Loveless/ a POWERLESS fanfiction story

Chapter 12: Blair

"Welcome, fellow Ilyans, to the sixth ever Purging Trials!"

Tealah's voice echoes through the Chalice, blending with the audience's applause, yet to me, it sounds faint, as if I'm teetering on the edge of a dream. Awaiting my turn for the interview, I can't shake the revelation about Bryan from my mind. This discovery unsettles me, shattering all my previous notions. I had always believed he was the son of some wealthy subject of the king, someone with all the resources and connections to climb the ranks so swiftly. After all, he's barely twenty-three, yet he has already earned my father's trust...a difficult feat.

His words echo in my head, refusing to fade: "When you want to climb to the top, you figure out where to find a ladder." The determination in that phrase sends chills down my spine. How did he manage it? How did he escape from Loot?

I try to focus on what my competitors are saying, on the rhythmic click of Sadie's heels on the floor, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Bryan, who came from a world so different from the gleaming, luxurious corridors I'm accustomed to. The thought that he emerged from that filth is both shocking and inspiring.

Sitting down next to the interviewer, Tealah, I smooth the hem of my dress and take a moment to steady my breathing. Then I lift my face, giving Tealah a confident smile.

"Blair, you look wonderful!" Tealah coos.

"Oh, thank you," I reply instantly, adding in a tone I usually reserve for Sadie, "It's doubly pleasant to hear a compliment from someone as lovely as you!"

Tealah laughs, her cheeks turning pink, which contrasts sharply with the bright turquoise of her hair. She asks a few simple, non-demanding questions, and I become the epitome of charm. I maintain eye contact and cover my mouth with my hand when I laugh at Tealah's jokes.

Then I lift the interviewer into the air with Tele, and the audience gasps in amazement. When Tealah touches the concrete floor of the arena again with the sole of her shoes, she lightly shakes my hand and thanks me for giving her the sensation of flying. She confidently declares to everyone that for me, it must already be a completely mundane experience. I just smile. She doesn't need to know how difficult it's been for me to control my power in recent months.

And then she asks the crucial question, and I have to follow Bryan's advice—take a deep breath and straighten my back.

"What do you think about the Trials taking a different format this year?"

I know how I'm supposed to answer, and I do just that, though my thoughts are in stark contrast to my words.

"I think it's a great opportunity for the Elite to showcase the strength of our country and honor our kingdom, our family, and ourselves."

How ironic. It's a great opportunity for the king to show that no one should even think about surpassing his sons. Who cares how long and hard the other participants have trained.

Before I return to my seat, I hear a burst of applause. People like predictability. They like to think I'm just like them, well, at least they believe so. In reality, I just want to maintain my position at court. And for that, I need to be the best, the most deserving. Except for the Azer brothers, of course.

The Girl-Veil disappears and reappears on stage, which doesn't surprise anyone much—there are plenty like her in the slums. I make a mental note that she might be a very dangerous opponent.

Last to take the stage is Payden Gray. She immediately grabs attention with her jokes about the incident involving the Enforser's rescue. I almost snort — she doesn't understand what she's dealing with. By undermining the royal family's authority, this girl is courting the king's wrath. Though, that might work to my advantage.