Nova would quite possibly rather be anywhere else than here.

Formal balls are not her thing.

She grew up in the Wild Thicket. There are just animals and trees. Balls are the very opposite to what she is familiar with.

More people, fancy clothing, an echoing room, and the lack of self respect.

Ward tells her this is important and she should be here, so here she is. But that doesn’t make her want to stay any more.

Especially around these castle people.

“Welcome all! We are honored to be in the presence of this incredible group of people,” King Harold says in his booming voice.

Nova swears the chandelier shakes at his volume.

She’s not really sure why he is yelling when he has one of those tones that just commands attention. There’s no need to project that much.

“We are here to celebrate Oreza’s strength and perseverance.”

Nova rolls her eyes. From what Faira said, this ball is for Oreza’s independence from witches. Not a symbol for strength at all. Just the persecution of a group of people.

“We have a special guest joining us today.”

That piques everyone’s attention, even Nova’s. She knows that he isn’t speaking about her and Haze. Most people are aware now.

And they wouldn’t be labeled as special.

So who is he talking about? To go through more effort to make this ball happen, this person must be important. Someone with influence.

Those are the scariest people.

“My father, former king, Prince Sebastian, is back from his visit from a faraway neighboring kingdom. And he brings back his trusted advisor, Don,” King Harold announces.

To be honest, Nova knew the former king still lived, but she didn’t really notice he wasn’t in the castle. She’s been a bit busy.

He holds himself like a royal, even with a hunch in his back and a slight limp. Eyes confident. Smile permanent. There is an air about him that deserves respect. Even she can feel it without really experiencing his rule.

The advisor stands much taller and imposing than the former king.

Don is leaner, though he has some muscle on him. He holds no weapons but has the arrogance as if he does. Even though him and Prince Sebastian look to be around the same age, Nova gets a feeling that Don has more power.

Something about Don unsettles Nova.

Haze nudges Nova, almost jerking her forward. Turning to her sister, she instantly recognizes the fear in her eyes.

“He’s the wizard,” she says in a hushed voice.

Not _a_ wizard. _The_ wizard.

The one that spelled the dragon. The one that could pose a threat.

She knows better than to question Haze. Haze wouldn’t say if if she wasn’t sure.

Nova’s eyes narrow and instantly find Don again. His arrogance is recontextualized. He has power and he knows it. He doesn’t need a weapon. No one in the room would ever get even close to him.

Except for Haze.

Even with her faith in her sister, she honestly doesn’t know without seeing his display of his abilities who is stronger. He certainly thinks it’s him.

Nova wouldn’t be so sure if she were him.

Great power can bring a certain blindness. Confidence is a strength, but too much is a weakness.

It doesn’t matter who is physically stronger when you can outsmart them.

——

(I gave up on the title 😂).