I froze. My heart, which had been dancing victoriously suddenly hit a wall of ice. I looked toward the back of the square, where a figure was desperately trying to shove past the armored guards.
It was Elowen.
She looked like a ghost that had crawled out of a fresh grave. Her hair was a tangled nest of leaves and dirt, her hoodie was stained with mud, and her eyes were wide.
"BARNABY! NO! STOP IT!"
My grip on Gideon's arm tightened so hard I felt the lace of my glove rip. No, you bitch! Not now. Not when I'm standing on the peak.
What if she speaks? What if she says the wrong thing? What if Barnaby finds his voice?
Oh, Elowen, you attention-seeking spoiled brat! If things didn't go sideways, I'll make sure you pay for this nuisance. You just wait!
"Scylla snarled with fury. "She's ruined the aesthetic. She's mud on our lace. We need to get rid of her as soon as we can!"
The crowd's attention began to shift. They weren't cheering anymore. Their eyes were wild with questions.
