That night, when Seventeen got back to the apartment she was staying in Whiteland, as she locked the doors and stepped into the place barefoot, she found a strawberry shortcake waiting for her in the kitchen table, there were twenty-two candles above, a magical icy layer covering it to keep it cold and protected. The top of the cake had a funny drawing of a burgundy serpent smiling next to what should be a black scorpion, and there was "Shortcake" written under it with purple icing.
The cake was decorated in burgundy, lighter shades of purple, black, and with strawberries. While the candles were all crafted like amethysts with wax, and as soon as she got close enough, they lit up with... black fire.
"Corvos'," a weak smile curled her lips as she sat down, Serena long gone as soon as she close the door, it was solely her. The real her. Clapping her hands together at the height of her eyes, she closed them and made three wishes silently.
1. Let the rebellion be successful.
2. Let the deaths of innocents be minimized.
3. Let the roots of vengeance take hold.
Opening her eyes, she made the candles go off. "Thank you, Corvos," she whispered. "I'll win that tournament for you, I hope you'll on the watch, having a good time." It was a promise, one she intended to honor to its end.
["I'll eat this full thing in the name of us,"] she licked her lips at the sight of the decorated shortcake.
As she did, a memory lingering in the back of her mind, of her as a 4-year-old ravenously devouring an entire strawberry shortcake after a long lesson about the history of the Zodiac Kingdom, it was something about the founding of it. She had been so mentally exhausted and hungry that when her birth mother had gotten her that cake, she devoured it like a grown-ass woman after a day starving after rigorous training. Corvos had arrived then, he was 6 at the time, and he had laughed his ass off about it, he had never called her by anything other than shortcake since then.
["Of course he wouldn't forget that,"] she chuckled to herself, nostalgia drowning over her, as she stuffed her mouth with a big spoon of cake, chopping the head of the serpent in the cake first. ["That's for myself."]
Enjoying the rare moment alone, she jumped from the seat and went to the fridge, she had left a passionfruit vodka cooling it when she left for the meeting with the heirs. It was a special alcohol only found in Twinscott and Downtown Zodiac, and it was one of the strongest there were. Throwing the lid of the crystal bottle wherever, she hopped onto the seat again.
"Happy birthday to me," she toasted to herself, lifting the bottle for a second and then drinking a mouthful. "I can't believe I almost let Draco de Lavissaye take my first kiss," taking a spoonful of cake, she stared at it, incredulous with herself, heat tainting her skin. "Corvos saved me from eternal regret, didn't he? Yes. Yes, he did. Now shut up," she stuffed the spoon in her mouth.
But when she closed her eyes, she could still feel his scent, the heat of his body, the softness of his hand when he cupped her cheek, how her heart skipped a bit and her breathing heaved as he gripped her waist possessively.
"I fucked up."
※※※
The following days passed on a blur, and both her and Draco seemed decided on not mentioning what had happened between them—or, almost happened, thanks to Corvos. For better or worse, her plan, that became his, worked out perfectly and the rulers had found the idea of the tournament amazing. And so did the people in Downtown Zodiac.
She was so lost in her on mind, preparing for it, helping with gaining more people on their side in the shadows, that she didn't see the days pass. It would happen in trials.
The morning of the tournament dawned bright and clear, the sun casting a golden glow over Downtown Zodiac. Seventeen stood at the edge of the arena, a mixture of excitement and nervous energy coursing through her. Today would be the first of the trials, and she was determined to prove not only her worth but also the strength of her team.
As the opening ceremony commenced, Seventeen took a moment to survey her teammates. Draco stood tall and confident, flanked by Light and Amelia, both of whom had agreed to join their cause after a series of quiet conversations. Sablina, with her fierce spirit, completed the group alongside Claus and Hunter, both eager to showcase their skills.
"Are you ready?" Draco asked, his eyes flickering with an intensity that made Seventeen's heart race.
"More than ever," she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "We've got this."
With the crowd roaring in anticipation, the announcer stepped forward, introducing the first trial: The Trial of Strength. This challenge would test their physical abilities and teamwork, requiring them to navigate a series of obstacles that included climbing walls, carrying heavy loads, and defeating enchanted creatures.
