Feyre/Rhys/Tam Fanficfion ACoTaR

Chapter 17

Feyre at night court ^^

"Everyone, welcome to your first challenge."

Tamlin gestured to the spare room in front of us, and slowly the competitors, including myself, began to trickle in.

The room was rectangular and dull, with no decorations and only dim lanterns hung on the walls to accentuate the grimness. Spaced evenly apart and arranged into at least ten rows, wire chairs with steel seats made the space look like a schoolroom. Desks were positioned in front of the chairs, rusting brass held onto the wooden tables by iron bolts.

We all stood awkwardly among each other, previous excitement replaced by nervousness. My own stomach turned on me, feeling like I was going to be sick. The High Lords stood behind us in a single powerful wall, effectively blocking us in.

"Take a seat," said Tamlin, his voice echoing against the stone walls.

As soon as he spoke, a sort of tether drew me towards the assortment of chairs. I walked briskly along, pausing occasionally for the other High Fae who crossed my path. We all walked with purpose towards our seats, despite having no idea where they were.

Eventually my tether disappeared, and I looked reluctantly at the uncomfortable chair in front of me. Once I sat down, there would be no going back.

I glanced around quickly, but no one else seemed to be having the same qualms. Squeezing my eyes shut for a moment, I took a deep breath.

No going back now.

I sat down.

As soon as I did, invisible manacles latched around my waist and ankles, securing me in place firmly. I jumped, and was immediately pulled back to my chair roughly, as if someone had pushed me by my shoulders.

My heartbeat accelerated until I could hear it in my ears, adrenaline beginning to seep into my stomach.

Breathe, just breathe.

"Welcome to the first challenge!" Tamlin's voice was quiet, but in my ears it resounded as if he'd yelled. "It will commence in exactly two minutes. In front of you, a puzzle will appear. This puzzle is your ticket to freedom. Complete it correctly, and your bonds will disappear. If you think that you have solved your puzzle but the bonds do not release, then... you are mistaken about your puzzle solving capabilities."

Everyone chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. Frankly, I think we all sounded like we were trying not to freak out.

"Only the first hundred can solve the puzzle and move on to the next challenge. If you are the hundredth and one, or any number after that, you will be disqualified. Now, any questions?"

Absolute silence filled the chamber, and Tamlin nodded.

"Then, let the first game begin."

One by one, the High Lord's filed out of the room, except for Rhysand, who de-materialized right then and there.

I glanced around me frantically as the steel doors slammed shut, effectively locking us all in here. Some of the Fae were shifting restlessly, but most were still and staring down at their desks. I caught sight of Lacque in the far right corner.

She looked relaxed, and I could see a slight smile on her lips. My doubt resurfaced as I began analyzing her as my competitor. Just how smart was she?

Calm yourself down! I hissed to myself. It's just a stupid puzzle!

Inhaling slowly, I concentrated on the flow of air entering and leaving my body. I could do this; I was intelligent. I had solved puzzles before--one of which had saved all of Prythian.