When It Reigns (Cursed Reigns, #1)

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

All the recent graduates of Insignia Academy gathered in the grand hall in the Nyrial Castle after the Champions had received a few days of treatment in the infirmary until all our wounds from the Test of Talons had healed. 

It was the extravagant ball the night before the official start of our training which meant it was the Champions' last chance to let loose before being sent to war. It was the final night for all the other Duties to enjoy themselves before their lives were devoted to the empire.

This year's theme was night and day, otherwise known as equal opposites.

The counterpart to my fiery gown was Zoran's icy suit. I wore a fitted, satin dress the color of charcoal that hugged my curves and accentuated the lean muscle I'd gained from the rigorous training at the academy. It dipped low on my chest and was out of my realm of comfort, but I liked the crystals bejeweled on the bottom of the dress that depicted red and orange flames spreading up the slit on my leg. I'd tied my hair in a bun at the top of my head where my crown rested and pulled a few strands loose to frame my face. The blue Ice Force badge I'd pinned to my dress matched the gem encrusted in the obsidian crown.

I'd even gone as far as to line my eyes in black and put some red and gray coloring on my eyelids in an effort to give my eyes a smokey vibe. Ruby red lipstick the color of the ring around my thumb highlighted my full lips, and I'd dusted a faint blush on my cheekbones. Gloves of black lace reached my elbows, hiding my Insignias from view without blocking the powers from being utilized. I'd strapped my dagger and knives to the inside of my thighs and slipped the throwing stars inside the gloves.

This gala was not my element, but I would never get another opportunity to wear such flashy garments or celebrate quite as ornately once I was fighting in the Force. I figured I'd make the most of the night.

I stood at the entrance of the grand opening and scanned the entire room in fascination as the scent of wood and pine arrived next to me. The event was held in the enormous hall carved into the mountain where my father held exclusive parties. The walls were made of ice, rock, and snow, and a dais dominated the front of the room. Intricate tablecloths in an array of vibrant colors decorated the round tables spaced along the sides of the room where longer ones held a buffet of delicacies.

Zoran looked down at me with a lopsided grin, making my heart flutter as his fangs came into full view. He hooked his elbow and flicked his head at the hall. "Shall we?" he asked, emerald eyes heating as he trailed them down the length of my dress and back up.

Looping my arm through his, I nodded and matched his smile. "Take the lead, Masters."

My Champion looked as sharp as his knives of ice, and just as cold. His tuxedo was a pale blue and the dress shirt underneath the coat was the same black satin as my dress, as were the fingerless gloves enveloping his hands. His dark hair was combed back, sweeping between his horns, and a single curl flopped on his forehead as he escorted me into the grandiosity of the evening.

Graduates mingled on the outskirts of the hall, avoiding the dance space that dominated the center of the room while they nibbled on the array of appetizers and desserts. Bouquets of flowers I hadn't seen in years were placed in each corner of the room in giant vases. The stems climbed the walls and the budding black and white petals spread an aromatic, floral scent.

Wind wielders were pushing gusts of air through a variety of instruments around the dais, generating a calming melody. The tune picked up its pace as more Draconians flowed in behind us and ventured to the dance floor, gyrating to the music with their friends.

Kiko pulled her Champion, Asteria, to the middle and beamed as she swept the much taller Draconian into a twirl. Asteria's cheeks reddened, but she pursued the upbeat dance with Kiko. The two of them fit the theme effortlessly; where Asteria was tall and broad, Kiko was shorter and slimmer. Asteria's dark hair and pantsuit complimented Kiko's blonde hair and sparkling white dress.