They didn't know, but Seventeen was by far the most skilled of the team in all of those aspects. She could lack control regarding magic, but Noah had honed her physical skills for years. With her in the team, they would put a good show for anybody with eyes on them, which was pretty much everyone in Downtown and outside, given how all the districts would be broadcasting the tournament.
She had a gut feeling that her father had found a way to show the broadcast in Serpentpire too. Seventeen was counting on it, that way they would know she's succeeding in her mission.
"Stay focused," Seventeen instructed as they gathered in a huddle. "We need to work together and communicate. Remember, we each bring something unique to the table."
Draco nodded, casting a glance at their companions. "Let's show them what we're made of."
※※※
As the trial began, Draco felt the adrenaline surge through him. He could hear the cheers of the crowd, feel the weight of their expectations, and knew they had to deliver.
The first challenge was a towering wall, slick and imposing. One by one, the teams would scale it, and Draco knew they had to act quickly. Light, with her fire conjuration, ignited the surface to create a grip for the others.
"Go!" Serena shouted, and they sprang into action.
Draco used his enhanced strength to hoist Hunter up to the top first. He could hear Sablina's voice guiding Amelia, helping her navigate her ascent. Light followed, her fire flickering as she pulled herself up.
"Serena, you're next!" Draco called, watching as she deftly scaled the wall, her movements fluid and confident, way more than he had expected, and for a second too long, his naughty eyes lingered in her curvy ass. ["Get a hold of yourself, Draco, damn it."]
"Don't forget about me!" Claus laughed, scrambling up the side, pushing off Draco's shoulder for an extra boost.
As they reached the top, Serena surveyed the next challenge: a field filled with enchanted creatures that would attack if provoked. "We need to work as a unit," she said, strategizing quickly. "I'll heal anyone who gets hurt, but I want you all to remember: don't act recklessly."
※※※
The creatures were smaller than she expected—spiky, ball-like creatures that darted about with surprising speed. Seventeen could feel the weight of her role as a healer press on her shoulders. She wasn't just here to observe; she was part of this team, and she needed to fight just as hard.
As the creatures charged, Draco stepped forward, his body tense and ready. "I'll take the lead," he announced, his voice steady. The others nodded in agreement.
"Light, can you create a barrier?" Seventeen suggested.
"On it!" Light replied, her hands igniting with fire as she conjured a wall of flames to protect their flank.
Sablina, always fierce and ready for action, lunged at one of the creatures, using her agility to dodge its attacks. Claus followed closely, employing his charisma enchantment to disorient the creatures, making them easier targets for their strikes.
"Serena, now!" Draco shouted as he took down one of the creatures, giving her the opening she needed.
With quick reflexes, she rushed to help Hunter, who had been caught off guard. "You've got this!" she called out, channeling her energy to mend a wound on his arm.
"Thanks, blondie," he grinned, renewed by her support. "Let's finish this!"
※※※
["Blondie? What the fuck was that?"] He groaned, doing his best to keep his cool as he watched Hunter eyeing Serena. And though he had been looking at her to see if she wasn't wounded in any way, Draco didn't really care. He hated it. ["Blondie, hah,"] he scoffed bitterly, struggling to keep his cool in the moment and not glare at his friend. ["Blondie my ass."]
Draco watched as Serena worked her magic, her mending abilities not only healing physical wounds but also lifting their spirits. He could see how much they trusted her now, how they believed in her strength just as much as they believed in their own. And for a fraction of a second there, when his eyes wondered on her lips, the memories of that night came back, of how much he had craved for that kiss.
["That fucker,"] he clenched his jaw at the memory of how Corvos Nightshade had appeared out of nowhere.
With renewed vigor, their team pushed forward, each member seamlessly blending their skills. The enchanted creatures fell one by one, their team dynamics growing stronger with every victory.
As the last creature was defeated, the crowd erupted in cheers. Draco couldn't help but smile at the exhilaration in the air. They had done it, together.
