Smolder in the Afterglow | Tales of Luminozenko

Chapter 8| The Rise Of The Nutcracker

TRIGGER WARNING

This chapter contains mentions of blood and violence, which may not be suitable for some readers. Discretion is advised and stay safe.

Otherwise, enjoy reading.

"You two ready for your Exam?" Sir Bernard asked a couple of Examinees with him, stepping inside a huge arena.

Parting the veil of her hat wide, Cyan's lime eyes darted around, and grimaced at the sight of the crowd already gathered at the venue, which resembles a sports coliseum.

Seats circled the wide and empty space, but the field wasn't green and grassy. Instead, it was covered with sand and dust, and no lines were drawn. It reminded her of the Roman Gladiators Arena she had imagined from scenes in books, watched from movies, and seen on the internet back on Earth.

Her body trembled in excitement and nervousness, to the point her hands and legs had gone numb and her chest felt tight, to finally step foot—no, fight in a place like this.

"Cyan," sang Morris beside her and gave her a nudge. Cyan faced her, brows lifting. "Sir Bern asked if you're ready for your Exam."

"Oh." The lime-eyed girl turned to the older man and nodded. "Uh, haha, yes." She put up a tight grin.

Bernhard sighed and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You'll do fine. You didn't train excessively for two months for nothing."

"Yeah . . . Yeah, I didn't," Cyan said under her breath.

Bernhard then painted a soft smile on his face, brightening up his usually gloomy face. "Dallas and I will stop by to watch later."

Oh, no. "Ah, I'll do my best not to disappoint you," Cyan replied, maintaining a grin on her lips.

"If Mother and Father are also available, then we'll come with them." Bernhard patted her shoulder and stepped away, eyeing both Cyan and Delaney. "May the Arkamis bless both of you."

Simultaneously, the duo put their clenched hands over their hearts and bent over. "You as well."

Bernhard spun to his heels and walked out of the arena.

"You'll be fine," Delaney said, elbowing her slightly in the side and grinning mischievously. "I won't let anyone just kick your ass."

Cyan stared at his emerald gaze, her brows furrowing, and she painted a smile on her face. "You better not, so I won't let anyone kick your ass, too."

Delaney scoffed and proudly shook his big wings. "As if they can." He caught Cyan pulling a face through the gap of the veil. He turned his body to face her fully and in a low voice, he asked, "Are you sure you're alright?"

Cyan remained quiet for a moment before nodding. "I'm fine."

"The dark circles under your eyes tell me otherwise."

Cyan frowned. "I'm fine. I'm used to this. I can deal with it."

Delaney flashed a faint smile. "But still, it won't hurt you to rely on me for a bit, will it? You have my back."

"And don't forget about me," Morris claimed and wrapped her arm around Cyan's shoulder, making her cringe upon the contact. And seemingly feeling the lime-eyed girl's stiffness, Morris pulled her arm away. "Oops. Sorry, I can't really help it."

Cyan sighed and gave the lady a smile. "It's alright. Just don't wrap yourself around me too tight."

"Okaaaay!" Morris cheered and grinned.