of her—whether to trust her or not.

I sank into a chair slowly, not breaking my gaze from hers. She sat once more, and Devian sat across from me. Reina was the only one who had any bright, bold color to her outfit—red gown with blood red lips to match her updone, light brown hair that curled around her face.

"I understand you've been finding it . . . difficult . . . to come to terms with who you are and fully process why you're here."

I said nothing, only gauged her reaction at my defiance. Her lips curled downwards into a grimace and she swirled her wine goblet.