"We're unstoppable!" Amelia exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
"We've barely scratched the surface," Serena replied, a glint of determination in her eyes. "We need to keep this momentum going."
※※※
As they exited the arena, Seventeen felt a sense of accomplishment. The Trial of Strength had been just the beginning, but more importantly, it had solidified their bond. She glanced at Draco, who seemed more at ease, his earlier reservations beginning to fade, although she had felt his ice-blue eyes burning her skin more than once, when she was pretending to be oblivious to it.
"Nice work out there," he said, a genuine smile breaking across his face.
"Thanks," she replied, feeling her cheeks flush slightly. "But I couldn't have done it without you."
Their moment was interrupted by Light, who interjected with a playful grin. "You two should get a room!"
"As if." Seventeen laughed, shaking her head. "Let's focus on the next trial, shall we?"
※※※
As the sun began to set, the next trial was announced: The Trial of Wit. This challenge would require them to solve complex puzzles and riddles that tested not only their intelligence but also their teamwork. Draco felt a mix of nerves and anticipation, he hated puzzles, and hated riddles even more.
"We'll need to think on our feet," Claus advised as they prepared to enter the arena. "This one could be tricky."
"Agreed," Serena added. "Let's split up and tackle different puzzles together. If anyone gets stuck, we regroup. Communication is key."
As they entered the trial area, Draco felt the energy shift. The arena was filled with towering walls covered in riddles and intricate locks that needed to be solved in unison.
"Okay, let's split into pairs," Serena suggested, looking at her teammates. "Draco and I will take the left side. Light and Hunter, you two handle the center. Sablina, Amelia and Claus, you're on the right."
※※※
As they moved to their respective areas, Seventeen found herself working closely with Draco. "Okay, what's the first riddle?" she asked, scanning the inscriptions on the wall.
"It says, 'I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?'" Draco read aloud, furrowing his brow in thought.
Seventeen pondered for a moment. "An echo! It has to be an echo!"
"Right! Let's try saying it together."
As they spoke the answer, the wall shimmered, and a doorway opened, leading to the next challenge. "We did it!" she exclaimed, feeling a rush of excitement.
"Just getting started," Draco replied, a spark of admiration evident in his eyes.
※※※
As they progressed through the trials, Draco could feel the trust and camaraderie between them deepening. Working alongside Serena brought out a side of him he had long buried—he felt lighter, more capable, and oddly protective of her, possessive even.
They faced several puzzles together, each one testing their resolve. As they solved them, Draco felt the team's energy shift, their connection strengthening. Serena's insightful nature and calm demeanor made him feel at ease, even in the most challenging moments.
As they reached the final riddle in their section, it was particularly tricky. "I can fly without wings. I can cry without eyes. Wherever I go, darkness flies. What am I?"
Draco could feel frustration rising, but before he could voice his thoughts, Serena spoke up, her eyes lighting up with realization. "A cloud!"
When the answer echoed in the air, the final wall dissolved, allowing them passage into the next area.
※※※
As they rejoined the others, Seventeen felt a surge of pride. "We're unstoppable," she announced, unable to hide her grin.
"I think we might just be the best team here," Hunter added, his confidence soaring.
Amelia, Sablina and Light exchanged glances, both impressed by their quick thinking and teamwork. "You guys are incredible," Light complimented, her respect for Seventeen evident.
"Thanks, but we're only as strong as our weakest link," Seventeen replied, glancing at everyone with sincerity.
"We've got each other's backs," Claus stated firmly, and everyone nodded in agreement.
※※※
After the Trial of Wit concluded, Draco felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. They had made it through two trials, their bond growing stronger with each challenge. The excitement was palpable as they gathered for the next one, the Trial of Unity.
"Alright, this is it," Serena said, her voice steady. "We've come so far. In this trial, we'll be working with other teams to achieve a common goal. It's about collaboration, so we need to be at our best."
Draco could see her confidence instilling courage in the others. The tension was palpable, but he felt ready for whatever was thrown at them. "Let's show them what unity really looks like," he said, rallying his team.