Chapter 17

Eleven days have passed, and the day of the Trials is here.Nervousness wouldn't even begin to describe how I felt. I don't know what to expect.Although Mr. Kyro assured me I would be fine, soemthing doesn't sit well.

"Stop worrying so much," Katherine urges. "You need to believe in your strength just as much if not more that we do. You'll do fine."

I give a nod, patting her head softly.

I believe in my strength, however I refuse to overestimate myself or underestimate the opponent. That could very well be my downfall, when it is a weak opponent I am up against. Breaking out my thoughts, listening to Katherine's advice, I take a deep breath, letting everything go. There's no point in worrying over the small details. I can't change it.

Walking to us, Theo calls," We're ready to go. Everything has been packed and put in the cars."

Turning to Katherine, giving a small bow, I tease," Well then Cara Mia, it's time to go."

Walking to the cars, Katherine holds my hand, while Theo walks close to me, letting our arms rub against each other. Although only Katherine, Grant , and I are actually particpating in the Trials, everyone--including Silas-- can come, especially if they are trying to train, getting in-field experience.

With everyone set, we bring to roll out, leaving the De'Clare residence behind. Traveling through the forest on the paved road, everything passes by quickly, although beautiful still. Watching the scenery pass back, I relax, letting tension leave my body, listening to the small talk with the huge car. Everyine is either talking or doing their own thing, escaping this long drive, this world, to another far away. Not that I blame them.

Katherine sits next to me to my right, with Grant to my left, and Lilith in front of me. Silas was sleep when we left, so Theo decided to let him ride in a car by himself, and if he wakes up, he can ride with us. Shifting a bit, I stretching getting comfortable. Letting my arms fall, my left one to be exact falls onto Grants lap. Like lightning shicking me, I jerk my hand back, apologizing.

"Calm down, Amir," Grant mutters. "It's only a matter of time before you start touching one of us, if not all."

"What that's suppose to mean," my eyebrows furrowing. "Things like this will take time. I would never purposely try to do anything we haven't talked about before."

Grant doesn't reply, only leaning his head aginst the window, eyes closed and face turned a bit from me. I feel a twinge of disguist wave down the bond. I hesistantly reach for his hand, rubbing circle of the back of it. Grant stiffens a bit but soon relaxes into my hand. Not knowing the limit, but not wanting to ruin the calmingness, I keep his hand within my grasp.

Surprizingly, he doesn't pull away.

***

Five hours later, we arrive at the bottom of a mountain, the peak reaching above the clouds. If this were not the place I will be taking my deadly trials, I would say the scenery looks beautiful, with many mountains surrounding this more with many behind it and the sun setting is the distant, giving the sky a beautiful range of pink, orange, and yellow. I place my feet of the ground and begin to help my mates out the car. Although this is something I normally wouldn't do, it feels right, to be in control of even this action of gentlemeness.

One by one, they step out, beautiful and elegant.

"Young Master Rowan, this is where the Trial starts," Mr. Kyro informs, sitting in the drver seat. "I can no longer follow from this moment on. However, we will meet at the Matriarch's main house, on the mountain in the very center of this mountain range."

"How do you plan to get these car through this mountain range," I question, curious.

"There's a magic ward, that transports all approved transportation straight to the matriarch's front gates," answers Mr.Kyro. "If you;ll excuse me, Sir. The other partivipants will leave you behind if you don;t start your journey."

With that advice, he rolls the windows up and drives off. The only reason the second car didn;t follow is because Silas gets out, stepping out the car, followed by a tight hug around my waist.

:What's up buddy," i chuckle, ruffling his hair. "You miss me already?"

He gives a little nod, ears burning red.

With everyone here, Katherine, Grant and I take the lead, beginning our trail, one of many, through the mountain range.