“Over the past twelve months,” Agent Yoo continued, “it has come to our attention that a red moon and sky we always believed a natural phenomenon was … incorrectly reported to us by local authorities.” She took a long, slow sip of her coffee.
“So you’re here to … what, evaluate us? Haven’t you already done that?” Briony asked. She wouldn’t normally speak so boldly in front of the elders, but Agent Yoo didn’t seem to mind the question. She looked at Briony thoughtfully, then lowered her coffee.
“The Lowes and I already came to an understanding about their usage of the most dangerous form of magick in the world. But sometime in the next three months, it may no longer be the Lowes who are in possession of it. So, though we must unfortunately allow the tournament to continue, we have our stipulations.”
“Stipulations?” Briony echoed, trying not to sound suspicious.
“Well, you’ll be pleased to know that they will do nothing but benefit your family,” Agent Yoo said briskly. “I’ve been observing the potential champions and reporting back to my superiors at Parliament. We’ve decided that we would prefer the Thorburns emerge victorious this fall.”
A swell of pride swept through Briony, and she couldn’t suppress a grin. Of course the other families weren’t as well-suited to power as they were. The government had seen what she already knew.
“The rules of the curse permit outside aid, at least before the tournament begins,” Agent Yoo continued. “We are willing to use government resources to equip you with all the spells and curses you could need in order to excel once the Blood Veil falls. On two conditions. One: that you allow us to work with you and study the high magick once it is acquired, so that we can ensure it’s being contained safely.”
This didn’t sound so bad. After all, there was so much potential in that prize. Potential that wasn’t being used.
“And two,” Agent Yoo said. “We get to choose your champion.”
Unease flared in Briony’s chest. Now she understood why they were having this trial in secret, away from the rest of the family. Because it wasn’t a trial at all. The elders had weighed the pros and cons of Agent Yoo’s offer, and decided it was worth taking. She looked from Innes to Emmett, who both appeared as shaken as she felt.
“We’ve chosen to share the truth of this situation with all three of you so that you may understand our decision fully,” Elder Malvina told them, a warning in her voice. “But we will be taking certain precautions to ensure that truth doesn’t leave this room.”
She unfurled her wizened hand, one of the spellrings cluttered on it glowing white. Specks of magick hummed in the air, and Briony felt the gentle press of it swirling around the gazebo. A Sworn to Secrecy—at least class eight. Nothing like the cheap off-brand Pinky Promise spells she and her friends cast when they talked about their crushes.
Briony shivered. It was rare to see the elders use their power like this.
“Before we can proceed, all of you must swear right now that you will never speak of what happens here to anyone outside this room.”
Of course they wouldn’t want this partnership getting out. It wasn’t just because their family would be upset—the tabloids would have a field day with something like this. They were vultures, all of them, swooping around the soon-to-be-dead and snapping tacky photographs. When the media had first descended, she’d thought of it as a valuable tool. One she’d even tried to use to help a friend.
The aftermath had forced her to transfer schools and gotten her reprimanded by her family. It was the only time she’d ever made the elder council angry, though they’d assured her that it would have no effect on the selection process. And she’d made it this far, so hopefully that was true. Maybe it was an advantage that Agent Yoo was choosing the champion—it wasn’t as if she would care about all that.
“I swear,” Briony said. She felt the enchantment press against her skin, then dissipate a moment later. Innes and Emmett followed suit.
Briony tried to sit still and tried even harder to stay calm. Her whole life had led up to this moment. Emmett didn’t have her athleticism or skill, and Innes had never wanted to live in a story, only read about them. If Agent Yoo had been smart enough to pick the Thorburns, then she’d be smart enough to pick Briony, too.
“Very well then.” Agent Yoo opened her dossier and clicked a pen absently, the spellstone inside it glowing. “After careful consideration, I’ve selected Innes Thorburn as your champion.”